(L. to r.) Director of Community Boards Karen Koslowitz converses with Borough President Helen M. Marshall at the land use public hearing on December 17. Photo: Jason D. Antos A public hearing concerning land use was held on December 17 at Queens Borough Hall. The hearing, presided over by Borough President Helen M. Marshall and Director of Community Boards Karen Koslowitz, covered property matters in Flushing and Richmond Hill.

The Enterprise Rental Car facility, located at 165-01 Northern Blvd., filed for an extension of a variance granted for a term of 15 years to allow continued operation of the facility located in an R2/C1-2 district. The property occupies Block 5340, Lot 8 in Flushing. Joseph P. Morsellino Esq. on behalf of Silverbell Investments, filed the application. Community Board 7 approved the extension by unanimous a vote of 31, with conditions.

The next matter concerned an application submitted by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), pursuant to section 197-c of the New York City Charter for the disposition of Boundary Fence and Railing Systems Inc. located at 87-35 131st St., Block 9339, Lot 34, in the Jamaica Industrial Business in Richmond Hill. The facility, which installed solar panels on its roof that generate more than 50 percent of the energy it uses, has offered to buy the city-owned property worth $3.5 million. Boundary Fence and Railing Systems Inc. is also a leading manufacturer of ornamental steel, aluminum, wood, bamboo, barbed wire and chain link fences.

Community Board 9 approved the matter by 35 votes in favor, one against and with one abstention.

There were no speakers on either matter. The next public hearing will be held on Jan. 7, 2010. –Jason D. Antos