By Bill Parry
City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) covered a lot of ground in her State of the District Address last week. Among the significant developments in District 21 are the groundbreaking of the first affordable senior housing development, the relocation of the Willets Point auto shops, the establishment of a higher education and health care institution and the future of the Jackson Heights BID extension into Corona,
“A critical part of my work is to give families in our community everything they need so they can grow and stay in this neighborhood: get their education here, live here, work here and retire here comfortably,” Ferreras said. “I negotiate with the mayor on New York City’s $77.7 billion budget to ensure that it is transparent and equitable, and serves communities like ours.”
Ferreras announced that construction of the first affordable senior housing development in the district is set to begin at the end of 2015. As part of the Willets Point deal she negotiated in 2013, all 67 rental units in the building, which will be located at 54-25 101st St. in Corona, will house low-income seniors.
Applications are expected to become available in early 2017 and will give seniors living in District 21 priority.
The Sunrise Auto Co-op and Economic Development Corporation is working towards finalizing a $5.8 million agreement that will relocate auto shops that rented space at Willets Point to a new complex in the Bronx. The relocation makes way for a megamall slated to be built as part of a $3 billion development that will include commercial, retail and residential components.
Ferreras covered the establishment of a 19,000-square-foot higher education and health care institution in District 21. The $10 million project with Queensborough Community College and Urban Health plan will provide a facility that will provide training as well as affordable primary and specialty health care for members living in the community. In addition, Ferreras announced that PS 315 will open this year, providing 640 public school seats for the district.
On the controversial plan to expand the Jackson Heights BID into Corona, Ferreras said that members of the community and the 82nd Street Partnership are near to reaching an agreement that will expand the Partnership along Roosevelt Avenue to 104th Street. She said the new Corona-Jackson Heights Business Improvement District will ensure unprecedented community representation in the new BID while bringing safety, enhanced cleanliness and business services to shops in the area.
In addition, Ferreras announced the establishment of a small business task force for all businesses in LeFrak City, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
