The state's highest court tossed a curveball to the city and a Queens developer hoping to build a $1 billion mall near Citi Field.
At least four judges on the six-judge panel of the Court of Appeals appeared skeptical of arguments by the city, state and developer, Queens Development Group, that the mall could be built on a parking lot designated as parkland.
“The primary purpose of this activity is a private purpose: to lease space and set up a shopping mall so people will spend money in the context of going to a sports event,” Justice Eugene Fahey said Tuesday. “Aren’t we required . . . that this particular development be approved by the Legislature?”
The oral arguments, which took place in a special session in White Plains, revolved around the 1961 law allowing the construction of Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows Park. The mall and movie theater, dubbed Willets West, would be built on the 30-acre site where the stadium once stood.
Assistant Solicitor General Anisha Dasgupta argued for the state that the proposed mall does have a public benefit because it will include public spaces and free attractions that go beyond a standard retail center. She noted a rooftop garden would be open to kids.
City attorney Michael Pastor echoed that argument.
“This is a public attraction. . . It’s a large public space. There’s public programming there,” he said.
But those public benefits didn’t override the project’s overall purpose, which seemed to conflict with the law’s original intent to allow a ballpark in the park, Fahey said.
“We can clearly see the economic viability of the project,” he said. "(The law) was aiming to provide a home for the Mets . . . now how far can you go askew of that?”
16 comments:
That rooftop garden they are extolling will be used for drunken parties.
Why would you need a rooftop garden when there are a million acres of natural greenery that is FMCP???!!!
So the Mets no longer need parking? Is that the argument?
Big waste of space. Traditional retail stores are closing at alarming rates due to online shopping and the last thing we need is more suburban style generic big box retail.
Haven't these mall developers read the business reports? Brick and mortar retail is going away. At the very least any proposal for large-scale retail development should require a demolition/return to original use clause. The big boxes, once empty, just sit, and sit, and sit. At least smaller space can morph into nail salons.
Don't you worry, this is Queens. I'm sure the city will find another loophole or way to get this nonsense built if the court says no.
Only Amazon could make it easier to shop for a politician than the way Queens County does. This whole Willets West project is an obvious land grab, both from the owners of the adjacent property and the public parkland. Who the hell wants or needs more shopping malls when the brick and mortar stores are closing left and right? As to the rooftop garden, didn't we discuss the 'public' private spaces just last Thursday? Besides, I can't imagine enjoying nature with the jets from LaGuardia buzzing overhead. Also the logistical nightmare that would be created when there is an event at Cityfield. The whole thing stinks of the crap that exists in Queens.
This part of Queens needs more entertainment options. A bowling Alley or sports & fitness complex with rock climbing walls like in Chelsea Piers would be a better idea than a mall. There is a mall just across the bridge just 2 minutes away!!
If at first your stupid idea doesn't succeed, try try again.......
Why would we need another mall? Last time I heard, malls were becoming extinct due to online shopping nowadays. Stores are also closing down left and right due to jacked up rent prices. What idiot thinks building a mall would be a good idea?
Unless the Board of Ed decides to put a high school, or other city campus on this property, nothing else would benefit the community.
Gtfoh with a garden, kids have hall of science and queens botanical gardens.
How about a free form public pool? A hospital? A sports academy/ facilities open to the public? A YMCA? Corona can use these type of services.
Dont let the developers win!
Just what queens needs, more overcrowding, pollution and destruction of open space. Not to mention a place for new immigrant gangs to hang.
Empty retail space the day it opens.
Another place for aimless teens to hang out and harass people, taking away yet more precious wild open space. An idea worthy only of Mayor Moron.
There goes granny Shulman's dream. She won't live to see her pet project built. And, no doubt, a weeping Wellington Chen(her close compatriot) will be losing a bundle in kickbacks too!
Dontchaluvit whe the city gets screwed instead of us?
There is a God! Amen!
Malls and big retailers are shutting down all over the country including here in Queens. Reatail is not a good use of parkland today.
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