So ‘what do you think of the just-released Sunnyside Yards Plan?’ asked no one in particular. ‘However,’ as the foremost authority on this topic, I’ll share my thoughts, but first the salient details.
[Read more…] about Sunnyside Yards Plan Released With Vague CommitmentReal Estate
1-Million Square Foot Office Tower To Be Part Of LIC Waterfront Plan

A one million square foot office tower will be part of the LIC Waterfront Master Plan according to Tom Elghanayan, the co-founder of TF Cornerstone. This is the first salient detail revealed about what the developers are contemplating for the 28-acre assemblage, and is an indication they are open to compiling a whole new playbook for the area. I say contemplating because they are still in the process of gathering community input prior to putting forth their initial proposal.
[Read more…] about 1-Million Square Foot Office Tower To Be Part Of LIC Waterfront PlanBah Humbug, Mr. Scrooge Taketh Equity Too

TWO weeks ago The New York Times ran a real estate story entitled “The Tax Man Cometh for Some Condos” highlighting an issue we’ve been worrying about for some time in LIC. In fact it’s been 18 months since we warned condo owners that the tax problems at the Citylights Building could come to bite them as well and they should start preparing themselves, and their building, way ahead of time.
[Read more…] about Bah Humbug, Mr. Scrooge Taketh Equity TooWhere’s The Plan Jimmy V & Mikey G?*

“To destroy is easier than to create, and that is why so many people are ready to demonstrate against what they reject. But what would they say if one asked them what they wanted instead?”
Ivan Klima – Love and Garbage
A little over a year ago I gave my opinion on the Amazon HQ2 deal struck by the Mayor and Governor. My conclusion was that while the two leaders were not very good poker-players and could have offered less, the overall deal as struck was worth taking a chance on. ((No matter what either side says, like any investment you don’t know until later if it will be a good one.)) I even-handedly acknowledged that not everyone in LIC would be a winner from the deal, and some of the biggest winners would be those already well-entrenched (and well-heeled). Most importantly, the physical presence of Amazon being located in LIC would be transformational for us and the rest of Western Queens. Heretofore a backwater of NYC, hence the cradle of growth.
[Read more…] about Where’s The Plan Jimmy V & Mikey G?*Plaxall Joins Waterfront Development Group – All Systems Go For Rec Center?

Plaxall has decided to join the other waterfront land holders in order to create a Master Plan for the 28 contiguous acres of Hunters Point North that it encompasses. LICtalk has been advocating for a Master Plan for this large plot since before Amazon was proposed (and then deposed), and we’ve been advocating for a key component of this plan – a Rec Center – for half a decade. There’s no need to hold workshops on this aspect of the plan, the people have already spoken. In fact I would say any plan ultimately put forward is DOA without the inclusion of a Rec Center. I hope the powers-that-be are listening, I’d hate to see another Amazon-type rejection due to community disapproval, real or not.
[Read more…] about Plaxall Joins Waterfront Development Group – All Systems Go For Rec Center?