Eminent domain came about originally so that a city, state or the federal government could do something for the public good and compensate the property owners of the land they took over. Unfortunately in New York circa 2008 things work a little differently, especially with the influence of developers and the glut of real estate money that oozes its way into city politics. Atlantic Yards is the poster child of how Bloomberg and the city let areas of the city decay in order to take it over and build glitzy new towers to enrich companies like Tishman Speyer and others.
Of course Atlantic Yards has gotten the most press (mostly by the independents of course) but there is plenty more out there where locals get screwed by the system. One such place is Willets Point, next door to the brand new Citi Field set to open next year. That area that has been neglected by the city has big plans in store for it if developers get their way. Now area businesses are fighting back.
From The Gothamist:
On the heels of a letter-writing campaign and a protest at Shea Stadium’s opening day, the Willets Point Industry and Realty Association [WPIRA] has filed a lawsuit demanding the city fix the broken sidewalks, sewers, roads and other resume basic services like snow removal. Owners accuse the city of letting the area fall into disrepair in order to depress property values, call it ‘urban blight,’ and seize land through eminent domain.
At a City Hall rally yesterday, Anthony Fodera, president of Fodera Foods Inc., told the Times that he’s “been there for 35 years; I have yet to see them fill a pothole.” Also at the rally was local Councilman Hiram Monserrate, who pointed to photos like the one here and said, “Some of the photos you see behind me — you see floods, you wonder if this is New York City in 2008 or Baghdad after a few mortar rounds.” Opponents also say the proposal lacks sufficient affordable housing.
A spokesman for the city said that accusations of negligence were not “accurate,” and maintained that the city was unable to build a sewage system because the current businesses were in the way. The WPIRA contends that over 3,000 highly skilled workers in ironworking, construction, solid waste management, sewer parts, auto repair and service, and other manufacturing – including the largest distributor of Indian foods – will be out of work if the city goes through with the plan.
The city can claim whatever they want about Willets Point and what they do or do not invest in Willets Point but unfortunately the facts aren't on their side.
Why is it that the city always sides with developers over long time residents of areas that just need a little TLC and not a full-scale demolishing plan? Well, quite simply its the money and those that give it in large doses get what they ask for. Bloomberg may have not needed any outside money to get into office but that doesn't mean he is more friendly with wealthy developers than the small business owners in Willets Point (just think about who gets invited to Bloomberg's parties).
This is why we need to elect officials to serve in City Hall for constituents in their districts and not developers that want to line their pockets before election day. Make sure before you vote next year to see which candidates take money from wealthy special interests and those that rely on community support.
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