NYCEDC, In Consultation with the Rockaway Task Force, Seeks Creative Ideas for the Reactivation of the Former Rockaway Courthouse in Queens

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the adaptive reuse and redevelopment of the Rockaway Courthouse building in Queens, New York.  The long vacant building, located in the Hammels neighborhood of the Rockaways, was originally constructed in 1932, and is approximately 24,000 square feet with good access to mass transportation. Upon a recommendation from Mayor Bloomberg’s Rockaway Task Force, whose membership includes local elected officials and community members; the RFEI aims to assess the options for the readaptation and reactivation of this site that are compatible with the existing neighborhood in order to ultimately improve the overall quality of life for the community.
 
“The reactivation of this 80-year old vacant courthouse, along with the other recommendations from the Rockaway Task Force, will help both the City and the community implement a coordinated strategic plan for economic development for this critical part of Queens. I would like to thank the members of the task force and our local partners in government for sharing our belief in the future of the Rockaways.  We look forward to learning what creative New Yorkers have in-mind for the former Courthouse in the coming weeks and months,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky.  
 
“I am pleased that EDC is moving forward in seeking potential development partners for this underutilized City-owned site.  I look forward to seeing the results of this process, and commend the members of the Rockaway Task Force for including this recommendation in their report last year,” said Council Member Eric Ulrich.
 
"The community welcomes the RFEI and sees it as another clear indication of the continued growth and redevelopment of the Rockaway peninsula," said the members of the Rockaway Task Force.
 
“This great community resource has been on my radar for several years. This RFEI will set the stage for a real reuse plan of this former courthouse. It will become the latest addition to the continuing Rockaway renaissance that has brought new housing, recreational and retail development in recent years,” said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall.
 
“The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has taken a critical step toward moving the Rockaway Peninsula into a position of economic vitality.  The redevelopment of the Rockaway Courthouse will further build on the efforts to make the peninsula more attractive for business and residents who would seek to relocate here. Rockaway is positioning itself to make a strong economic surge that will bring an increased quality of living to the Rockaways, and renew confidence in the business sector. I will be watching the developments of the Request for Expressions of Interest process very closely, and remain committed to working to raise the standard of living for all in Rockaway,” said Senator Malcolm Smith.
 
The three-story limestone and Tennessee marble courthouse, which also includes a basement, has been vacant for over twenty years, with the City performing necessary minor stabilization and weather proofing work in 2007.  Previous attempts to develop the site were never realized and now NYCEDC, on behalf of DCAS, seeks inventive ideas on how to best reuse the building and integrate it into the existing area.  According to the RFEI, proposals for the redevelopment should take into account that the area is currently zoned R4-1 for a combination of small residential and community uses. Any proposed zoning changes, including all associated costs, will be the sole responsibility of the respondent.
 
The Rockaways have a long and colorful history, and in recent years have become not just a summer destination, but also a place for permanent residence. The area is currently in dire need of a coordinated approach to address what is deemed three major themes: transportation, economic development, and beach improvement. In order to address these themes, Mayor Bloomberg convened the Rockaway Task Force, made up of elected officials and community members, in 2010 to further identify and investigate the issues the peninsula currently faces, and to offer suggestions to improve the overall quality of life for residents.  The task force produced a comprehensive findings report in September 2011 based on a widespread community-centered and inclusive process.
 
To obtain a copy of the RFEI, please visit: www.nycedc.com/rfp.  Responses are due no later than April 24, 2012.

About NYCEDC

New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.