Queens Borough Board approves lease agreement for first phase of Willets Point Development

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A state judge has postponed a planned hearing on a legal effort lodged by Willets Point United in hopes of stalling Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s planned $3 billion redevelopment of the Iron Triangle.

The Queens Borough Board on Monday, May 10, voted to approve a long-term lease for Phase 1A of the Willets Point Development, which will contain affordable residential units, a public school, community facility space and public open space. 

Borough President Donovan Richards approved the motion receiving nine votes and one abstention, on the condition that the New York Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) conduct reporting on the school remediation cleanup to the local board and borough president’s office, a meeting every other month to address concerns of the community as the development proceeds, and that Community Board 7 receive a 50 percent allotment of affordable housing, unless there are changes under the federal, state or Housing Preservation Department (HPD).