The Flushing Blog

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.

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.

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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. “The 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.

 

 

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 yet, 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.

Starting or Growing Your Business?

Sign up for free business assistance sessions every third Friday of the month (10am-3pm) at the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce.

If you have any questions, please contact Yanyan@FlushingChamber.nyc or 646-820-5163.

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Flushing Chamber Facebook Page

Revelers looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year next month will find it a little easier to get to Flushing.

Not only will the MTA suspend construction work on the 7 line the weekend of the annual parade – held this year on February 21 – but the weekend prior as well. That means subway riders will have an uninterrupted ride from Times Square to Main Street.

“This is not only about cultural sensitivity, but it has an impact on our community as well,” said Assemblyman Ron Kim.

Full Story Here

If you plan to travel to Flushing by car, LAZ parking garage (close to main street) is offering parking discounts to Flushing visitors.

 

Do you think of your accountant as just someone who you send your receipts and reports to at tax time? Do you limit your contact with your accountant to a few tiresome weeks in the spring? And then wait a year to speak to them again?

If this sounds like you, you’re missing out on a big part of what your accountant can offer you and your small business.

 

Accountants can help you answer these key questions:

What is your end goal for the business?

How much growth do you want to see?

How soon do you need it to be profitable?

How much money do you need to make each year?

What role do you want to have in your business?

The most important thing to realize about being a small business owner is that going out on your own doesn’t mean being on your own. Even if you never hire an employee, that doesn’t mean you won’t be working with people along the way. You owe it to yourself and the success of your business to partner up with key professionals. One of the most important of these is a good accountant. If you share your goals and dreams for your business with them, they will provide you with the advice and plans you need to reach those goals.

Talk to an accountant who knows the landscape of Flushing, NY; an accountant who can help your business succeed.

 

Katy Starck-Monte has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes frequent lung infections, difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms. Whitestone residents Monte and her husband Joe, a firefighter, are expressing their desperate need for organ donors throughout the region.

Friends of Katy started a social media campaign, #oomphforkaty, which has drawn support from people across the country including celebrities such as Kevin Bacon and Matthew Broderick. The campaign began in December to promote awareness of cystic fibrosis and organ donation as well as give Katy moral support.

The Facebook page includes a video message from “Sharknado” star Ian Ziering and pictures of Bacon and Shawn Ashmore sending support, as well as former Yankee Jonny Damon and others.

Katy has been on a waiting list for lungs since August but has not received any calls for matches.

Are you traveling from LaGuardia Airport, but don’t want to pay a large fee for airport parking? 

LAZ Parking Garage in Flushing, Queens now offers discount rates for airport travelers! Only $20 per day, while you’re on your trip.

Laz is only a 5 minute cab ride to LGA terminals.

Laz Parking’s garage is a temperature controlled indoor garage,white glove valet service and is 24/7 secured.

“AT LAZ Parking, we take pride in securing your car. Let us relieve the stress of parking for a larger fee at LGA.” – Brian Persaud, Facility Manager.

Visit LAZ Parking Official Website