Soccer team is going to get a new arena

 

  Queens Chronicle

The possibility of a soccer stadium for the New York City Football Club at Willets Point seemed closer to reality this earlier this week.

During a webinar on the borough’s economic impact with Travis Terry, chief operating officer of the Capalino Group, and Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech, Borough President Donovan Richards spoke about the future of tourism in Queens.

“Even if you like soccer, the redevelopment of Willets Point — which I think is gonna, we’re gonna have some announcements on — with the football club, New York Football Club,” Richards said.

Asked for further comment on the borough president’s remarks, a spokesperson for Richards wrote in an email to the Chronicle, “Borough President Richards was expressing his optimism about the future of various infrastructure, transportation and cultural investments in Queens — including the all-encompassing redevelopment of Willets Point.

“The Borough President is laser focused on ensuring Queens becomes a true live-work-play destination, and will work with any organization or entity to help make that happen.”

As the Chronicle previously reported, NYCFC’s owners have pitched a stadium to Mayor Adams, among several other elected officials. That prompted a protest from Corona residents and demonstrators from Nos Quedamos Queens and the Black Leadership Action Coalition, the latter of which is led by longtime activist Bertha Lewis.

South Queens electeds re-assemble another task force to improve Jamaica

Queens Chronicle

 

Two months after touring Jamaica to learn more about issues in the area, Borough President Donovan Richards launched a task force last Thursday to help improve the downtown hub.

The Downtown Jamaica Improvement Council, which is co-chaired by Richards and Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans), also consists of U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica), state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St.Albans), Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Council Majority Whip and Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton), Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens) and Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest).

The purpose of the task force is to streamline communication with stakeholders, which also include city and state offices and agencies, business improvement districts, chambers of commerce, the Greater Jamaica Development Group, York College, the Association for a Better New York and Community Board 12, to fast-track projects that would support the area’s commercial hub, enhance the quality of life for residents and upgrade transportation, according to the BP’s Office.

“We carefully listened to the Downtown Jamaica community about the issues impacting the quality of life in the neighborhood and are committing to make sure they are addressed quickly and comprehensively,” Richards said in a prepared statement. “Our Downtown Jamaica Improvement Council will work diligently to ... make it an even better place to live, work and visit. The Council will not rest until Downtown Jamaica reaches its fullest potential as a thriving commercial, residential and transportation hub.”

Williams sees the task force as a way to make Downtown Jamaica thrive as a place where people want to work, play and dine.

“Jamaica is one of the most important economic hubs in Southeast Queens and plays a vital role in New York City’s economy,” Williams said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to improve Downtown Jamaica by leveraging our collective resources. I look forward to ... make sure this vibrant part of our borough is even better than what it already is.”

Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech is excited about the task force.

“As a board member of both the Rufus King Manor House and the York College Foundation, I know all too well the challenges that we face in this area of downtown Jamaica,” Grech told the Queens Chronicle via email. “I see it and sense it on my regular visits to the area. As we turn the corner on the pandemic we continue to beat the drum of public safety first and foremost among all things. We firmly believe there can be no prosperity without public safety.

“All the pieces of the economic puzzle are in place; we just need to assemble them properly efficiently and equitably.”

The Southeast Queens Chamber of Commerce also wants the downtown area to be prosperous.

“The SEQ Chamber of Commerce’s number one priority is to improve the health and wellness of our community,” SEQCC Executive Director Roxanne Simone Lord Marcelle told the Chronicle via email. “That encompasses the cleanliness and safety of Southeast Queens.”

The Jamaica Center Business Improvment District is thrilled to be a part of the task force.

This is probably the 999th task force to figure out how to improve this area. Apparently all that new tower overdevelopment has not translated to the streets. It's stories like this that make me miss Joe Moretti's legendary blog Clean Up Jamaica Queens.

 

Friday morning interboro express chat

EVENT ALERT! An Insiders View of the Interborough Express with Queens Chamber of Commercehttps://t.co/iXzzeadwJi@QueensChamber pic.twitter.com/judGh2s6CC

— OrangeU Going? (@OrangeuGoing) January 17, 2022

 

 Queens Chamber of Commerce

Let's see if these "insiders" come up with a way to pay for this. 

