Willets Point debates continue to rage

In what is turning into a chess match with both sides of the Willets Point project using alternate days to make announcements, the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Borough President Helen Marshall made the latest move announcing hiring goals and funding to support minority- and women-owned business enterprises.
Marshall and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert Lieber announced on Wednesday, August 6 at least 20 percent of the total value of construction contracts should go to minority-owned construction firms, 10 percent to women’s business enterprises and 15 percent to Queens-based business enterprises. In addition, the city would establish a $2.5 million fund over the next five years geared towards helping increase the capacity of these firms.
“I worked hard to negotiate and obtain the goals that we are announcing today,” Marshall said. “And, the $2.5 million will go a long way toward increasing the ability of smaller firms to compete in the large arena.”
While the administration was quick to praise the agreement, many workers and landowners in Willets Point did not speak so kindly. “As a certified MWBE, I find today’s announcement yet another betrayal by an administration that continues to try to pit one group of New Yorkers against another,” said Neil Soni, Vice President of House of Spices in Willets Point.
Just days before this announcement, opponents of the project protested outside of Queens Borough Hall asking Helen Marshall to rescind her approval of the project.
“She’s not helping Willets Point because she approved the project very soon, and she didn’t make any conditions or stop the project until EDC announces a real plan to relocate and compensate the small businesses and tenants,” said Arturo Olaya, President of the Willets Point Defense Committee.
Dan Andrews, a spokesperson for Marshall said that the Borough President issued more than a dozen recommendations with the project and would not rescind her support.
The city continues to negotiate with current property owners at the site, but owners of the largest tenant it had reached an agreement with, Sambucci Bros. Inc. Salvage, said earlier this week that complications to the agreement had arisen, and they were still talking to EDC representatives. Lieber declined to address questions concerning discussions with Sambucci, but he said negotiations with businesses in the area are ongoing and characterized them as very intensive.
Last year, the city unveiled its master plan for the approximately 60-acre Willets Point site that would include 1 million square feet of retail shops and restaurants, 500,000 square feet of office space, 5,500 units of housing, a school and convention center in an area often described as blighted.