PlanNYC: Willets Point Development

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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.

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Willets Point Business Owners Unwilling To Relocate

Thursday, October 02, 2008 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: General

The City Planning Commission (CPC) has passed the Willets Point redevelopment plan, and on November 12th the City Council is expected to vote on the plan. A letter sent to council members by the Flushing Willets Point/Corona LDC states that Willets Point is currently polluted and under used, but area business owners disagree and some see it as a ploy to use eminent domain. Bono Sawdust Supply Co. owners Jack and Jake Bono think that the city did not make an effort to keep up the area or enforce building codes. The Bonos also believe that a portion of Willets Point will be used as parking for the new Mets stadium, but the city has not suggested this. Many of Willet’s Point’s 250 business owners are unwilling to be relocated and some council members say they will not vote for the plan if eminent domain is not addressed.

Willets Point Workers Protest Job Retraining Program

Wednesday, October 01, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

Twenty-five workers protested the job retraining program at LaGuardia College that is part of Mayor Bloomberg’s Willets Point redevelopment plan. Willets Point is currently mostly industrial, and the employees mostly work in the automotive industry. The city wants to retrain workers in the hotel industry, as the rezoning will change the area’s businesses. The protesting workers would prefer to move with the 260 businesses that are being forced out of the area rather than be trained in a new field.

Willets Point Leaders Push Council on Vote

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: General

A group of “opinion makers” including union leaders, community organizers and elected officials have sent a letter to all membes of the City Council urging them to act quickly to approve the plan to develop Willets Point. The group of 75 hopes to persuade members of the Council to vote in favor of the plan, despite the fact that a majority have already signaled that they will oppose it.

Willets Point Plan Goes to City Council

Thursday, September 25, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The City Planning Commission’s (CPC) vote this week in favor of Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to redevelop Willets Point moved the plans closer to approval under the city’s public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The City Council now as 60 days to debate and vote on the redevelopment plans. 32 of the 51 member City Council have already voiced concerns with the plans if the use of eminent domain is not removed. Critics of the plan pointed to the fact that Mayor Bloomberg is pursuing the redevelopment of Willets Point, a “pie-in-the-sky idea”, while having to cut millions of dollars from the city budget.

City Planning Commission Approves Willets Point Redevelopment

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Land Use

The City Planning Commission today approved the redevelopment of industrial Willets Point. The representative of Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Commissioner Karen Phillips, was the only dissenting vote. The City Council will vote on the plan in November and it is not expected to pass easily as 33 council members have expressed opposition. The redevelopment of Willets Point is expected to displace 260 businesses. Mayor Bloomberg’s administration has announced a job placement and training initiative for affected workers.

Willets Point Workers Unhappy With Mayor’s Job Traing Program

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: General

Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration has announced a plan to retrain some of the 1,700 Willets Point workers whose employers will be displaced by the city’s plans to redevelop the area for careers in the hotel industry. Willets Point is currently mainly industrial, and many who work in fields such as the automotive industry would prefer to move with their employers rather than change to a field in which they have no experience. Willets Point business owners and employees are expected to protest outside of the City Planning Commission hearing Wednesday.

Control Of State Senate Could Influence Use of Eminent Domain

Monday, September 22, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: General

If the Democrats take control of the New York State Senate in the November election, some believe that they will push to end the use of eminent domain. This would have particular implications for the expansion of Columbia University’s campus in Harlem, the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, and Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to redevelop Willets Point in Queens. Eminent domain has been a factor in all three projects. 42 states have revised their eminent domain laws since the landmark 2005 Kelo v. City of New London Supreme Court ruling and Michael Rikon, a land-use attorney, stated that it will difficult to change New York State’s eminent domain laws.

Lobbying for Council Member Support for Willets Point Development

Sunday, September 21, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

The New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC) is lobbying Queens Council members to support Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to develop Willets Point. In August, 31 of 52 Council Members wrote a letter to the Bloomberg administration stating that they would not support the plan if eminent domain is used. Councilman Tony Avella met with NYCEDC president Seth Pinsky last week and said that he was given no indication that eminent domain would not be utilized, but that a number of Willets Point businesses would be moved.

NYCEDC Agreement With Willets Point Waste Company Unlikely

Friday, September 19, 2008 | YourNabe.com | Topic: General

An agreement made by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) with Crown Container Co. to buy the 23,000 square-foot waste transfer facility in Willets Point may fall through. The deal was never formally announced, but Crown Container owner Jerry Antonacci said in August that he had consented to the agreement and was moving the facility to Maspeth. On Thursday, Antonacci said that nothing had yet been signed and that an agreement is no longer likely. The NYCEDC is attempting to buy out the 260 businesses in Willets Point to develop an environmentally sustainable neighborhood.

