Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Rego Park), like others, is waiting to see how Gov. Cuomo’s proposal to build the nation’s largest convention center in Queens will play out.
But speaking at a meeting of Community Board 5 on Jan. 11, Hevesi said he is troubled by the process Cuomo chose, limiting the development to Genting America, which operates the recently opened casino nearby at Aqueduct Race Track.
“The city doesn’t give out sole-bid contracts and the state doesn’t either, usually,” he said. “Why did we do it here? Why Genting? Did the governor get a deal?”
He also questions whether or not the governor did his homework before throwing the weight of his office behind a convention center as a panacea for state’s economic ills.
“Convention centers nationally are not making the money that they did a few years ago,” he said. “There’s been a drop-off.”
Cuomo’s office could not immediately be reached for comment.
In response to a question from the audience, Hevesi agreed that traffic also could become an issue in the Kew Gardens-Forest Hills area, with Queens Boulevard likely to feel at least residual effects from increased traffic to and from a convention center or an expanded casino.
He also acknowledged a convention center would force the question of whether or not to restore train service — and if so to what extent — along the old Long Island Rail Road Rockaway Beach line to the table.
The assemblyman said it might be a prudent enterprise, but that it could cost $800 million or more. He also cited efforts to turn the line into a greenway linking Ozone Park and Rego Park and some residents along the rail line who want it kept exactly as it is as likely sources of opposition.
Vince D posted at 7:54 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
Wow, I looked into this and it is so cool. I could give you links, but look for yourself. It's time for our neighborhood to pull the center of focus away from Northern Blvd. and get it over to this underutilized area of Queens. I applaud Cuomo for have the metal to align with the only business I have seen to pony up the money to co-finance an amazing improvement to our hood. Go for it, it will be great!
NatalieRicardo posted at 3:44 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
I know this area well and drive through it daily. It will make a great location for a world class convention center. New York is the best city in the world and there has not been any construction on a scale like this for years. The new convention center will bring many jobs and other perks to the local economy. This is a good deal and I'm looking forward to it getting built.
HenryWilkerson posted at 3:29 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
This area of the city is long overdue for a makeover. The city and the state knows it. Creating this deal where private money will pay for the deal is great. Cuomo is a great american and understands capitalism. Build it and they will come!
Paula Love posted at 2:01 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
Cuomo is my man! We pay huge taxes in NY and it's about time a smart leader attracted private money to co-op a new construct and by the way, these guys design first class, over the top, futuristic buildings so we can look forward to taking a bland neighborhood and seeing the next greatest thing since the Whitestone Bridge!
Freedomnow posted at 1:55 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
Its about time we have real gambling in New York. New Yorkers are spending their hard earned money in surrounding states like Jersey or PA. Cuomo is proving to be a take charge Governor and this is a brilliant idea.
Sofia Cantino posted at 1:41 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
Is Hevesi really questioning Cuomo? Isn't his father in jail for an illegal payoff? I tend to think the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. But hey, thats just me. Cuomo has done an excellent job in office and I believe his track record speaks for itself.
We need a new convention center - thats obvious since Javitz is crap. So why make the taxpayers fund it? A public/private partnership is a brilliant deal and another plus for the Cuomo administration. Lets get on board and support this and the jobs it will bring.
MannyRod posted at 1:26 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
Cuomo is RIGHT ON! Look, he's doing his job. His sensibilities told him that letting the best qualified and on the job tested company should build it. If you haven't seen it, look at the utterly fantastic constructs they have already created. We need a world class convention center in this old part of Queens and I am very much in favor of it.
JohnBalzer posted at 12:56 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
Don't these guys get it? There is NOBODY else offering to spend that kind of money in Queens except the Genting Group. No one else is prospering and building in this economy. Despite what the media reports, we are all hurting and NOT yet in a recovery. When outside money comes along, you take it and use it to get back to normal. This is a win-win situation for New York. If you wait for other bidders, you may pass away before you get any!
Dean Ballard posted at 12:40 pm on Tue, Jan 17, 2012.
What are they talking about. This is a public and private partnership to elevate the taxpayers from having to pay the HUGE costs in construction such a massive complex. Genting is a 45 billion $ company. Who else has enough money in these economic times to build something like that? Nobody. We are not sure ho long these bad economic times are going to last but Genting has stepped-up and offered to pay a huge amount of money to bring visitors to New York. Gov. Cuomo and Genting should both be appreciated for putting this deal together.
Anyone who has seen how nice the aqueduct has turned out will be happy that Genting was awarded the contract. They build the most spectacular resorts in the world. Do a Google search and see for yourselves.
The Old Javis Center needed to be torn down. Genting will make it a real beauty. I can;t wait to see it complete.