More Info on the Willets Point Lawsuit

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    Queens Chronicle shares more details on the lawsuit filed against the Willets Point development by Senator Tony Avella, the New York City Park Advocates organization, local businesses and residents, and The City Club. Initially it was unclear what the lawsuit would charge, but as guessed, the focus is on the loss of parkland to build the mega mall. According to the Chronicle, “The suit charges that the mall, approved by the City Council near the end of former Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s last term, cannot be built without the approval of the state Legislature because the location is parkland.” The lawsuit claims the developer’s plan violates the City Charter and zoning regulations — the goal is to annul city approvals to build the mega mall. And while the Bloomberg administration deemed the plan legal under a 1961 law allowing the construction of Shea Stadium, the lawsuit states that the “interpretation of the law is blatantly incorrect.” It does not look like the lawsuit tackles any issues faced by Iron Triangle tenants, forced to leave the area to make way for development.

    The plaintiffs officially filed the suit today in Manhattan.

    Suit Challenges Legality of Flushing Meadows Mall Plan in Queens [Queens Chronicle]
    Lawsuit Filed to Stop Willets Point Development [Q’Stoner]
    All Willets Point Coverage [Q’Stoner]

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