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February 22, 2006
Where streets are paved with mud
Local businesses fear eminent domain abuse as city plans to redevelop ‘Iron Triangle’
Metro
By Patrick Arden
Long ignored by the city, basic services like paved streets and sewers have been scarce in Willets Point, Queens. But plans to build a new ballpark for the Mets include redevelopment of the surrounding area, making it the next New York neighborhood to be placed under the threat of eminent domain.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation estimates it will have to spend $214 million to relocate 80 businesses from a 75-acre area, mostly through eminent domain. Yesterday Monserrate accused the city of lowballing that figure, putting total businesses at “approximately 250.” A local business group, the Willets Point Association, claims 284 members. In an effort to nail down hard numbers, Monserrate’s office is working on a formal economic survey of the area with Hunter College professor Tom Angotti.
Posted by lumi at February 22, 2006 8:32 AM