The "for sale" sign outside the Klein Farm on 73rd Avenue in Fresh Meadows appeared last week, and it has some local civic activists feeling hopeful.
Developer Tommy Huang bought Klein Farm in 2004 amid public outcry against his plans to build private houses on the land. He has been unable to do much with the 61,000-square-foot property because it is located in a preservation district that prevents building or alterations to the structure.The listing broker, Joann Lee, president of Good Choice Realty in Great Neck, is asking $5.5 million for the property. She said Tuesday that the farm had been listed for sale "not long ago."
As far as whether there has been interest in the farm from potential buyers, Lee said, "not yet."
Community activists in the immediate area sounded cautiously optimistic about the sale.
"This was supposed to be like the Queens County Farm Museum," with fresh produce available and tours for school groups, said Edna Harris, whose husband Bob Harris is the president of the West Cunningham Park Civic Association. "It's just wasting away."
Fresh Meadows Homeowners Civic Association President James Gallagher echoed the idea.
"We would like to have it taken over by the Queens Farm Museum or the Parks Department, and the kids from Bowne High School could continue to use it for their curriculum," he said. "It's hard to build on because it's in a preservation district, and I think 80 percent of the property has to be unbuildable."
The asking price could be a hurdle for some buyers.
"There's been some talk in the community about getting the city to buy it, but it's just not feasible" with budget cuts in place, said Christina Katsanos, chief of staff to City Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis).
