Preconsidered Res. No. 1761

Resolution to support New York City's application for funding for a capital project under the Restore New York Communities Initiative pursuant to the New York State Urban Development Act, for Station Plaza, in the borough of Queens.

By Council Members Miller and Lancman

Whereas, The 2017-18 New York State Budget provided new funding for the Restore New York Communities Initiative (“Restore NY”), which is implemented by the New York State Empire State Development Corporation (“ESDC”) and intended to provide funding for capital projects under the New York State Urban Development Corporation Act; and

Whereas, Under Round 5 of Restore NY funding, New York City is permitted to submit applications for the funding of one capital project, receiving up to $5 million; and

Whereas, New York City has submitted a notice of intent to apply to ESDC for funding Station Plaza, in the borough of Queens; and

Whereas, Station Plaza will be located on Block 9994, Lot 38; Block 9986, Lot 70 and 73; and Block 9988, Lot 37, located in Jamaica, in the borough of Queens (“the Site”); and

Whereas, Up to $5 million is being sought by New York City in connection with the Site for demolition of four underutilized properties with a combined 40,638 square feet gross building area on parcels mapped as Public Places, adjacent to the 2007 Jamaica Gateway Urban Renewal Plan, and associated costs for hazardous material abatement and reconstruction; and

Whereas, The Jamaica Rezoning Plan, approved in September 2007, addressed zoning updates to approximately 368 blocks, aimed at promoting economic growth and development in Jamaica’s Downtown area; and

Whereas, The Site falls within several federal, state, and local zones, including the Jamaica Brownfield Opportunity Area and South Jamaica Enterprise Zone, that make it eligible for a variety of financial incentives; and

Whereas, Infrastructure improvements to the Site will improve safety, alleviate traffic congestion, induce commercial investment, and integrate the area's bustling transit hub with the surrounding mixed-use district; and

Whereas, The Site will include two new plazas, widened sidewalks, new medians, new subway entrances and circulation improvements; and

Whereas, The Council finds that the proposed Station Plaza infrastructure project is consistent with the Jamaica Gateway Urban Renewal Plan, Jamaica Rezoning Plan, and Jamaica NOW Action Plan; and

Whereas, The Council finds that the proposed financing is appropriate for Station Plaza; and

Whereas, The Council finds that using these funds for Station Plaza facilitates effective and efficient use of existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources; and

Whereas, The Council also finds that Station Plaza will develop and enhance infrastructure in a manner that will attract, create, and sustain employment and economic development opportunities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports New York City's application for funding for capital projects under the Restore New York Communities Initiative pursuant to the New York State Urban Development Corporation Act, for Station Plaza, in the borough of Queens.

ARP/JL

LS # XXXXX

12/6/2017