The plan calls for clearing a 60-acre industrial area to make room for apartment buildings, a shopping district and possibly a convention center. It's meant to compliment Citi Field, the Mets new ball park under construction.
The city says the site is seriously contaminated and no one disputes it's a neglected eye soar. But, it's been home to a ragged strip of car shops for decades. And some business owners are worried they won't get relocated.
Arturo Olaya owns Arthurs Auto Trade Shop.
OLAYA: They always say but they never show nothing. They never show a paper. They never show us any land.
REPORTER: The city says its currently negotiating with dozens of businesses and working with La Guardia Community College to implement a job training and placement program for displaced workers.
For WNYC, I'm Cindy Rodriguez.
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