By Alexander Dworkowitz
A state agency that works to encourage economic development will soon open an office in downtown Flushing designed to help orchestrate major projects in Queens.
The Empire State Development Corporation expects to open its first community network office in the Flushing Mall at 133-33 39th Ave. in the middle of this month, said Shirley Leung, the director of the office.
“The state does not have a presence in Queens yet,” said Leung. “We hope we can help. We know about projects and planning, and that is why we are here.”
In addition to its headquarters in Albany and Manhattan, the ESDC already operates 10 regional offices throughout New York state. The Flushing office represents the agency’s attempt to create more of a presence in New York City. The ESDC also plans to open community network offices in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
The state agency chose Flushing for the location of its office because most of its potential projects are in the Flushing area, said Leung. ESDC will offer assistance to businesses throughout Queens.
ESDC works to provide advice and resources to businesses considering expanding or relocating. The agency also provides grants and loans.
The Queens office will work with small businesses as well as large projects that require extensive planning, said Leung.
One possible project is the development of Willets Point. The 55-acre home of scrap metal and auto salvage businesses across the street from Shea Stadium was the subject of an international conference in October. Attendees envisioned transforming the area into the home of retail shopping, restaurants and hotels.
But in order to make that dream a reality, officials would need to condemn Willets Point in order to evict the current businesses. The city has so far failed in its numerous attempts to get that condemnation.
Instead, city officials turned to the state, and in particular the ESDC, to condemn Willets Point.
Leung said her office is in fact considering working to develop Willets Point. However, Leung added the agency has yet to commit itself to any particular project.
ESDC has already helped with one of the borough’s major development projects, the Queens West apartment and office complex in Long Island City.
Marie Nahikian, executive director of the Queens County Overall Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit organization, said she was waiting to see the extent of ESDC’s involvement in Queens.
“We’re not quite sure what their agenda will be,” she said.
In December, ESDC stopped funding the Entrepreneur Assistance Training Program, run by Nahikian’s organization. The group had to cut the program but managed to keep it alive with help from the Newsday Disaster Relief Fund.
“It did not make our life easy,” said Nahikian of the loss of funding.
While Nahikian was skeptical, Marilyn Bitterman, district manager of Community Board 7, was happy to learn that ESDC was opening a Flushing office.
“It means someone is really showing an interest in Flushing,” she said.
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
