By Cynthia Koons
Councilman Tony Avella is holding his third rally Saturday, June 5, against the proposed development at the site of the Flushing Airport.
The past two rallies have brought hundreds of residents to the intersection of 20th Avenue and the Whitestone Expressway service road where protesters have slowed traffic to demonstrate the potential increase in congestion the new business complex could bring.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, flanked by leaders from the city's Economic Development Corp., announced in February that a Korean businessman was selected to develop the site into a small business complex for 180 import and export companies.
The project immediately drew ire from area residents and politicians who insisted that the city consider increasing recreational facilities in the area instead of adding more corporate development.
Avella has been an outspoken opponent of the project since day one after he was not invited to the mayor's announcement.
He and other area politicians like state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) have expressed their reservations about the development with the city. The EDC has since stalled the project in favor of completing traffic studies about the potential impact these companies could have on the already congested 20th Avenue exit of the Whitestone Expressway.
The city has pledged that if the development becomes a reality, it would invest $8 million to repair and extend the perpetually flooded Linden Place.
Much of the Flushing Airport, which has been defunct for at least two decades, stands on wetlands.
This issue, as well as traffic and pollution concerns, will be addressed at the rally.