NYCEDC Signs Fifth Willets Point Property Acquisition Agreement

Friday, September 19, 2008 | GlobeSt.com | Topic: Land Use

The New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC) has signed a property acquistion agreement with MA Realty, owner of 44,500 square feet of Willets Point industrial land. This is the fifth property acqusition agreement signed by NYCEDC as it proceeds through the city’s Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) for a 60-acre mixed-use community in Willets Point that will include housing units, restaurants, stores, parks, office space, and a public school. A developer is set to be chosen by spring 2009 and construction is scheduled to begin by 2010.

Willets Point Redevelopment Opposition Groups Differ

Monday, September 08, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

Two different groups have emerged in opposition to the city’s plan to redevelop Willets Point – one being the owners of the large businesses in the area and the other including auto shop workers and small shop owners who mainly rent their space. The city estimates that 90% of the 255 business in the area rent their space. The city has faced some roadblocks in working out agreements to relocate the larger businesses and since the city has said that it would only relocate tenant businesses once all of the land in Willets Point is acquired, many of the auto shop owners and workers have been left in limbo.

Editorial: Willets Point Plan Should Move Forward

Monday, September 01, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Politics & Government

A New York Post editorial posits that City Councilman Hiram Monserrate’s opposition to the City’s Willets Point rezoning proposal is part of a ploy to garner support and votes for a potential future state Senate bid. The editorial position is that the rezoning, which would allow hotel, commercial, and residential development to replace a “blighted” industrial area, would be intrinsically beneficial for the area and Queens as a whole, and that Councilman Monserrate’s opposition is self-serving and potentially damaging for the borough.

Agreement Reached for Willets Point Owner

Friday, August 22, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

Jerry Antonacci, owner of Crown Container, has agreed to sell his land in Willets Point and relocate to Maspeth, Queens. The deal will be the fifth the city has reached with Willets Point business owners and for the second largest parcel of land. The city has ramped up their efforts in recent weeks and some say that more deals could be announced soon. Despite the agreement, Anotonacci still believes that eminent domain should not be used in the area.

Leading Willets Point Opponent May Miss Council Vote

Friday, August 22, 2008 | The Real Deal | Topic: Politics & Government

Council Member Hiram Monserrate, who represents Willets Point and has lead the opposition of the city’s plans to redevelop the area, may not be a member of the City Council when the vote comes before the body. Monserrate is running unopposed for a state Senate seat which is currently vacant. It is not known yet if he will be sworn in immediately following the election or in January.

Legislation Introduced that Would Require Financial Report before Eminent Domain Used

Thursday, August 14, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: General

Council Member Hiram Monserrate introduced legislation on Thursday that would require a financial report to be produced before eminent domain could be used. The legislation would require local development corporations to conduct a study on the costs and benefits of a project, any additional tax revenue from the project over a three year period and any assistance that the city must provide for the project financially. The reports would be given to anyone who participates in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). Council Member Monserrate would like to pass the legislation before the Willets Point plan is approved. If passed, the legislation is not likely to affect other large project that will use eminent domain to seize property including Atlantic Yards and Columbia University’s expansion.

CPC Rezonings Hearing Draws Protests

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

At a hearing on the rezoning of Willets Point, the Lower East Side (LES) and south Hunters Point, many in opposition to the rezoning of Willets Point protested. Council Member Hiram Monserrate, who led the opposition protest, has garnered the support of more than thirty of his colleagues in the City Council who say they will not support the rezoning until changes are made, especially regarding affordable housing and the use of eminent domain. At the hearing, 14 of the 54 people who testified oppose the Willets Point Plan. The City Planning Commission will make a recommendation on the plan next month before the City Council votes. Opponents of the LES rezoning also protested outside the hearing.

More Opposition to Willets Point Plan

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Many members of the City Council wrote a letter to Department of City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden yesterday to contest the current Willets Point plan. They warned the administration that they would not approve the plan as is and demand speaking with and working out some of the issues prior to the plan being submitted for approval. Leading off the list of concerns is the use of eminent domain.

Councilmembers Send Letter Opposing Willets Point Redevelopment Plan to CPC Chair

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Politics & Government

Thirty Councilmembers sent a letter today to City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden expressing their opposition to the Willets Point redevelopment plan. The letter articulated concern regarding the use of eminent domain, the amount of affordable housing, and the plans for displaced workers and businesses. The Queens borough president and the community board have voted in favor of this plan. The City Planning Commission (CPC) is the next entity to vote on the plan and it is holding a hearing on Wednesday to hear the public’s opinion. Ultimately, the City Council will have the final word in deciding whether the redevelopment proposal will go through.

