The idea is that the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan is too small and outdated to host world-class events in the world's greatest city, so we should send visitors to South Ozone Park in Queens instead. The standout item in Governor Cuomo's State of the State address Wednesday was his proposal to build the nation's largest convention center out in Queens, and scrap the Javits Center on Manhattan's West Side in favor of a mixed-use facility including hotels, office space, and housing. The Javits Center is currently in the middle of a half-billion dollar renovation program.
Cuomo's plan for a new convention center in Queens would be funded by the Malaysian gaming company Genting America, that currently runs the Aqueduct Racetrack where the new convention center would be located. The plan also imagines the formation of a Battery Park City Authority-style organization in Hell's Kitchen, to shepherd the billions of dollars in private equity that will be committed to redeveloping the Javits site. Carl Loewenson, who runs the New York Convention Center Operating Corp. (and in turn the Javits Center), had no comment for the WSJ regarding Cuomo's plans.
· Cuomo Proposes Razing Javits Center [DNAinfo]
· Another New Idea For Javits Center [WSJ]
· Javits Center coverage [Curbed]
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