Many speakers stressed their opposition by pointing out the dangerous precedent it would set for future acquisitions. Most who testified were in favor of some sort of development, but objected to the scale of the Queens West project. Jayne Mangino, a third-generation Hunters Point resident, said she wanted her "friends and family to live here for the next 100 years," and added, "Queens West, which is composed of groups that will make a profit, should not be able to use the power of eminent domain." Ms. Mangino also expressed frustration over Queens West's use of blanket responses to requests for change, citing either "It's too soon," or "It's too late."
Joseph Conley, Chairman of Community Board #2, reminded Queens West that the Board voted against the Queens West project, and he hoped "this community will never hear again that this property is blighted and under-utilized." He added that the Board was not in favor of eminent domain.
Hunters Point resident Drew DiCamillo faced the project's Acting President George Aridas and said "Queens West had a chance to demonstrate that they can accomodate the community. This new park shows that you are not competent enough to handle the project."
Cathrine Volpe, from Woodside, claimed that "the 15-foot waterfront esplanade is inadequate as a public facility," and said the Queens West project "left the people out of it."
Anthony Cavaliere, a Hunters Point resident, demanded that "the project be scaled back," and "refuses to allow his taxes to be used...they don't have the brain to develop this project..."
The Queens West Development Corporation and the Urban Development Corporation were required by law to schedule this meeting, to give the public an opportunity to make comments for the record. But, Queens West was not required to answer any questions, though many were posed (none were answered).
The Coalition encouraged people to respond in writing to Queens West, before October 6, to tell them that the power of eminent domain should not be exercised by an unelected group of individuals representing private interests, especially when no one can clearly demonstrate that Hunters Point and the larger public will benefit from the project. If anything, Queens West has already had an adverse effect on the area!
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