FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 144-10 April 5, 2010 STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON FIRST PUBLIC APPROVAL OF FLUSHING COMMONS AND MACEDONIA PLAZA PROJECTS "Today's approval of Flushing Commons by Community Board Seven is an important step in the transformation of a five-acre parking lot into a vibrant urban center that will offer new housing and retail options, hotel or office space, and more parking. Additionally, the project will create a new, state-of-the-art YMCA for the community and be anchored by 1.5 acres of landscaped open space. Together with the Macedonian African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is simultaneously undertaking the development of 140 units of affordable housing, the project will create approximately 2,000 permanent jobs and 2,600 construction jobs. The next step in the public review process is the Office of the Borough President; the proposal goes to her office with the support of elected officials, community and businesses leaders and now the local Community Board." MEDIA CONTACT: Stu Loeser / Andrew Brent   (212) 788-2958