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Politics & Government

Plan Forges Ahead for Willets Point Redevelopment

The announcement of the union between Sterling Equities and Related Cos. to redesign the area was made on Thursday.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the creation of the Queens Development Corp. – the long rumored union between Sterling Equities and Related Cos. to redevelop the area surrounding Citi Field known as Willets Point, says the New York Daily News.

The two companies will build 5 million square feet of retail, entertainment and housing, and according to the article, will create 12,000 union construction jobs, 7,100 permanent jobs and generate $4.2 billion over the next 30 years.

“It is a strong proposal that will allow us to completely transform Willets Point into a vibrant community and destination,” Bloomberg said at the event, according to the Daily News

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The $3 billion project will also include the remediation and clean-up of about 20 acres of land that are riddled with toxins, says the article.

“This is going to be a project that extends from Flushing to Corona and really reinvigorates a community that has been struggling,” Rep. Joe Crowley, D-Queens/Bronx said, according to the paper.

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, D-Forest Hills, disagreed with the project on the basis that affordable housing would be delayed at the site until 2025, though.

“Queens residents need affordable housing more than they need shopping centers,” she told the Daily News.

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