Authorizes the city of New York to transfer ownership of certain parklands to Alexander's of Rego Park III, Inc.

BILL NUMBER:S5501

Title of bill

An act to authorize the city of New York to transfer ownership of certain parklands to Alexander's of Rego Park III, Inc.

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill will authorize the city of New York to exchange a small parcel of city-owned parkland that is a part of Lost Battalion Hall Park in the borough of Queens for an equal amount of privately owned land contiguous to the park. The bill requires that the parcels acquired by the city in such exchange be dedicated as parkland.

Specific provisions

The bill delineates all boundaries, survey specifications, intersections, and roadways affected.

Justification

This alienation is related to a proposed mixed-use development by Alexander's of Rego Park III, Inc. on a parcel of land generally bounded by the Long Island Expressway Service Road, Junction Boulevard, and 93rd Street; and Lost Battalion Hall Park to the south. It would allow the city to alienate a portion of parkland. In exchange, the city would acquire two adjacent triangular parcels, to be mapped as parkland, that are equal in size to the area to be alienated.

This land swap would result in a better site plan for Lost Battalion Hall Park by the Department of Parks and Recreation and a more useful and efficient development site for Alexander's of Rego Park III. Lost Battalion Hall Park would be reconfigured to a more regularized park by creating a straight line forming its northern boundary perpendicular to Junction Boulevard and would increase its frontage along Junction Boulevard. The newly reconfigured park would enable better programming and provide improved pedestrian access off Junction Boulevard for park users. Further, Alexander's of Rego Park III has agreed to undertake or fund improvements to the reconfigured park as per the specifications of the city.

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

Immediately.