 

Virtual

When: January 21st

Time: 10:00 am

End Time: 11:00 am

Price Range: Free

 

Maulin Mehta

New York Director of Regional Plan Association



Kate Slevin

Executive Vice President at Regional Plan Association



Thomas J. Grech

President & CEO of Queens Chamber of Commerce

Queens Chamber of Commerce awards Steinway Mansion crappification

From George the Atheist:

The Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Building Awards dinner and networking event on Dec. 7 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Michael Stoler, president of New York Real Estate TV and managing director of Madison Realty Capital, delivered the keynote address. Chamber President Mayra DiRico and Executive Director Tom Grech PRESENTED AWARDS TO INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS WHOSE DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS QUEENS HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE BOROUGH. - Queens Courier, December 15 edition

Proudly beaming with ear-to-ear shit-eating photo grins: (left to right) Steinway Mansion "Park" architect Gerald Caliendo with Steinway Mansion "Park" owners Salvatore Lucchese and Philip Loria.

What passes for award-winning architecture in Queens

From the Queens Courier:

The Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted its 99th annual Building Awards on Thursday, recognizing architecture and design of new buildings around the borough.

Out of 100 total entries, just 19 new construction, interior and rehabilitated use projects were selected as winners from various categories, including public use, office space, commercial and residential.

City Planning Director Carl Weisbrod was the keynote speaker at the event in the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel. The Chamber’s President’s Award was given to College Point-based developer Mattone Group.

In terms of new construction, the modern, glassy, three-story commercial building by K.O.H. Architecture at 215-15 Northern Blvd. in Bayside was among the winners. The building is home to a Tiger Schulmann, a Pizza Hut and a day care.

I heard that Frank Lloyd Crap is jealous.

Food court to replace Willets Point businesses

From the Daily News:

Fledgling businesses will be able to avail themselves of some incubator space at the massive Willets Point development, officials said Tuesday.

The 18,000-square-foot space — to be split between two different sections of the development — will be operated by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

“You’re giving businesses a chance to learn the ropes while they’re actually conducting business,” said Jack Friedman, the Chamber’s executive director.

The companies will receive a 30% to 40% discount on rent at the space and receive free trainings and other services, he said.

The plan for the incubator was a little-known detail buried in the list of concessions agreed upon by the developers, the Related Co. and Sterling Equities.

The duo will give the Queens Chamber $165,000 to help fund the start-up costs for the entrepreneurial space.

One possibility, he said, would be to utilize the space as a local food court, which would enable area eateries to share one industrial-sized kitchen and save on costs.

The Queens Economic Development Corp. operates a similar food incubator in Long Island City.

If space permits, the incubator could also house smaller storefronts, which would be occupied by merchants who hope to appeal to the area’s ethnic enclaves. For example, an Indian Sari shop from Jackson Heights.

This makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it? Evict currently operating businesses that provide something useful in order to open a fast food court and recreate 82nd Street. What would we do without innovative ideas like this?

Do we really need more transient housing?

From the Queens Chronicle:

Advocates are pushing for the passage of legislation in the City Council that would permit the licensing of residential hostels in the city.

The bill, which is sitting in the Committee on Housing and Buildings, would authorize the construction and regulation of hostels. Jack Friedman, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said he predicts that the flourishing of hostels in Queens could bring in more revenue for the borough.

“Countless tourists, who can’t afford luxury hotels in Manhattan, are drawn to Queens when they visit our city and inevitably spend tourism dollars on restaurants and other amenities in our borough,” Friedman said.

Hostels are dwelling units where guests can rent a bed and share the bathroom, kitchen or lounge with other guests. It’s an alternative to hotels and usually cheaper.

The legislation is an effort to correct the damage wrought by the 2010 illegal hotel bill that forced hostels in the five boroughs to close. Friedman said the closings were an unintended consequence of the bill, which was implemented to clamp down on illegal hotels, apartments designated as permanent residences that were improperly rented out on a nightly basis.

Friedman said hostels would contribute to Queens local economy by attracting tourists to the borough and creating jobs. He noted that studies have shown that New York City is losing $150 million annually since hostels were forced to close.

“Millions of dollars, taxable revenue, can be generated in the Queens economy,” he said. “When we welcome [tourists and travelers] to someone’s home they’re going to spend money at local restaurants and retail stores.”

The bill defines a licensed hostel as a “multiple dwelling providing lodging, food and other services to tourists, travelers and others requiring temporary accommodation.” The bill also states hostels may contain private rooms, but not apartments, and should not be occupied by the same individual for more than 29 days in a 12-month period.

“[Hostels ] would mean more to us than any other borough because we have two airports. We can attract more travelers,” Friedman said.
Despite the money hostels are projected to bring to the borough if the bill is passed, some Queens residents are worried that these facilities will attract the wrong people.

