QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT KATZ ON NEW WILLETS POINT AGREEMENT

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, QUEENS, NY – Borough President Melinda Katz stated the following in response to questions about an agreement reached this week with the Queens Development Group on Phase 1 of Willets Point; the agreement includes the construction of 1,100 affordable apartments (including 221 for low-income seniors) and a brand new 450-seat public elementary school:

“The City has immediate, desperate needs for affordable housing units and school seats, especially here Queens. This agreement to build 100 percent affordable housing at Willets Point is the right plan at the right time. As the sponsor of the 2008 Urban Renewal Plan, I am encouraged that we are moving forward in putting a shovel in the ground, and that housing and a school are the first priorities. I look forward to working closely with the community to help steer the future of this highly coveted area to meet the needs of Queens’ growing families.”

The Urban Renewal Plan passed by the City Council in 2008, which approved redevelopment of the 61-acre parcel of untapped land at Willets Point, was led by then Councilmember Katz as Chair of the City Council Committee on Land Use. Press Release.