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OFFICE PLAN HAS DEVELOPER: Kew Gardens project calls for biz complex, high school
The city's Economic Development Corp. has selected a developer for an office and school complex on the site of a municipal parking facility behind Borough Hall. The proposed 615,000-square-foot project also would house a parking garage that could accommodate 1,500 cars. The present three- story garage has space for 1,100 vehicles. "This project is one of many the city and EDC are undertaking to improve the economy and quality of life in Queens," said EDC President Andrew Alper in announcing last week that Lend Lease, a global real estate group, has been selected to manage its development. "This office complex will allow Kew Gardens to solidify its position as one of Queens' most prominent business districts," said Alper. Possible tenants for the 425,000-square-foot office tower include government agencies and businesses that could take advantage of the site's convenient access to the city's airports, the EDC head said. Space for a 190,000-square-foot public high school was included at the insistence of former Borough President Claire Shulman, EDC spokesman Bruce Brodoff said. The site is bounded by Union Turnpike, 126th St., 82nd Ave. and 132nd St. Part of our vision The project could create as many as 2,200 full-time construction jobs and 1,460 full-time permanent jobs. "This project is part of our vision for the future of Queens and further proof that Queens is on the move and ripe for reasonable development and continued growth," said Borough President Helen Marshall. "This development will provide thousands of construction and permanent jobs, adding to the growth of our overall economy, and we look forward to working with the city and all concerned parties to make this project a reality as quickly as possible," said Marshall. The proposal still has to go through the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, said Brodoff. ULURP procedures require that hearings be held at the local community board and borough levels. Recommendations by both the local board and the borough president are then forwarded to the City Planning Commission for further scrutiny. The City Council can then take up the matter. The proposal needs to win approval from the City Planning Commission and, if it decides to take up the matter, the City Council. Construction is not expected to begin before next summer. 
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