Please mail your questions to: HPCC, PO Box 1276, Long Island City, NY 11101, Attn: Community Questions.
1. Question: How much public money has been spent on the project to date?
Answer: ...We will get these numbers to you as soon as possible. (Editor's note: As of September 25, no reply)
2. Q: What are the projected first building unit costs and monthly payments for a homeowner?
A: The first building, on Parcel 10, will be privately developed... Estimates for: studios (450 sq. ft.) to 3-bedroom units. (for "informational purposes" only): Share price range: $9,644-69,713 (median is $25,134) Maintenance payments: $692-2,601 (median is $1,367)
3. Q: Can the location of the first building be moved to maintain the current view corridor, and can the height of the first building be reduced to complement the existing neighborhood as suggested by the current waterfront zoning resolution?
A: No...
4. Q: How have you involved the community in the planning process for the construction of the first building?
A: Queens West did not answer this question.
5. Q: Why has the construction of the park taken so long?
A: Construction of the Hunters Point Community Park began approximately one year ago and is substantially completed; this is rather fast for construction. Construction was delayed in order to keep Vernon Blvd. open for the NYC Marathon and the Christmas shopping season. (Editor's note: The park is still not completed!)
6. Q: Will the dead trees be replaced? If so when?
A: "Dead" trees are being observed to determine if they are in shock from being transplanted. One tree has already been removed. The others, if necessary, will be replaced at the beginning of the next growing season, or at any other such time that maximizes the chance of their successful survival.
7. Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the construction site?
A: During construction, site maintenance was the responsibility of the construction contractor.
8. Q: Why is there no fence around the construction site?
A: Access to the Park site during construction was prevented by fencing east and west ends, and by the concrete retaining wall along 48th Avenue.
9. Q: Why is the tot lot on 5th Street?
A: Queens West did not answer this question.
10. Q: When will the sidewalk open?
A: The Vernon Blvd. and 5th Street sidewalks are open. (Editor's note: At the time the question was asked, one sidewalk was still closed.)
11. Q: When will the glass blocks be set into the walls?
A: Clear glass blocks have been installed; we are awaiting delivery of 50 colored glass blocks in late August. (Editor's note: This is October and still no blocks!)
12. Q: Why is the park more cement than anything else?
A: ...This Park had to be designed to provide as much active recreation as possible on a narrow lot...
13. Q: Will there be water fountains and sprayers(sprinklers)?
A: No.
14. Q: What (and how much) interim access will the community have to the waterfront? And when?
A: ...Waterfront access at Gantry Plaza will be permitted when construction is completed and the safety of the public can be ensured.
15. Q: Why isn't the Port Authority complying with the federal law that requires catch basins (to protect the East River) for the NY Waterways 750-car parking lot on Port Authority property?
A: We do not know the specifics of your question and therefore cannot comment. We suggest that your inquiry be addressed to the Port Authority.
To contact the Hunters Point Community Coalition
Call or write:
Hunters Point Community Coalition