“15-Minute City” Master Plan Approved in NYC Borough

The NYC Council recently approved architecture firm ODA’s masterplan for a “15-minute city” called Innovation QNS in Queens’ Astoria neighborhood, dezeen reports. Formulated by scientist Carlos Moreno, the 15-minute city concept revolves around the idea that all amenities are within a 15-min walk or public transit ride from home. Set to take shape on five city blocks between 35^th and 36^th avenues, with the first buildings completed in 2025, ODA’s plan includes housing, retail, offices, cultural centers and amenities surrounding a 40,000-ft² public park. Preliminary renderings show mid-rise buildings connected by public thoroughfares with plenty of landscaping. The source observed the city’s approval of the plan, which involves developers Silverstein Properties, Kaufman Astoria Studios and Bedrock Real Estate Partners, “marks the end of a long period of indecision in regard to the use of the land,” currently occupied by parking lots and industrial buildings. Construction is set to start in 2023.