A resident said, "They don't have the money. Nothing's going to happen." A local elected official stated, "Queens West is dead!" Queens West officials are "optimistic" and supplied the following information:
Bridge removal and street reconstruction: Open May 30, 1995. The strip park: Open June 30, 1995. The first building: Commencement late summer, 1995. Gantry Plaza: Commencement late summer 1995.
This year began with changes in Albany, as well as the resignation of Rosina Abramson, President of Queens West. George Aridas has become acting president, and no search is underway for a new president. Thus, the future of the Hunters Point waterfront looks uncertain.
With Governor Pataki focusing on budgetary woes, questions concerning the $2.3 billion waterfront project remain unanswered. What is the Governor's position? The project developer's for Phase 1, M.O. Associates, are still hoping to secure the crucial Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mortgage insurance, of up to $89 million, pending since June 1994. If the mortgage insurance does not materialize, the developer's incentive to build the project will be diminished. It is unlikely that M.O. Associates will insure the mortgage themselves, therefore postponing this phase of the project.
The public funds (your taxes) have already been allocated for the infrastructure related to Phase 1. This will include utility connections, bridge demolition, curbing, street lights, and the basketball courts.
The Coalition will continue to address planning issues that concern our community and will be scheduling an information meeting in late spring.
To contact the Hunters Point Community Coalition
Call or write:
Hunters Point Community Coalition