City Resolves One Willets Point Move Concern But Faces Another Complication

Thursday, August 07, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

The owners of Sambucci Bros. Auto Salvage and officials from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) have worked out some issues that threatened to cancel an agreement for the business to relocate to College Point. Although the plans between the business, one of the largest currently located in Willets Point, and the city have been worked out, officials from College Point are opposed to the salvage yard relocating to their community and are planning to oppose it.

Jobs Promised to Local, Woman and Minority Owned Buisnesses at Willets Point

Wednesday, August 06, 2008 | Queens Courier | Topic: Economic Development

The City has agreed to award 20% of all construction contracts to develop Willets Point to local, women, and minority-owned businesses. Additionally, the plans calls for subsidies to smaller businesses to be able to compete for more profitable contracts in the future. Reactions to the announcement were mixed.

Borough President's Task Force Lays Out Job Requirements for Willets Point Redevelopment

Tuesday, August 05, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

A task force headed by Queens Borough President Helen Marshall has developed a set of requirements to ensure that women, minorities, and local residents will be included in the City’s plans for Willets Point. As a result of the task force’s negotiations with the City, at least 50% of the construction contracts will be granted to either minority, women, or locally-owned companies. In addition, the agreement states that minorities and women will be hired for 45% of the construction jobs and both local residents and displaced Willets Point workers will be given job preference. The City’s Economic Development Corporation will require that all of the agreed upon guidelines set out by the task force be incorporated into the proposals submitted by developers. Marshall and Robert Leiber, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, will publicly disclose the plan established by the task force at a press conference Wednesday.

Willets Point Land Acquisition Deal in Trouble

Sunday, August 03, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Land Use

A relocation deal between the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Willets Point business Sambucci Bros. has hit a snag. The zoning for the College Point Industrial Park site, to which the business is set to be relocated, excludes salvage yards. The EDC maintains that it will honor its relocation commitments to Sambucci Bros. and the owner of the company says they are hopeful that the deal can be salvaged. The collapse of the Sambucci Bros. deal, which had provided some good PR for the Willets Point project, would be a major blow to the City’s redevelopment plans for the area, which have faced fierce opposition from local businesses.

BP Approves Willets Point Redevelopment; Plan Goes to City Planning Commission

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 | Queens Courier | Topic: Economic Development

Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President, officially gave her approval for the plan to redevelop Willets Point, as part of the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). While her approval is only advisory, she provided a number of recommendations to improve the plan. The City Planning Commission (CPC) now has 60 days to hold public hearings and debate the redevelopment plans.

Opponents Protested Community Board Hearing on Willets Point Plan

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 | ABC Local News | Topic: Economic Development

A large turnout of opponents to the Willets Point plan protested outside the Community Board 7 hearing to vote on the development of the area. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall already approved the plan, with conditions, as part of the ULURP public review process. The Community Board approved the plan as well on Monday night to many community members dismay, the vote will eventually go to the City Council for the final vote in the process. Many opponents have already voiced that they will appeal the decision.

Willets Point Business Owner Sells Property to City

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 | The Real Deal | Topic: Economic Development

Flushing Towing, a business located in Willets Point, has agreed to sell its land to the City and move its operation to a vacant property in Flushing. Carlos Canal, owner of Flushing Towing, has had his business in Willets Point for 18 years without proper plumbing. He is the fourth business owner over the past four years to sell his property to the City so the City can move forward with its plans to redevelop the area into a mixed-use neighborhood estimated to cost $3 billion. Despite this sale, there are a still a number of businesses in Willets Point that are fighting the City’s plans.

Queens Borough President Holds Hearing on Willets Point Development

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 | Queens Ledger | Topic: Economic Development

Queens Borough President, Helen Marshall, held a hearing on the Willets Point Development yesterday. Business owners in the area spoke out against the use of eminent domain and what they consider the City's neglect in the area. The New York City Economic Development Corporation stated that it would like to avoid the use of eminent domain at all costs and hope to make the neighborhood a green, 24-hour destination.

Willets Point Opposition Gets Boost From Former Mayoral Candidate’s Support

Thursday, July 10, 2008 | WNYC | Topic: Land Use

Ten property owners have hired former mayoral candidate Freddy Ferrer to help support their case against the redevelopment of Willets Point. Public records have shown that former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone, Sr. is also being paid to help the opposition group. Ferrer was expected to join the opposition at a public hearing as part of the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure.

Protest Before Willets Points At Borough President’s Public Hearing

Wednesday, July 09, 2008 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Land Use

Protests have been planned by land owners and elected officials prior to Queens Borough President Helen Marshall’s public hearing on Willets Point. The hearing is the second phase of the City’s public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The Willets Point Industry and Realty Association (WPIRA) is expected to call on Marshall to review the tactics used by the leadership of Community Board 7, which recently approved the plan. Dan Feinstein, a member of the WPIRA, has said that some of the actions were “bizarre and inappropriate.”

