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November 13, 2008
EMINENT DOMAINIA: The Big Apple Bites!
Too many Willets Point stories for us to list them all, but here's a sampling.
Crain's NY Business, Deal struck on Willets Point redevelopment
Mr. Monserrate also was satisfied that the city would not abuse eminent domain to condemn land in the project footprint.
...The agreement is a blow to Willets Point landowners who have yet to agree on a sale price with the city. The Willets Point Industry & Realty Association, a group of the 10 largest land and business owners in Willets Point, Queens, released a statement that said many substantial businesses on the site have not begun or concluded negotiations. "We feel the announcement today on agreements reached at Willets Point are premature," the group said.
While the city maintains that it has been fair with its offers and relocation assistance, and hopes not to use eminent domain, the mayor said, "Having that threat there gets everybody focused."
NoLandGrab: Sure, Councilman Monserrate, eminent domain won't be abused.
Crain's NY Business, Greg David: Willets Pt. another Bloomberg victory
NY Post, WILLETS POINT SHAKEDOWN
Outgoing City Councilman Hiram Monserrate and some particularly dubious allies have succeeded in squeezing City Hall for a "community benefit" agreement requiring a vast tract of low-income housing to be included in whatever ultimately rises at Willets Point.
"Community benefit," of course, is a euphemism for "legal shakedown."
NY Daily News, Willets Point deal set for Council OK
One of the balking owners, Jake Bono, vowed to take his fight to court.
"What's going on here is a giant land grab," he said. "The mayor and the City Council ain't going to be the ones to dictate me off my land. It's going to be a guy in a little black robe and a wooden hammer."
Gothamist, Monserrate Paves the Way for Willets Point Plan's Passage
Not all of Monserrate’s constituents were happy with his announcement—some local business owners painted over his name on his campaign bus.
Queens Tribune, Opponents Flip On Willets Point Plan
Not everyone is finding reason to celebrate.
Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) spent all day cloistered inside City Hall, only receiving word of the deal three hours after it was announced. He may have been the last to know, but it changed little.
“I’m still opposed. It still doesn’t address the main issue, which is eminent domain,” he said. “Let’s spend a couple hundred million dollars to buy out property and take the rest. Where’s the American dream in that?”
WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show, Boom Town
The City Council is expected to approve the redevelopment of Willets Point today. Carlos Canal, owner of Flushing Towing, explains why he sold his property, while Jake Bono of Bono Sawdust Supply opposes the plan.
Then, WNYC's Matthew Shuerman on why the city is moving ahead with the project and the status of Atlantic Yards and other developments.
Posted by eric at November 13, 2008 7:09 PM