Willets Point Redevelopment, Queens, NY
Biersdorf & Associates Project #- 3165.004
Condemning Authority- New York City
The following information as taken from the PlanNYC/planning information portal website for New York City. Additional information can be found at:
http://www.plannyc.org/project-24-Willets-Point-Development
Willets Point, also known as the Iron Triangle, is a 13-block area located near the Flushing and Corona neighborhoods in Queens consisting largely of auto repair shops, junkyards, and other industrial and small businesses. As of the 2000 census it had a population of one. Given its prime location near Shea Stadium and the currently under construction Citi Field (slated to arrive in 2009), as well as its access to a variety of transit options, the City is targeting Willets Point for major redevelopment. The City’s plans, led by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), call for a $3 billion development over 60 acres, including over one million square feet in retail space, a hotel, and a convention center.
Although the area has few residents, local businesses are being affected by the redevelopment plans. The City is in negotiations with area business owners about relocation, and will consider the use of eminent domain if agreements cannot be reached. The displacement of these businesses has been a point of contention between City officials and members of Community Board 7, who will be reviewing the plan as part of the Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP). In response to workers and businesses’ concerns, the City has designated LaGuardia College in Long Island City to develop an educational program for the estimated 1,300 workers in the area to help train and place them in the new jobs that the redevelopment will create.
Recent News:
Details on Willets Point Business Owners Lawsuit Against NYC
Wednesday, April 09, 2008 | PR Inside | Topic: Land Use
A group of Willets Point business owners filed suit against the City on Wednesday claiming that the City purposefully refused critical infrastructure, creating both a nuisance and health and safety hazards so the City could advance their goal of redeveloping the area through eminent domain. They claim that the negligence has caused serious damages such as depreciated property values, difficulty attracting and retaining employees, and difficulties obtaining business loans and credit. The business owners also complain that the City has not been forthcoming with details about the plans of their proposed redevelopment of the area sponsored by the city’s Economic Development Corporation. The lawsuit names Mayor Michael Bloomberg and several city commissioners as defendants and seeks remediation as well as damages, the amount of which have yet to be specified.
Protest of Willets Point Rezoning Scheduled
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development
Councilmember Hiram Monserrate is expected to lead a protest against the City’s plan to rezone Willets Point today in Queens. Monserrate is demanding that more affordable housing be included in the plan and also wants assurance about workers wages if the rezoning goes through. The City claims that the area is blighted and that a rezoning will allow for needed infrastructure improvements to happen. Some have even proposed that the area could house a new convention center for the City.
Willets Point Businesses Still Feel Threatened by Eminent Domain
Monday, April 07, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development
The Willets Point Industry and Realty Association wrote an open letter to Mayor Bloomberg, published in the New York Daily News, objecting to the possibility of using eminent domain in the redevelopment of the industrial area. In the letter, the local business owners argue that Bloomberg should protect the interest of local businesses instead of “the interest of wealthy developers.” The Economic Development Corporation, the leading agency responsible for redevelopment of Willets Point, has yet to respond to the letter.
For further information regarding this project or how your property might be affected by eminent domain, please e-mail or call us at 8667.339.7242, info@condemnation-law.com