By Cynthia Koons
“Today we are underscoring the fact that the municipal parking space is part of the retail community we have in downtown Flushing,” Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) told a news conference at his office. “We propose that the BID be in control of these spaces.”
As usual, Liu was flanked by state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Whitestone) and Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik (D-Flushing).
The representatives already have met three times to make a plea to the city's Economic Development Corp., the agency responsible for the development of that parcel, about construction on the property.
In early February the EDC announced that a request for proposals was issued to developers interested in building on the site that is now home to 1,100 parking spaces on Union Street between 37th and 39th avenues.
Since then Grodenchik, Liu and Stavisky have made it clear that they will not stand for a reduction in parking on the site or a change in zoning for the property. In subsequent meetings, the trio suggested the city pursue a chain bookstore and youth center for the property, which is nestled alongside the Macedonia AME Church on the northern fringe of Flushing's busy commercial district.
“When the price of parking is set, it will be set in a way that benefits the local business here,” Liu said.
Peter Koo, a BID member who owns a pharmacy on Main Street in Flushing, said reasonably priced parking is imperative for the maintenance of the retail district.
“If you can have affordable parking, it's very important for business,” Koo said. “If we try to take control of the parking, it will be very good.”
Liu said the city has extended the deadline for the request for proposals, moving it from April 12 to April 20.
He said other BIDs have taken control of parking lots constructed by the city, as evidenced in Jamaica where the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. manages a few downtown lots.
“That generates a significant amount of revenue for the local BID,” Liu said of the Jamaica operation. Raising money for the Flushing BID is not the intention of this parking initiative, he added.
Grodenchik said it is important for the city to allow the local merchants to have a say in how Flushing's parking is managed.
“You also don't want to hurt the people that built this community,” he said.
“There's a tremendous amount of private direct investment in the community,” Grodenchik said. “The best way to allow the merchants not to get hurt is to allow the BID to take control of that parking.”
Reach reporter Cynthia Koons by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 141.
