Willets Point, Queens

Willets Point, Queens is a neighborhood located in the New York City borough of Queens. Known for its industrial landscape, Willets Point is home to a number of auto repair shops, junkyards, and similar businesses. The area is also known as the "Iron Triangle" due to its triangular shape and the predominance of metal-related businesses.

History

Willets Point was named after Richard Willets, a Quaker who settled in the area in the 17th century. The area was largely undeveloped until the 1930s, when it began to be used for industrial purposes. Despite its industrial nature, Willets Point has been the subject of numerous redevelopment plans over the years, including a controversial proposal in the 2000s to build a large mixed-use development on the site.

Geography

Willets Point is located in the northeastern part of Queens, adjacent to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The neighborhood is bounded by Northern Boulevard to the north, the Van Wyck Expressway to the west, and the Flushing River to the east. Despite its proximity to these major thoroughfares, Willets Point is known for its lack of basic infrastructure such as paved roads and sidewalks.

Economy

The economy of Willets Point is dominated by the auto repair industry, with hundreds of small businesses operating in the area. These businesses provide a wide range of services, from basic maintenance and repairs to specialized work on high-performance vehicles. Despite the gritty nature of the neighborhood, it is a vital part of the local economy, providing jobs for many residents of Queens and beyond.

Redevelopment

In recent years, there have been several proposals to redevelop Willets Point. The most notable of these was a plan put forward by the New York City Economic Development Corporation in 2007, which called for the creation of a mixed-use development with housing, retail, and a new convention center. However, this plan faced significant opposition from local business owners and residents, and was ultimately abandoned.

See also

• List of Queens neighborhoods
• Flushing, Queens
• New York City Economic Development Corporation

External links

• NYC Department of City Planning: Queens Community District 7