The proposed district is an outcome of the downtown Flushing master plan, which calls for some one-way street conversions, adding green space and mixed-use development and connecting the downtown to a redeveloped Willets Point.
Several of those projects are underway or nearly so. Main and Union streets are slated for one-way conversion later this year; the Willets Point plan was approved last November and downtown Flushing thoroughfares are becoming greener with more trees and plantings.
Connecting Flushing to a revitalized Willets Point is basic to “to trying to tie all neighborhoods together,” Haley said. “The area is inaccessible now.”
One plan calls for constructing a pedestrian bridge from 37th Avenue to Willets Point, although Haley acknowledged that it would be expensive to build.
Other proposals outlined include adding below-ground parking to new construction along the river, cleaning and dredging the river, putting a center median on College Point Boulevard, adding a water taxi stop, providing for cafes and small businesses and including an esplanade walkway and promenade overlooking the river. One would be below the other and was described as a boardwalk.
Although many changes are expected at sites on the waterfront, Haley hopes the U-Haul-It building will remain. “It’s in good shape and is almost a landmark in the area,” he said. “It could be cleaned up and used for a lot of things.”
Some locations are vacant land, with developers holding onto the property until economic conditions improve. Haley says the zoning designation would include specifics such as types of outdoor furniture permitted, designated green spaces and harmonious architecture.
For example, three waterfront parks are proposed for 36th Road and 37th and 39th avenues. Haley explained that the green areas would be required from the developers of those properties.
Although the zoning will call for less parking, it will increase density so it encourages landowners to develop their sites into housing, Haley, an architect, added.
Chuck Apelian, chairman of C.B. 7’s Land Use and Zoning committees, said he is concerned with the regulatory zoning. “The spirit is right, but how do you make a concept a reality?” he asked.
Haley agreed, saying it is up to the city Planning Department to get involved in the details.
Tyler Cassell was uncertain about loss of parking and was told the reduction would be about 20 percent, while Millicent O’Meary brought up the question of eminent domain. “There will be no eminent domain,” Haley said. “The owners will stay the same.”
Gene Kelty, chairman of C.B. 7, agreed with Apelian, adding that the pedestrian bridge has not even been approved yet, “but you’re having your plan based on it.”
Haley reiterated that the proposal is only in the initial stages at City Planning and that funding needs to be found for producing an Environmental Impact Statement.
“At best, the waterfront master plan is at least one to one and a half years away,” he said. “We need a lot more meetings.”
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