FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 8, 2002
CONTACT:
Michael Sherman/Janel Patterson -- (212) 312-3523 --
www.newyorkbiz.com
Public Affairs Officer: (212) 720-3471 -- www.nyc.gov/planning
NYC ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ISSUES RFP FOR DOWNTOWN
FLUSHING PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
To Assist in Development
of Plans for Future Growth,
Public Improvements and Waterfront Access
Monday, October 7, 2002, New York City - New York
City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), in
cooperation with New York City Department of City
Planning (DCP) and the Downtown Flushing Working
Group, today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP)
for professional planning and development feasibility
services to promote continued economic growth in
portions of Downtown Flushing, Queens, and surrounding
areas. The Working Group is composed of representatives
of a number of City agencies, local elected officials,
Community Board 7, and other local community stakeholders.
"This is another positive step toward achieving
the Bloomberg Administration's goal of strengthening
and expanding our central business districts Citywide,"
said EDC President Andrew M. Alper. "Downtown
Flushing is already one of the most vibrant and
diverse neighborhoods in the City. This new commitment
of resources will provide an excellent opportunity
to create a more attractive community that responds
to what the local businesses and residents need
and deserve."
The City is seeking a consultant team to provide
professional planning services to assist in the
development of an integrated framework for continued
development of the central business district and
mixed-use community in Downtown Flushing, the nearby
Flushing River waterfront and Willets Point peninsula.
The goal is to develop a comprehensive, area-wide
plan in concert with the local community to create
a more predictable process for the development of
existing sites and promote sound future growth.
The framework will also make recommendations regarding
infrastructure improvements required to support
that growth.
To accomplish this, the consultant will work closely
with EDC, DCP and the
Working Group to articulate a common vision for
the future of the area incorporating the community's
short and long-term goals. Based on that vision,
the consultant will work with the others involved
to craft a framework for new retail, office and
residential development of targeted sites, supporting
transportation, open space and community facilities.
Amanda M. Burden, Director of the Department of
City Planning said, "Hiring a consultant team
will generate new ideas for promoting Flushing and
further its evolution by identifying important urban
design objectives. This is an excellent opportunity
to consolidate and build upon the Administration's
ongoing efforts to upgrade the vital pedestrian
corridors in Downtown Flushing. We are excited to
work with everyone in the community on this important
project. "
The framework will also identify compatible improvements
that can be implemented immediately. In addition,
it will identify opportunities to better connect
regional destinations, such as nearby Shea Stadium
and Flushing Meadows Park, to the Downtown Flushing
area and its waterfront.
After the consultant team is selected later this
year, a series of public meetings will be scheduled
in the community. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on
October 28, 2002. For more information or a copy
of the RFP, please call 212/312-3969 or e-mail info@newyorkbiz.com
and enter 1002Flushing in the subject line.
EDC is the City's primary vehicle for economic
development services. Using its real estate and
financial resources, EDC helps develop businesses
and create jobs in all five boroughs.
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