FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com APRIL 11, 2013 • THE COURIER SUN 17 USTA EXPANSION: BP’s vote of approval BY TERENCE M. CULLEN [email protected] Borough President Helen Marshall is recommending the city and state go forward with proposed expansions at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Marshall’s Borough Board was one councilmember short -- Councilmember Dan Halloran -- at the Monday, April 8 meeting to take a vote, thus forcing her to give her ultimate “yes” recommendation. “While the Borough Board is not voting tonight,” Marshal said. “I am submitting my formal recommendation later this week. And I can tell you that I am insisting that any alienated parkland must be replaced.” During the Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP), the six voting Community Boards were split on the project. The three voting Community Boards that voted yes attached conditions mainly focused on the US Tennis Association being part of a conservancy for the park. The plan, if approved next by the City Council and the state legislature, could begin this fall, according to USTA officials. Roughly 800 fulltime construction jobs are expected for Queens workers over the six-year construction period. While the project will only eat up about 0.68 acres of green space to the south of the Tennis Center, USTA has now promised to replace that land. Danny Zausner, chief operating officer at the USTA, said lowering the southern border would ease foot traffic during the US Open. The relocated connector road, currently on the property leased to USTA, would now include sidewalks if the plan is approved. Expansion at the tennis center and USTA’s community outreach have been questioned by some, however. Councilmember Peter Koo, one of four city lawmakers at the meeting, told Zausner that small business owners Borough President Helen Marshall delivers her remarks on expansion at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Left) Councilmember Peter Koo was concerned about USTA and businesses. in the past said they were rejected when trying to work with USTA to drive tennis fans into Flushing during the US Open. Zausner, addressing Koo’s questions, said the association had worked with local businesses in surrounding neighborhoods, including Corona and Flushing, and had seen productive economic revenue to those areas. But while there had been success, with Zausner pointing to the Sheraton THE COURIER/Photos by Terence M. Cullen LaGuardia East in Downtown Flushing, he said the USTA could further dialogue with more business owners. “They patrons come for the day session, they run out for dinner either on the Corona side or the Flushing side, and then they come back for the night session,” Zausner said after the meeting. “As I mentioned to the councilmember, I think we’re doing a lot already but there’s no question we could be doing more.” Grand Reopening Celebration! April 16 - April 21, 2013 DAILY RAFFLES for Shoes and Gifts from Local Retailers with no purchase necessary RAFFLING SHOES AND PRODUCTS DONATED BY: Aetrex • Ara • Beautifeel • Blondo • Bussola Comfort Club • Dansko • Drew • Durea Finn Comfort • Fit Flops • Laurevan Haflinger • Naot • Marc Marc • New Balance Orthaheel • pedifix • pikolinos • SAS Sabrinas • Saucony • Thierry Rabotin • Taos Waldlaufer • Wolky • Ziera All Sales TAX FREE All Week! New Location Featuring FREE Private Parking Food and Drinks! RaFFLiNg giFTS DONaTED BY OUR NEigHBORS: arpi’s Spa, Ben Ric Furs, LP & Co Salon, Lulu’s Bakery, Malawi, Mayfair Wine & Liquors, Quality Printing & Signs, Reliance GET 5 ADDITIONAL RAFFLE ENTRIES wITH THIS AD!!!!!!!! limo, romeo’s pizza 184-20 Union Turnpike • Flushing, NY 11366 718-454-5870 • 347-238-1995 New Address OPEN: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10-6, Thursday 10-8, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5, Closed Monday WWW.TURNPikESHOES.COM • EMaiL: [email protected] DISCLAIMER: Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Prizes cannot be exchanged nor returned for cash value. Please note expiration dates on all prizes.
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