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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 13, 2008
Contact: Gia Storms
(212) 669-4813; (917) 626-6757
PA Gotbaum on Willets Point Development: Compromise is Necessary
MANHATTAN – Preceding today’s City Planning Commission Hearing on the rezoning plans involving Willets Point in Queens, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum released the following statement:
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, “No one wants Willets Point to remain as it is today, with potholed streets resembling dirt trails, no sewers and frequent flooding. We all want what is best for both the surrounding community and for the city as a whole. We all want viable jobs, affordable housing, more schools and the opportunity for economic growth. All of this can be realized in Willets Point, but only if everyone involved has a voice in the process.
The Economic Development Corporation should open up the RFP process and share information with all affected parties. For the surrounding community to not know who will be responsible for the implementation of this project – despite their repeated attempts to work with the EDC in order to gain this information – is simply unacceptable.
Given that Willets Point is such a large area, ideal for both business and residential development due to the confluence of major roadways, and the fact that many of the existing businesses in the Iron Triangle have been in that same location for decades (despite the lack of basic city services), the city’s lack of an informed and all-encompassing plan should signal a return of sorts back to the drawing board for a sensible compromise, and not a headlong rush into the approval process.
The current Willets Point Development Plan is large in both vision and scope, but this plan has deep flaws which must be addressed. Therefore it makes sense to bring all the stakeholders together, give adequate time for all concerns to be voiced, and then make an informed decision on how to best move forward.”
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