After a few residents gave detailed descriptions of the horrendous conditions at the construction site, Queens West Acting President George Aridas admitted that the conditions were "unconscionable." However, the only solution that he offered was to inform the community that "construction on Vernon Boulevard and 48th Avenue should be over in May." (see related article Dust Never Sleeps)
If the project continues as planned, the neighborhood will experience 10-15 years of construction! The community needs regular meetings with Queens West to facilitate the timely resolution of construction-related problems and the distribution of accurate information.
The following issues were also discussed:
Interim (3-5 years) Play Area Presentation: Residents from the neighborhood participated in the designing of this new park space. Small as it is, this is the first time that Queens West has included the community in its planning efforts. (see related article, Taking a Lot, Giving a Little)
The First Building: Originally, Queens West verbally recognized the importance of economic development along Vernon Boulevard. But at the Task Force meeting, M.O. Associates began discussing businesses that would be in direct competition with those on Vernon Boulevard. HPCC Steering Committee member Debra Whitelaw urged Queens West to "consider businesses, which compliment and reinforce the local business environment." The types of businesses selected "are so important to the way that the new residents interact with the existing neighborhood."
Queensboro Deputy Borough President Peter Magnani revealed the true commitment of the project when he stated that "we can not allow the community to dictate the types of businesses" that will go into the retail section.
Due to the Coalition's effort, minutes for these meetings are recorded by the Queens Borough President's office. This is important, because it means that the minutes are added to the public record. Efforts need to be made to compose minutes that more accurately reflect the meeting mood.
If you would like more information about the Queens West Task Force and meetings, please call the Queens Borough President's office at (718) 286 2870.
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Last Update: June 1997