One of New York City's largest redevelopment projects in years -- the overhaul of Willets Point [1], Queens -- moved closer to reality this week.
Willets Point is located near LaGuardia Airport and the new Citi Field. (rendering by Beyer Blinder Belle, LLP)After a long, hot public meeting, the local community board approved the city Economic Development Corp [2].'s proposal, with a list of conditions, according to the Daily News [3]. The following day, the Queens Borough President [4], Helen Marshall, said she would also sign off [5] on the plan. The proposal must also be approved by the City Council, where it may face its toughest challenge.The proposal calls for a sweeping overhaul of the 62-acre site, near LaGuardia airport, and the removal of auto repair shops and industrial businesses. In their stead, the city hopes to attract a builder to develop a convention center, residences and retail shops.
NYLCV supports the Willets Point redevelopment plan, because of long-standing concerns about the area's lack of sewers, historic contamination and the lack of waterfront access. The new development would remedy those concerns, while also adhering to smart-growth and green-building principles.