Community Board 3 Holds Hearing on Willets Points

Thursday, July 03, 2008 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Land Use

Although Queens Community Board 3 is not officially a part of the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) for the redevelopment of Willets Point, it held a hearing on the subject because it believes that it will be significantly impacted. Many of the people who work in Willets Point live in Corona, which is represented by CB 3. Housing is a concern in Corona and some used the hearing as an opportunity to discuss the lack of affordable housing in the area. Council Member Hiram Monseratte, who is opposed to the plan as it currently stands, believes that CB 3 should be allowed to vote on the Willets Point development.

Mayor's Plan for Willets Point Moves Forward

Wednesday, July 02, 2008 | Queens Gazette | Topic: Economic Development

Community Board 7 voted to approve the mayor's plan for the Willets Point development project. The vote was narrower than expected mainly due to concerns over the potential use of eminent domain for current business owners in the "iron triangle". The City and the NYCEDC both state that they are committed to doing whatever possible to avoid the use of eminent domain. The plan will now go to the Queens Borough President's office to be reviewed as the next step in the public review process.

CB 7 Approves Willets Point Proposal

Tuesday, July 01, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

Queens Community Board 7 voted in favor of the City’s plan to redevelop Willets Point Tuesday morning. Following several hours of testimonies and debates, the community board voted 21 to 15. Despite the vote to support for the proposal to transform 61-acres into an area filled with housing, commercial space, and a hotel and convention center, existing business owners expressed their disapproval of their plan and intend to continue fighting the plan. The proposal will now need approval from Borough President Helen Marshall in order to move forward. A hearing is set for July 10; however, Marshall is expected to support the plan.

Community Board 7 to Vote on Willets Point Plan

Monday, June 30, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Land Use

Queens Community Board 7 is set to vote on the plan to redevelop Willets Point on Monday night. The board’s special committee on Willets Point voted to approve the plan last week, contingent on the City addressing some of their concerns about the plan. Board members said their biggest concern was that if they approve the plan it could be changed later, since none of the details are set at this point; the City has neither acquired the land necessary for the development nor picked a developer. Board members also have concerns about traffic. The Economic Development Corporation, the agency leading the redevelopment effort, says it is committed to keeping the community board involved throughout the process.

Queens Community Board 7 Seeks More Community Control in Willets Point Redevelopment

Sunday, June 29, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Politics & Government

Community Board 7 is threatening to vote against the plans to redevelop Willets Point, Queens at their upcoming meeting Monday night if a series of demands issued by their special committee on the project are not met. Among other things, the committee has demanded that the Queens Borough Board get final veto power on the project, which, according to Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills), would give more control to the community after the completion of the land-use review process. The community board’s Monday night vote is not binding, but only advisory. Board members say that they are concerned about voting on a “hypothetical” project.

Union Support of City’s Willets Point Plan

Thursday, June 26, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

The City has lined up the support of some the biggest labor unions in hope of convincing City Council Members to support its redevelopment efforts for Willets Point. The Central Labor Council has been working with the City and the two sides were able to work out an agreement on providing a “living wage” for retail workers and a prevailing wage for service workers, security guards and service workers. Council Member Hiram Monserrate, who has lead the opposition to the redevelopment plans, has the support of 28 of 51 Council Members to oppose the plan unless more affordable housing is added, compensation and relocation for existing businesses and permanent quality jobs for the community.

Willets Point Opposition Focuses on Congestion and Other Concerns

Thursday, June 26, 2008 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Economic Development

As the public review process continues for the city’s plan to redevelop Willets Point, some of the opposition is focusing on points made in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that traffic on the Van Wyck and Whitestone Expressways and the Grand Central Parkway will increase dramatically. The Land Use Subcommittee of Community Board 7 approved the plan on Monday with certain conditions that the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) must meet before the June 30th full committee meeting.

CB 7 Commitee Approves Willets Point Plan

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Land Use

Community Board 7’s Land Use Committee approved the City’s plans for the redevelopment of Willets Point. However, the committee was not satisfied with the several aspects of the current proposal and requested that the Economic Development Corporation incorporate more affordable housing and a mitigation fund into their plans. The approval was received with mixed reviews. Former Queens Borough President, Claire Schulman, believes that this project will revitalize the area. However, local business owners, such as Anthony Fodera, are fearful of losing their land and feel as though they have not been fairly included in the planning process. Next week the entire community board will need to vote on the plan before it can move forward.

Affordable Housing Fight Continues in Willets Point Redevelopment

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 | Queens Courier | Topic: Economic Development

The Queens Congregation United for Action (QCUA) is getting support from several City Council members, including Helen Sears, John Liu, Hiram Monserrate and Eric Gioia, and other groups in its fight for 30% affordable housing in the redevelopment of Willets Point. The current plan only includes 20%; a number the group believes is insufficient to meet the need. The City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) believes there is a good balance of market rate and affordable housing in the current plan. The Willets Point redevelopment is currently in the public review process and Community Board 7 is expected to consider the plan on June 30th.