“We have enough cheap hotels already,” Ram Garib of the Queens Village Civic Association said. “If you attract the wrong people, you will attract the wrong problems in the area.”
Cynthia Curry of the Wayanda Civic Association in Jamaica said she doesn’t think the additional revenue hostels would bring in is worth risking the safety of Queens residents.

Even allies think the EDC is full of crap

From the Queens Chronicle:

Although plans for Willets Point, also known as the Iron Triangle, were leaked last month, Bloomberg outlined a timeline at the Laguardia Marriott Hotel in East Elmhurst for development initially along 126th Street and eventually in the Citi Field parking lot. The first phase of the Willets Point development is expected to take up to 15 years.

Following completion, the developers will erect “Willets West” on the existing Citi Field parking lot and turn it into a million- square-foot retail and entertainment center with more than 200 stores, movie theaters, restaurants, a parking structure and surface spaces for 2,500 cars.

This is the part of the project that has some in the community scratching their heads. Gene Kelty, chairman of Community Board 7, who attended the breakfast, said he isn’t sure of the plan’s legality. Citi Field and its parking lot sit on public parkland, and Kelty doesn’t think putting up a commercial shopping center is the proper usage.

Jack Friedman, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, who organized the breakfast at the mayor’s urging, thinks such a use of the parking lot could be alienation of parkland.

But Seth Pinsky, president of the city’s Economic Development Corp., said following the mayor’s speech that a 1961 agreement with the Mets allows for development.

Really? Well then why hasn't it already been done? They waited this whole time to build a mall on the parking lot when they got approval for it more than 50 years ago? As usual, what's coming out of city officials' mouths smells like crap.

Islanders to Willets Point: Here we go again

From the Daily News:

Queens leaders are renewing a push to score the New York Islanders after Nassau County voters downed a $400 million bond referendum on Monday for a new hockey arena and minor league ballpark.

A day after the measure for a new Nassau Coliseum failed by a 57% to 43% vote, efforts to lure the Islanders to Willets Point - creating a sports complex with the Mets and U.S. Open - gained momentum.

"I really believe this is the time for Queens County to open up their arms," said Jack Friedman, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Friedman has pushed since 2009 for the city to include an Islanders arena in its vision to redevelop Willets Point, a maze of auto body shops near Citi Field.

A spokesman for City Controller John Liu said the NHL club would fit well in Queens because it has "a strong fan base here."

Friedman suggested the Islanders arena could also be built next to the planned Aqueduct racino in southeast Queens.

This might happen sometime in the year 2075.

What Support?

To The Editor:

Concerning the proposed Willets Point project, Queens Tribune reporter Joseph Orovic in the Feb. 24 edition makes reference to the City's Economic Development Corporation's (EDC) claim the plan is "Rife With Support."

Other than support from real estate moguls, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and a few misguided politicians, the claim does not stand up to scrutiny. There is no support from the poor, the middle class or small businesses - all of whom are the backbone of this city.

The EDC hides the fact they are engaged in dismantling the more than a century old understanding that eminent domain deals with taking private property for a public purpose and not for a private developer. The EDC, complicit with its boss Mayor Bloomberg, has kept secret the taxpayer cost the developer will reap. If the sordid history of the influence politically and financially possessed by real estate interests is any indication, the taxpayer bill for direct and indirect aid will be enormous.

State Sen. Toby Stavisky is quoted as saying people speed up on the highway so as not to look at Willets Point. She is confused. What they do not look at is the proliferation of ecologically damaging advertising signs on the top of the Mets stadium. Stavisky also claims she "cringes" when she looks at Willets Point.

She apparently does not cringe when looking in the mirror and seeing a politician who for many years on the public payroll consistently defaulted in an obligation to correct the city's blatant failure to repair the Willets Point site. She does not cringe over the fact the proposed project will have destroyed hundreds of small businesses with thousands of their employees and dependents. She does not cringe over the fact she favors fat cat real estate interests over the little people. She does not cringe over the fact she has exhibited a complete lack of understanding of the time-honored concept that eminent domain should not be exercised for the benefit of private real estate interests, something a third grade elementary school civics class does understand.

Stavisky's support does not say much for this ill-advised taxpayer rip-off project.

Benjamin M. Haber
Flushing

Queens as a "destination point"?

From the Daily News:

The all-time Kings of Queens will soon have a throne.

Plans are nearing fruition for a Queens Hall of Fame, with events and exhibits honoring the most accomplished actors, musicians and athletes in borough history, Queens News has learned.

