Since May, we've been talking to Bangali tenants and coordinating with other orgs so that the working-class people of Astoria are made aware of IQNS, a $2 billion rezoning project, and also understand the implications of this development on their livelihoods and neighborhood. The community quickly moved into action because they understood the stakes of this proposal - it could mean the difference between whether their families or friends in the area could afford to stay. They knew that luxury developments like IQNS could deprive their children of their beloved stomping grounds. So despite the obstacles posed by the public hearings that made them inaccessible for many, our people showed up organized and ready to demand the rejection of IQNS & affirm the creation of truly affordable housing for working-class people. Months of pressure from an organized coalition of tenants, community leaders, and small business owners led Community Board 1 to listen to the community & REJECT the IQNS proposal. They overwhelmingly voted YES to disapprove the proposal (24-8) - a win only possible through organization and collective effort. As exciting as this is, the CB1 public hearing vote is only the first step in the long path we are on to make sure that this plan, as well as any development proposals that displaces working-class people, does not pass. Up next is the Borough President's virtual public hearing tomorrow at 9:30 AM, before he makes a recommendation vote & the proposal is moved to city council. If you swipe to the end, there are ways to participate - either by speaking tomorrow or by sending an email. Collective action is how we fight back, and how we win. Move in solidarity with the working-class people of Queens, and tell Queens Borough President Donovan Richards "NO" to IQNS, No to Gentrification QNS, Astoria is Not For Sale!