Two Business Owners in Willets Point Make Deal with City

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 | The Real Deal | Topic: Economic Development

While many land and business owners in Willets Point still hold out, two others signed deals today with the City to buy their land. The City has a mixed-use development planned for the area to compliment the new Citi Field development next door and provide housing for Northern Queens. Many residents and local officials have opposed the project and as many as 10 business owners are in the process of suing the City over the plans.

“Blight Study” Completed for Willets Point

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

An outside consultant has put together a 790-page report on Willets Point which paints a picture of the area has crime-ridden with poor environmental conditions. Some have speculated that the report will be used by the city to prove that the area is blighted to allow the city to use eminent domain in the area. Opponents of the city’s development plan argue that the deteriorating conditions are only present because the city has neglected the area for years.

Willets Point Job Retraining Program Criticized

Friday, June 06, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Members of the City Council, who oppose Mayor Bloomberg’s vision for the Willets Point redevelopment, have criticized the project’s proposed job retraining program for workers who will be displaced by the plan. The City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) put out a Request for Proposal last year for the $2.5 million retraining plan that was awarded to LaGuardia Community College. The program, which is set to launch in the fall, will be the largest retraining program to ever be included in an EDC project. Council Members Avella and Monserrate, who oppose the mixed-use plan for Willets Point, think that the retaining program is premature, given the uncertainty of the project.

Mayor’s Executive Budget Includes $398 Million for Willets Point

Friday, May 02, 2008 | New York Observer | Topic: Economic Development

In Mayor Bloomberg’s Fiscal Year 2009 executive budget, he has proposed spending $398 million on the redevelopment of Willets Point, Queens. The money would go towards land acquisition and infrastructure development and would be one of the biggest “direct city contributions to an economic development project” under Mayor Bloomberg.

Willets Point Interest Group Splinters

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

The Committee to Save Willets Point (CSWP), an association of local businesses, is claiming that they were misrepresented by ACORN, an affordable housing advocacy organization. The two groups had united to fight against the City’s plans to redevelop Willets point, but CSWP’s top priority is relocation of small businesses while ACORN wants to ensure that a significant percentage of the housing in the mixed-use development is affordable. CSWP says that many of its members have been paying dues to ACORN, but felt betrayed at a meeting with City officials last month when ACORN said that it would stop negotiations if less than 60% of the housing units were affordable. CSWP is willing to negotiate as long as the City helps relocate their businesses.

Plan to Split Willets Point Redevelopment into Two Phases Faces Criticism

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is considering an option that would split redevelopment of Willet Point into two stages, developing the western portion first starting in 2009 and starting the eastern portion once the first portion is completed, likely in 2013. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall has criticized this plan, known as the Staged Acquisition Alternative, because she believes it will force families to live next to contaminated areas and could jeopardize the location of the proposed new convention center. According to the City’s plan, this approach would allow the City more time in relocating businesses and spread infrastructure costs out over more time.

Despite Council Opposition, Some Rally in Support of Willets Point

Thursday, April 24, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Land Use

A group of residents and elected officials rallied on Thursday in support of the city’s plan to redevelop Willets Point despite the fact that City Council members have vowed to defeat the project. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall said the plans will turn the area into a “livable, wonderful community” by creating affordable housing, schools and commercial space in an area that is in desperate need of redevelopment.

Local Businesses Already Losing Out with Talk of Willets Point Redevelopment

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Although the City’s redevelopment plans for Willets Point have not been finalized, many businesses say they are already losing profits. Citing various reasons including roadblocks from construction of the new Mets Stadium, an increased police presence that deters undocumented individuals from the area, and a belief that businesses are already shutdown or relocated have all contributed to less business. Some of the local shops have been forced to shut down because of this decrease.

Coalition of Council Members Oppose Willets Point Plan

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

Twenty-nine Council members sent a letter to Robert Lieber, deputy mayor for economic development, expressing their opposition to the plan for Willets Point as it currently stands. The certification process that triggers the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) started on Monday and the Council members contend that the project will not survive the public review process with their opposition. Key concerns relate to the dislocation of local businesses and the lack of affordable housing in the plan.

City Plans to Move Forward on Willets Point and Hunters Point South Plans

Saturday, April 19, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: General

The city plans to certify two Queens projects into the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) this Monday: Willets Point and Hunters Point South. The Willets Point redevelopment project has faced fierce scrutiny over the use of eminent domain and the displacement of local businesses. Hunters Point South has been a less controversial plan, but has still faced opposition over the lack of low-income housing. Financing the Hunters Point project could be trouble for the city as it is not able to issue bonds since the plan does not include 20% affordable housing. Certification of projects is the official trigger of the seven-month public review process, ULURP.