Borough President Helen Marshall is partnering with local business groups on the ambitious venture - set to start next year with an induction ceremony and museum-like displays across Queens.

Organizers said the project will rely heavily on research from two Queens News series on significant sites without city landmark status or historical markers, including the ongoing Queens Heritage Quest articles.

They hope to run the inaugural induction gala in May in conjunction with a festival - perhaps titled "Queens Week" - designed to lure tourists to events at parks, libraries and other borough spots.

By calling attention to Queens' undervalued history, the hall's planners seek to generate civic pride among residents. They also want to attract outsiders to the borough and pump cash into local hotels, eateries and shops.

"We don't do anything in this borough to distinguish ourselves as a destination point," said Jack Friedman of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, which is collaborating on the project.

It's not a "destination point". It's where people live and work. Maybe if you folks got that through your thick heads, quality of life would be a lot better in this town.

Claire's fundraiser and future plans

From the Queens Courier:

Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman is working hard to make people understand that the Flushing, Willets Point, Corona Local Development Corporation (LDC) is more about Flushing and Corona and less about Willets Point.

“The Willets Point development is a city project – we were involved very early on,” Shulman, the President and CEO of the LDC, explained. “Our primary focus is to develop downtown Flushing to the river, including an esplanade with a pedestrian bridge to Willets Point, and Corona of course.”

On Wednesday, April 14, the LDC held a fundraiser at Citi Field, home of one of their corporate members, the New York Mets. Initially a public/private partnership, the non-profit corporation has evolved into a privately-financed group, tapping both non-members and members like the Mets for financial support. “They’ve been very supportive,” Shulman said of her member/host.

Privately financed group? I think not. And the TDC-Mets connection is going to come back to bite Claire and the EDC in their asses. We'll all enjoy that when it happens, and trust me, it's already well on the way toward happening.

Now let's enjoy some snapshots from the event:


At the fundraiser, supporters of the LDC also got to meet real Mets, like 1969 World Champion first baseman the legendary Ed Kranepool, with Michael Lee, president and CEO of F&T Group and Catherine Lee of F&T China.

Several board members of the Flushing, Willets Point, Corona LDC share a light moment with Mr. Met. (From Left) Tom Spatafora of Posillico Construction; Joseph Farber of Farber, Rosen & Kaufman, P.C.; Myra Baird Herce, President, Flushing Chamber of Commerce; Carol Conslato, Con Ed and president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce; Eileen Auld, Citi; Andrew Manger, Con Ed; Vincent L. Riso of the Briarwood Organization, and Al Penisi, outgoing president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Joseph Mattone, Sr., founder of the Mattone Group, stands with Claire Shulman, Mr. Met, Peter Magnani of the Queens Library and Keith Samaroo of PS&S Engineering.

The Main Street L.I.R.R. station will be developed into a handicapped-accessible and convenient hub, with shops and affordable housing (far left) under a plan now spearheaded by the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

What's Friedman getting out of this?

From the Daily News:

Pouncing proactively, the Queens Chamber of Commerce is planning a news conference this week to publicly court the Islanders - coveting jobs and tourists the team could bring to the borough.

Preaching patience, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall wants the Islanders to make the first move. She admits she still feels burned from wooing the Jets to no avail in 2005.

At stake is the future of a once-proud franchise that won four consecutive Stanley Cups in Uniondale, L.I., but now finds itself at the center of a tug-of-war between hockey-hungry locales from Brooklyn to Kansas City.

Barring a major Mets acquisition, the Islanders' flirtation with Queens could play out as the most compelling sports story in the borough this winter.

A spokesman for the city Economic Development Corp., which controls construction at Willets Point, said the Islanders have "not approached us, but we'd be happy to discuss the option."

Friedman cautioned that he is still garnering support for his idea, but counted three elected officials among his potential supporters: Marshall and City Councilmen John Liu (D-Flushing) and David Weprin (D-Hollis).

From the Neighborhood Retail Alliance:

So it should be clear to all Queens businesses, the Chamber of Commerce in your borough will stand four square behind you-at least until a bigger and better use for your property can be discovered; then you're on your own fellas and gals. In our view, this stand by the QCC's Friedman should be grounds for his dismissal, because in essence he is representing the interests of non-Queens businesses over those of existing borough firms.

The real question to us is: Cui bono? What's in it for QCC and Mr. Friedman-and what has this booty capitalist been promised for his perfidy? In our experience, when a local business group advocates against the interests of local businesses, it's time to look hard for the smoking gun of corrupt practices. Can it really be simply a love for Lord Stanley that's motivating Jack?