City Council
About that City Council
Via Neighborhood Retail Alliance’s site, which I never imagined I’d refer to on this site, there’s some potentially good news. NRA quotes an article from Crain’s Insider in which Council Member Lew Fidler says the City Council could very well buck the tradition of following the lead of the home Council Member on the Willets Point project.
Here’s the blurb:
“Councilman Lew Fidler, D-Brooklyn, says his colleagues, who usually follow the local member on land-use decisions, could buck tradition when they vote on the Willets Point plan Nov. 12. Queens Councilman Hiram Monserrate will oppose the project unless the city adds affordable housing and minimizes condemnations. But Fidler says Willets Point has benefits for the entire city, which could lead to approval even if Monserrate votes no. Flushing Councilman John Liu agrees that members don’t see the project as a local issue. Fidler, who hasn’t taken a position, believes the city and Monserrate will compromise.”
This should absolutely be seen as something for the entire city and not only Willets Point as it currently stands.
City Council Votes to Extend Term Limits
The New York City Council has passed legislation to extend term limits for city elected officials from two terms to three terms by a vote of 29 to 22.
More on this soon, but this will obviously have an impact on the future of Willets Point. Mayor Bloomberg is now officially running for Mayor in 2009.
Can’t say I’m thrilled with any aspect of this news. I was rooting for the next Mayor to be a strong supporter of the Willets Point plan as opposed to Bloomberg changing the rules in the middle of the game.
Council Hearings Starting Soon
The City Council will hold its hearings this morning regarding Willets Point.
Word is both sides of the contentious plan will have people outside rallying before the hearings begin. For full coverage and blogging of the hearing itself, be sure to stay tuned to the Iron Triangle Tracker, where Stephen Sterling will be reporting from City Hall.
Mets Fans, Speak Out Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning is (still) the time that the City Council will hold its hearing on the Willets Point proposal. Supporters of the plan are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing if at all possible.
The City Council vote on this plan is fast approaching, and it is of the utmost importance to let the Council know that people are concerned about the future of Willets Point and would love to see the Mayor’s plan come to fruition.
NYCEDC to Focus on Environmental Cleanup
Stephen Sterling is reporting that the New York City Economic Development Corporation will focus heavily on the environmental mess in Willets Point and the need to clean it up at the City Council hearings on Friday, October 17. From Sterling:
The Economic Development Corporation is expected to lean heavily on the need for a multi-million-dollar environmental cleanup at Willets Point when they pitch their plan to the legislative body this Friday, Oct. 17.
He also points out that the EDC will not shy away from the issue of the economic crisis.
The project certainly must push ahead, even in tough times.
City Council Sets Tentative Hearing Dates
From the Iron Triangle Tracker, here are the tentative hearings set by the City Council on Willets Point. To say the very least, these events are of the utmost importance.
- Friday, October 17, 9:30 a.m.
Zoning and Franchises Sub-Committee
Chair: Tony Avella (D-Bayside)
City Council Chambers, 250 Broadway, 14th Floor
Update: According to Steve at Iron Triangle Tracker, the two previously scheduled hearings will be combined at the above time and location.
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