Sewer Project Expected To Launch Willets Point Redevelopment

By: Josh Robin

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Mayor Michael Bloomberg began a new chapter for 62 neglected acres in Queens Thursday with the groundbreaking of new storm sewers. NY1’s Josh Robin filed the following report.

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.

Phase one calls for more than a million feet of new space by 2016 next to Citi Field, where the Mets play.

"This was an area that we just didn't walk by. It wasn't safe and I would come by with my dad only," said City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras.

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.

A retail union also alleges there’s double-talk on higher wages for those that will eventually work there.

In a 2008 letter, city officials said they will favorably view development plans that maximize the number of jobs that meet the city's living wage and health benefit.

With construction union backing, City Hall officials now say that would jeopardize the project.
As for threatened businesses, officials insist they're offering fair market value and relocation help.

"The plan for all 62 acres will generate tens of thousands of jobs and create millions of square feet of new development," said Seth Pinsky of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

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.