DAILY NEWS WRITER
Courtesy of the New York Daily News
A leasing agency run by Dallas Cowboys great Roger Staubach is scrambling deep into Jets and Giants territory – hoping to persuade upscale stores to move onto a busy Queens strip.
Representatives for the Hall of Fame quarterback, who went 16-1 as a starter versus the Giants and led a 52-10 rout of the Jets the only time he faced them, said Staubach isn’t worried about New York fans thwarting his drive.
The Staubach Co. wants “upscale regional and national retail” stores to fill a two-story building at Austin St. and 70th Road in Forest Hills, with 10,500 square feet on each level.
The landlord hired Staubach’s crew, hoping they can score major tenants for the project and boost the potential of nearby properties that the same landlord owns, said Patrick Smith, Staubach retail executive.
“We think Austin St. is a very vibrant retail marketplace and that this location is the best location on the whole street,” Smith said.
Construction will begin in early 2009, and should take about eight to 12 months to complete, Smith said.
The plans probably won’t require approval from Community Board 6, but board members want to review them so they know what’s coming in, said District Manager Frank Gulluscio.
An admitted Jets fan, Gulluscio insisted he wasn’t bitter despite Staubach’s three touchdowns in a Dec. 4, 1971, victory over Gulluscio’s beloved Gang Green.
“I wasn’t even thinking about that,” he said with a laugh. “I know these guys move on.”
Staubach was unavailable for comment.
Community board member Andrew Hollweck vowed not to let his childhood fascination with Staubach – whom Hollweck “looked up to” as a Pee Wee Football player – affect his opinion of the project.
“What I want is good restaurants, good shopping and quality design,” Hollweck said. “If he does that, I support it. If he doesn’t, I don’t. I don’t care who he is.”
Asked what could make him feel more comfortable about the proposal, Hollweck suggested a get-together with the Heisman Trophy winner, former Super Bowl MVP and six-time Pro Bowler.
“I’d have to meet and talk to him,” Hollweck joked.
“And get an autograph while I’m at it.”
