An article from last week’s Queen’s Tribune reports that two more property acquisitions have been made in Willets Point by the city of New York. Willets Point is also known as the Iron Triangle and is right next door to Shea Stadium. More accurately, this section of Queens is right across 126th Street from brand new Citi Field.

The Iron Triangle is populated with dozens of auto shops, junk yards and other industrial businesses. It is a run down section of Queens likely requiring a toxic clean up before any new construction can be done. Quite simply, the Mets and the city want the chop shops out. With state of the art Citi Field opening up in five months, there is nothing the Mets and the city want more than to redevelop Willets Point, turning it into an area of economic growth. But the owners of the businesses are not going quietly. Many have been there for decades and do not want to relocate.

The city has been negotiating with business owners, offering financial incentive, and help with relocation. While some businesses have been stubborn to leave, others have been making deals and planning to move. Of course, those that insist on remaining risk New York City claiming eminent domain, forcing the businesses out of the area anyway. Some owners are feeling they better take what they can get before they have no choice. According to the article, the city now has obtained about 40 percent of the 62 acres.

If the city and the Mets get their wish, the area next to Citi Field will be transformed into an entertainment destination. The vision is for a hotel, convention center, restaurants, and retail shops to replace the eyesore that is currently there today. The area will thrive prior to and after Mets games and will be an entertainment alternative open the year round. Jeff Wilpon recently said in a WFAN interview with Mike Francesa that space at Citi Field on 126th street could eventually include retail shops and a restaurant open the year round.

The reason that Hard Rock Café will be open twelve months a year at the new Yankee Stadium is because there is a neighborhood in which to draw from. Citi Field, at the moment, does not have such a luxury. Although there are restaurants and bars in the area, there is nothing right next to Citi Field except expressways and the chop shops. But transforming the Iron Triangle into a posh location will certainly give fans a reason to come by the Mets ballpark even in the dead of winter. What Mets fan would not want to take a ride over to Flushing on a cold winter’s day, dreaming of the days of summer while dining at Planet Hollywood or some other trendy eatery at Citi Field? Then walk across 126th street and take in a movie or browse the latest baseball books at a Barnes and Nobles.

The concept is not new. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is next to Inner Harbor, an area of many shops, restaurants, and museums on Baltimore Harbor. Progressive Field, formally Jacobs Field, has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other attractions next door. The Cardinals are building a village next to Busch Stadium III, and the proposed Cisco Field in Freemont California comes complete with condos and retail. If they build it you will go and spend your money, at least that’s what these cities hope.

Construction at Citi Field is drawing to a close but the potential for reconstructing Willets Point could keep the cranes and hard hats in the area for several years to come. Likely, shovels will not start digging for a couple of years but the redevelopment will happen. While the displaced businesses may suffer, the overall economic stimulation by redevelopment is just what is needed at a time when our economy is suffering greatly. Plus, permanent jobs will be created for the new businesses that will eventually open. And perhaps union carpenter Danny Sessna will be able to continue his TV appearances with Kevin Burkhardt. Seriously though, you can bet that work will be started by the time the Mets host their first All Star game at Citi Field, some time early next decade.

If Omar Minaya does his job and continues to build a winning Mets team, ten years from now, Citi Field and Willets Point will become one of New York’s biggest tourist attractions. There is much to look forward to.

Thanks to stadiumpage.com for the images.