The former RKO Keiths property at Main Street and Northern Boulevard in Flushing will be acquired by RKO Plaza, LLC, an affiliate of Boymelgreen Developers, LLC, a Brooklyn-based owner-builder. Boymelgreen has owned, constructed, and is developing more than 3 million square feet of real estate, including over 1 million square feet of retail space.

Shaya Boymelgreen, principal of the company, described the company’s ideas and concepts for rebuilding at the site to Eugene Kelty, chair of Community Board 7 in a meeting at the office of City Councilmember John Liu. Board 7 Zoning Chair Chuck Apelian and District Manager Marilyn Bitterman also attended the meeting.

Boymelgreen envisions a complex that blends retail, commercial, and residential use. He further explained, "We want to build something beautiful, something that will be embraced by the community. This property is dear to the hearts of so many in the community. We will highlight the landmarked portions of the theater. We are looking forward to working with city officials and the community to revive one of the great historic properties of Flushing."

Kelty stated, "This is very positive and we look forward to reviewing the plans."

Last month, Boymelgreen met with Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Liu. The borough president said, "This is such wonderful news. This plan will be an enhancement for our borough and further demonstrates that Queens is happening."

Liu noted, "This company has an impressive track record. They will protect what’s landmarked, they will provide parking, they will also listen to the community. It’s so exciting to have a win-win situation for everyone."

Boymelgreen thanked the seller, Tommy Huang for contributing his insights to the project and for expediting the transaction so that the community can benefit from the site more quickly.

For more information, contact Phil Hom at 888-8747.