LaGuardia Convention Center plans revealed

Back in July, YIMBY reported that permits were filed for a major project at 112-51 Northern Boulevard, in Corona, Queens. In January, the Daily News followed up with preliminary renderings of the site (with an “official” address of 112-21 Northern Blvd), which would become home to a large mixed-use structure. Now, YIMBY has the full reveal of the building, which has been dubbed the La Guardia Convention Center.

laguardia-convention-center-3

Fleet Financial Group is developing the site, after acquiring the assemblage for $17 million last year. The project is currently seeking EB-5 financing, which indicates it will have 292 hotel rooms, 208 apartments, a 105,964-square foot convention center, and 97,180 square feet of retail space. Another 11,300 square feet will host restaurants, rounding out the building’s diverse mix of uses.

Filings with the DOB list Fleet Architects as the designer, and while the project is still seeking financing, the job application is hopefully a sign that development is moving closer to reality. The convention center will replace a car dealership.

Read More

Could the new Flushing Commons Development affect small businesses in the area?

Small business owners in flushing fear that the large new Flushing Commons development in downtown Flushing could soon start hindering business by taking away crucial parking.

“As it is right now, it’s hard to park,” said Ikhwan Rim, president of the Union Street Small Business Association, which represents about 300 businesses. “Thecommons10q-2-web parking lot is the bread and butter for us. Customers know they can park here and shop,” Rim told a local newspaper.

The business owners are concerned that fewer customers, many of whom drive to the predominantly Asian business district, will frequent downtown Flushing once those precious parking spots disappear.They also fear that increased traffic in the already congested area could deter shoppers. OTHER PARKING OPTIONS IN FLUSHING.

“When the project begins, we’ll lose a lot of customers,” predicted John Hong, owner of Hanmi Real Estate. “Many of the store owners will close their businesses,” he told a local paper. AN EXPERIENCED LOCAL ACCOUNTANT can help you plan for any bumps in the road.

The first phase of the development, estimated to be completed in 2017, will create 150 condos. The second phase, estimated to be finished by 2021, will include 450 condos, a new YMCA, 1.5-acre plaza and ampitheatre and commercial space.

 

 

Flushing Event is #1 on Valentine’s Unique Date Option Chart

With just a few more days until Valentine’s Day, are you still looking for something to do? Don’t worry if you haven’t made any plans to treat your sweetheart short special hindi english valentines day sms msg pics wishesyet, there are still plenty of interesting options available.

So, while everyone else is waiting on long lines for overpriced food, you lovebirds can make some unique memories.

1. For the Love of Queens Race

Avenue of Commerce and New York Avenue near USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Flushing Meadows Corona Park
9 a.m.
$25 until Feb. 13, $30 on race day

Active couples rejoice in a 5K morning run around the park, which will allow you to see the iconic Queens Unisphere as well as the New York State Pavilion. Part of the proceeds will go to LIC-based Urban Upbound, a non-profit helping low-income New Yorkers, so together you’ll be working out and doing good.

Full Story on QueensExaminer.com.

If you plan to travel to Flushing by car, LAZ parking garage (close to Avenue of Commerce and New York Avenue  ) is offering parking discounts to Flushing visitors.

Workers Protest Outside Ciampa Organization

Union members from 32BJ SEIU and workers for the Queens-based real estate development firm Ciampa Organization rallied outside its Flushing headquarters on Wednesday, protesting the recent firing of two doormen who allege they were terminated after initiating efforts to unionize.

protest2

Kevin and Andres Galarza were working as doormen for the luxury Long Island City development Packard Square on Crescent Street for nine months when they approached their supervisor with a list of workers who supported joining the 32BJ union.

 

“My supervisor came up to me and said he received a call from the owner of the company who told him that they didn’t want me and my brother to work for him anymore,” said Andres Galarza.

 

The protestors were also calling for an increase in the $8.75 hourly wage paid to residential workers at Ciampa’s Packard Square development. They said that the complex receives a 421 tax abatement from the city, which mandates workers are paid a higher wage, around $22 an hour.

 

PROTEST1

After the rally the two brothers, along with 32BJ union members, went to Ciampa’s penthouse offices and submitted a formal complaint, asking that they receive their jobs back and that the workers’ hourly wages be increased to the $22. Ciampa has yet to issue a statement, and interview requests went unreturned.