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.

Property Owners File Suit Against City Over Willets Point

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 | The Real Deal | Topic: General

Ten property owners and the Willets Point Industry and Realty Association (WPIRA) have filed a suit against the city. The suit claims that the city has engaged in “a campaign of intentional neglect” so that they city can claim blight and justify the use of eminent domain. The group has retained Michael Gerrard, the lawyer who represented Cablevision, in their opposition to the West Side Stadium.

Willets Point Protestors March Past Mets Fans

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 | AM New York | Topic: Economic Development

Opponents of the city’s plan to redevelop Willets Point marched past Mets fans outside Opening Day at Shea Stadium. The protesters want to keep the industrial neighborhood intact and believe that the city’s plan is flawed. Many businesses are concerned that they will not be able to remain open if they are relocated, and some opponents are worried about the lack of affordable housing in the city’s proposal. Many Mets fans did not support the protesters, and some spoke in favor of the redevelopment.

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.

City Releases Renderings of Willet Points Redevelopment Plan

Monday, April 07, 2008 | Curbed | Topic: Economic Development

The City has released some renderings highlighting its plans to redevelop Willets Point in Queens. The rezoning could include 1.5 million square feet of commercial space and roughly 5,000 residential units. A group against the plan is expected to protest at the season opener for the Mets at Shea Stadium, located near to the redevelopment area.

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.

Affordable Housing a Sticking Point in Willets Point

Sunday, March 23, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Housing

Queens Council members are frustrated with the lack of details on the Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) Willets Point project, especially in regards to affordable housing. While 24% of families making under $50,000 live in Queens according to research done by the Pratt Center for Community Development, Mayor Bloomberg’s affordable housing program for the city has only allotted 3.7% of the new 46,000 units to Queens. Councilman Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens) says he won’t back the Willets Point project unless two thirds of the housing units are set aside for poor and middle-income families. Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber says that Monserrate’s proposal is financially unfeasible because of the high costs of cleaning up Willets Point.

Real Estate Community Concerned that Paterson May Oppose the Use of Eminent Domain

Friday, March 14, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Politics & Government

Several stakeholders of the real estate community are concerned that when Lt. Governor David Paterson assumes the governor position he may oppose the use of eminent domain on high-profile developments. According to the New York Sun, when Patterson was state Senate Leader he rallied for a statewide moratorium on the use of eminent domain. Potential developments that could be affected if Patterson opposes the use of eminent domain for economic development is Columbia University Expansion, Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, and Shea Stadium in Willets Point Queens. No official statement by Patterson’s office on the subject matter has been released.

Javits Convention Center Could Move to Willets Point

Monday, February 25, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

In the midst of political struggle over the future of the Javits Center, some speculate that relocating the convention center to Willets Point in Queens might be a feasible alternative. The City’s current environmental review of the Willets Point development includes plans for a convention center. It is unclear whether this center would act as a complement to or a replacement for Javits. Proponents of the plan argue that the Willets area does not have many of the difficulties, such as air rights and congestion, which the current Javits site faces.

ULURP Delays on Willets Point Project

Thursday, February 21, 2008 | Times Ledger | Topic: Economic Development

The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced that they would not be starting the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) on February 25 as previously planned. EDC spokeswoman, Yonit Golub, said that the delay was due to the need for further environmental assessment and review. This announcement comes less than a week after several Queens Council Members withdrew their support for the project. A new date to start the ULURP has not yet been set.

Lack of Information Presented Stymieing Willets Point Plan

Thursday, February 21, 2008 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Economic Development

Three Queens City Council Members have asked the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to provide more specific details regarding the city’s plan to redevelop Willets Point. Specifics regarding the number of affordable housing units and infrastructure improvements have not been provided to the Council Members. Until their questions are answered, the Council Members will remain opposed to the current plan. EDC is hopeful to present their plan to Community Board 7 in March. It must be certified by the Department of City Planning first, however.

Willets Point a Tough Place to Redevelop

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 | New York Observer | Topic: Economic Development

Willets Point has been a target for redevelopment for over five decades, and Mayor Bloomberg is the most recent mayor to tackle this area. The area has been difficult to redevelop because it has an entrenched group of aggressive landlords. However, the current Mayor believes that a strong real estate market plus incentives will help his plan move forward where others did not. Public review for the Mayor’s plan, which will turn the industrial park into a mixed-use community, is slated to begin next week. Some local politicians oppose the plan, while others support it. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, whose approval will likely be necessary for the plan to succeed, has not formally taken a position on the redevelopment.

