Angry Protesters Denounce Willets Point Proposal

Photo courtesy Atomische.

Angry opponents to Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to develop 62 acres of poorly-maintained land in Willets Point, Queens disrupted a press conference yesterday held by city officials in Washington Square Park to tout the proposal. Councilman Hiram Monserrate, whose district includes Willets Point, led over two dozen protesters to the press conference, where they drowned out advocates for the plan, chanting “Justice for Willets Point!” According to the Times, the police refused to remove the protesters, telling officials they had a right to be there, even if they were being disruptive.

The protest coincided with a public hearing held on the mayor’s $3 billion plan to rezone Willets Point to make way for a hotel, convention center, offices and retail stores. Officials say the development will create 5,300 jobs and generate $25 billion in economic activity over 30 years. But 200 small businesses, many of them auto-body shops and industrial outlets, would have to go. Outside the hearing, the NY Times noticed the garbage truck with a banner reading, “Mayor Mike Only Cares About His Rich Developer Friends,” passed by repeatedly, “tooting its horn."

The Willets Points Industry and Realty Association believes it has been denied city services for 50 years and questions why the plan is being pushed when there are many details, like a "final development plan" or developer haven't been chosen. Thirty-two council members sent a letter to the City Planning Commission vowing to vote against the plan if changes aren’t made. Bloomberg told reporters yesterday that of the council members who signed the letter, “there was nobody or almost nobody from Queens" (but 8 Queens members did sign it). The Planning Commission has until the end of September to approve the plan, and then it goes to the City Council.

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By John Del Signore in News on August 14, 2008 10:28 AM

Comments [rss]

Simon

Check this out....

Video about Community Board 7s vote on Willets Point.

Is that corruption I smell.......?

http://queenscrap.blogspot.com/2008/09/cb7-video-raises-questions-of.html

Brainwash

Where... ?

TKaisen

So, we're now protesting the redevelopment of junkyards? There is very nice waterfront land out there that's an oil soaked junkyard. Jesus, people... take a look at area developed around Petco, SBC, and Coors Fields... it can be very nice if it's done correctly.

And we wonder why the rest of the country thinks we're a joke.

GM

couldn't mike just call up Immigration and put a lot of those guys out of business in one day?

JMH

"Amazing how tolerant the police were in this situation, whereas disruptive cyclists in Critical Mass get all sorts of additional 'attention.'"

That tends to happen when your protest is led by a member of the City Council.

Spirit of 76

Amazing how tolerant the police were in this situation, whereas disruptive cyclists in Critical Mass get all sorts of additional "attention."

blackwhole

Shouldn't the press conference about redevelopment plans for Willets Point have taken place in Willets Point? Is Bloomberg afraid of a couple guys with lead pipes? Or can we blame the 7 train?

Nick S

Oh no!! If they turn Willet's Point into condos, where am I going to take "desolate landscape" pictures for my blog!?!?!

jonathan

I mean, it's always sad to see things go.

But Willets Point is seriously a shithole.

Unless you're looking to get ripped off on a tire repair.

dr zippy

Is there any better way to declare your uncivility than to disrupt meetings like this?

Why, yes, there is a better way to declare your uncivility. You could be a powerful mayor and decide that instead of providing a viable, vibrant neighborhood services such as paved streets and sewers you'll kick every business out and turn it into condos.