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December 2, 2011
Sewer Project Expected To Launch Willets Point Redevelopment
NY1
by Josh Robin
Willets Point's beleaguered property owners are finally getting storm sewers — but only as a prelude to getting kicked out.
Whether with a shovel or a real pile driver, the redevelopment of Willets Point is moving forward.
The plan is to turn its pothole-covered streets and excess of auto body shops into a neighborhood of apartments, businesses and a convention center.
New sewer lines come first, however.
"We must reclaim these 62 acres and take the first steps towards installing the infrastructure that will keep Willets Point clean and sustainable for generations to come," said Bloomberg.
By "reclaim," the Mayor means "seize."
Business owners point out that it's not their fault the streets look rough. They paid taxes for years, and now they're the ones bearing the brunt of the city's neglect.
Jerry Antonacci's family has run a carting business for 35 years.
"It's gotta be over a million dollars over 30 years in taxes, and what do we get for it? We're getting kicked out. I mean, we didn't get no streets, we didn't get no sewers, we didn't get no sidewalks, no street signs, no stop signs, no snow plowing, nothing," said Antonacci.
...The city can look with optimism at court approval of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, which allowed the seizure of private property for a largely private development.
NoLandGrab: "Largely private?" Which parts aren't private?
Related content...
Willets Point United, Bloomberg Sneaks into Willets Point Sewer
Willets Point property owners have a slightly more sober take.
Earlier today Mayor Bloomberg snuck into Willets Point in order to do a photo op at the site of the sewer construction project-that has yet to be permitted by the DEC! He was so proud of this opportunity that there was no notice of the event last night on his official schedule-and the event took place close to the Flushing River where Willets Point businesses were not likely to take notice.
Posted by eric at December 2, 2011 9:42 AM