Opposition Forces Delay in City’s Plan for Willets Point

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced that it will delay the presentation of the Willets Point redevelopment plans for community review by at least two weeks in order to work out additional details. Plans were delayed after Queens Councilmember Hiram Monserrate demanded the city include more affordable housing and union jobs to the redevelopment plans. Monserrate is expected to meet with city officials to work out details in the plan.

Queens Councilmembers Voice Opposition to Willets Point Plans

Friday, February 15, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Several Queens councilmembers are no longer backing the redevelopment of Willets Point, including Hiram Monserrate who represents that area. Monserrate claims he will hold his support of the project until the city develops a plan to provide “livable wage jobs and affordable housing.” This opposition comes at a time when union leaders are also demanding certain allowances be included in the plans. The plans are expected to be displayed at community board hearings on February 25 and then will have to be approved by the City Council before building can commence.

Pratt Report Calls Willets Point Plan “Badly Flawed”

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

A coalition of local groups joined with the Pratt Center for Community Development to issue a report that criticizes the city’s plans to redevelop Willets Point. The report notes that the plan does little to connect the new development to surrounding communities and does not guarantee affordable housing. This information was gathered from workshops held with community groups and residents. Pratt’s report also offers some recommendations for the city to consider before the public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), begins. Some politicians agree with the report’s criticisms, while others expressed support for the city’s plan. The City Council must certify a plan before ULURP begins.

Queens Chamber of Commerce Limited Involvement in Willets Point Fight

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is supporting the relocation of only the “core” businesses in Willets Point, which amounts to only a dozen or so businesses of the roughly 250 located in the Iron Triangle. This has angered some who are concerned about the over 200 other businesses in the area. Jack Friedman, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce in Queens, said he was given the names of only the “legitimate” businesses by a group of the larger companies that make up the Willets Point Industry and Realty Association. Some involved in the Association deny that they have delineated which businesses are legitimate.

Property Owners Rally in Willets Point

Friday, February 08, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Both property owners and workers from Willets Point “Iron Triangle” rallied yesterday against redevelopment plans that they believe will destroy a profitable economic area with 1500 jobs and replace it with condos and retail space. The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is expected to certify the redevelopment plans by the end of February which will start the public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).

Local Elected Officials Support Development in Willets Point

Thursday, February 07, 2008 | Queens Courier | Topic: Land Use

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY) announced his support for plans to redevelop Willets Point. Crowley also urged the cleaning of the Flushing Bay and Creek as part of the Willets Point development work. A feasibility study is currently underway for the cleaning of the waterways and Crowley hopes that the outcome will provide remediation steps including dredging. Crowley, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Councilmember John Liu are urging the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to consider cleanup costs in their overall plans for the area.

Queens Advocacy Groups Call For Affordable Housing in Willets Point

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | Queens Gazette | Topic: Housing

Several advocacy groups called for affordable housing to be added to the Willets Point redevelopment plan at a meeting on Tuesday. The groups also suggested that the plan not move forward until a strategy to treat displaced workers and businesses is developed.

Queens CB7 Presses for Information on Willets Point Plan

Thursday, January 17, 2008 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Queens Community Board 7 is pressing the city to unveil its Willets Point development plans before the Uniformed Land Use Procedure Process (ULURP) begins later this year. Mayor Bloomberg presented a plan for the area in May, which would bring mixed-use development to an area that is presently industrial. The community board believes that the presentation of concrete plans will clarify misconceptions about the city’s intentions. The city’s Economic Development Corporation will provide an update on the city’s plans in late January.

LaGuardia Proposes Support Program for Willets Point Workers

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 | Queens Gazette | Topic: Economic Development

LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City is in the process of developing a workforce development program to support the 1,300 workers employed in Willets Point. The program will also offer classes, technical support, and assistance in finding future employment if the City’s plan to redevelop Willets Point, which includes relocation of existing businesses, is approved. Hiram Monserrate, the area’s council representative, expressed his support of the program, saying that LaGuardia has a proven history of effective job training programs. The city's Economic Development Corporation announced that LaGuardia’s program is currently under review in the approval process.

Willets Point Owners Say City Not Helping With Relocation Efforts

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Willets Point business owners are expressing their disappointment and concern with the help the City has been willing to give them in their relocation efforts. The City hopes to turn the industrial area into a mixed-use neighborhood that could bring in $4 billion in revenue over 30 years. When the plan was unveiled in May, the City offered to help businesses relocate after they purchased their buildings, but residents say that the alternatives the City has proposed are unreasonable. The Economic Development Corporation says that it is doing all it can to reach a negotiated settlement and avoid the use of eminent domain.

