Coalition Seeks Affordable Housing In Willets Pt. Plan

A large coalition of Queens advocacy groups, concerned that the city's Willets Point redevelopment plan, now nearing final approval, will not benefit nearby residents, called last night for affordable housing to be added to the proposal.

At a meeting at P.S. 127 in East Elmhurst January 29, the coalition strongly urged that the plan shouldn't go forward unless businesses that will be displaced and workers who will lose their jobs are treated fairly.

Presently, there are about 250 businesses, mostly auto repair related, occupying the 45-acre site that the city will acquire. The plan calls for construction of high-rise housing, a hotel and small convention center, retail businesses and entertainment space, including a 2,700-seat movie house.

Among those at the meeting were City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate (D- Corona), Queens Congregations United for Action, the Queens for Affordable Housing Coalition, ACORN, Asian Americans for Equity, Pratt Center for Community Development, New York Immigration Coalition and Habitat for Humanity.

- John Toscano