Some Council Members Concerned with Process City Using in Willets Point

Thursday, December 06, 2007 | Queens Ledger | Topic: Land Use

At a City Council Land Use Committee hearing last week, several Council Members representing various parts of Queens expressed concerns with the process by which the city is using to redevelop Willets Point. Some Council Members were concerned that the city is proposing going forward with the ULURP process without a specific development plan or a developer for the area. There is concern that this will take power away from the City Council, which under ULURP has the final vote on any redevelopment plans. Officials from the Economic Development Corporation have said that because of the size and complexity of the project, it is not beneficial to have a detailed plan at this point in the process. Certain Council Members also raised concerns about how the negotiations between the city and effected business owners are progressing.

Former Speaker Vallone Joins Willets Point Land Owners in Redevelopment Fight

Friday, November 30, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Economic Development

Former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone, Sr. announced on a DVD produced by Willets Point land owners that he is opposed to the City’s redevelopment plans for the 60-acre area. Ten local land owners played the DVD at a public hearing before the City Council. The City plans to turn the industrial area into a mixed-use commercial, retail, and residential district, but current business owners are opposed to being forced out. The City stated that it will consider the use of eminent domain as a last resort.

Unions Urging Labor Benefits Agreements; Willets Point at Issue

Friday, November 30, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

With the backing of several members of the City Council, many union leaders are demanding labor benefit agreements with the city. Unions are vowing to block major redevelopment plans in the city unless provisions for “more union jobs and living wage non union jobs” are included in development plans. Robert Lieber, head of the Economic Development Corporation, testified during a hearing on Willets Point that negotiations are underway between the city and organized labor but he did not give any specifics about the negotiations.

Willets Point Business Owners to Attend City Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Land Use

As Shea Stadium and Citi Field make progress in Willets Point Queens, business owners continues to battle with the city over the 60-acre redevelopment. Mayor Bloomberg’s redevelopment plans include rezoning the area from manufacturing to mixed-use, which will allow for a new convention center, housing, school and retail. In order to make this happen, the city will have to relocate over 200 existing businesses. Willets Point business owners are frustrated with the lack of basic infrastructure in the area and are adamant that they will not relocate. Many are planning to attend the City Council committee meeting on Thursday to protest the development. The city is considering using eminent domain to relocate these businesses.

Former Queens Borough President Touts Willets Point Redevelopment

Friday, November 23, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Claire Shulman, former Queens Borough President, spoke in favor of Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to redevelop Willets Point, which would turn the industrial site into a mixed use development. Shulman, who heads a Willets Point redevelopment advocacy group, has conceded that there will likely be a legal battle with the current business owners on the site, but says she does not believe that the city will use eminent domain. The city could begin the public approval process as soon as February, and a developer could be selected for the site by next fall.

Business Owners/ City Prepare for Legal Battle over Willets Point

Thursday, November 15, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Economic Development

The redevelopment of Willets Point is gaining momentum pending the release of an Environmental Impact Statement and an approaching legal battle between local business owners and city developers. The Willets Point Industry and Reality Association (WPIRA), a group of business owners with a combined ownership of 50% of the plan’s footprint, have long been opposed to the plan's removal of industrial jobs in place of commercial and retail. An environmental impact statement assessing the land’s cleanup and infrastructure needs is expected to be released and has prompted both sides of the debate to acquire professional legal services from well-known environmental lawyers. The city’s Economic Development Corporation, which is handling the project, has also alluded to the use of eminent domain in order to go forward with the plan if necessary.

Flushing and Willets Point Development Losing Steam, Says City Councilman

Thursday, October 11, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Redevelopment plans for three projects in the Flushing area are stalling according to City Councilman John Liu. The first project has already been pulled by RKO and Keith. Development of a second site, Municipal Lot 1, by Flushing Commons LLP is losing support from the community and little progress from the city's Economic Development Corporation has been made. Lastly, the Willets Point redevelopment is lingering due to public approval process delays.

Former Borough President Working with Willets Point Businesses

Thursday, September 20, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Politics & Government

In order for the city’s $3 billion mixed-use redevelopment plan to go forward in Willets Point, the city needs to be fair and properly negotiate with local business owners, says former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. Shulman, who now heads the Flushing Willets Point Corona Local Development Corporation, is in communication with local businesses about the city’s plan to relocate many of these companies to make way for new development. To date, many business owners have been unimpressed with the manner in which the city has approached potential buyouts as well as the city’s lack of infrastructure improvements in the area over the past few decades. The city hopes to be finished with purchasing of properties by the start of 2009.

Protest Against Eminent Domain in Willets Point

Thursday, July 05, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Economic Development

On June 28th, workers and business owners from Willets Point protested against the use of eminent domain to pave the way for a development plan set to take place between Shea Stadium and downtown Flushing. The plan is part of Mayor Bloomberg’s Green Plan. The protestors were joined by three City Council members.

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