NYC preps a new Far Rockaway

Far Rockaway, whose downtown area has long been synonymous with decay, may be in line for a major rehabilitation.

This action would follow a city pledge earlier in the year to invest $91 million to transform the commercial hub into what the Daily News described this week as “a gleaming, vibrant village.”

It’s reported that new housing — including so-called affordable units — are in the cards, in addition to storefront rehab. Public planning sessions have already been held to consider options and two more are scheduled for September.

City officials are reportedly prepared to create an urban renewal area if landlords — including Rita Stark, whose shopping center opposite the Mott Avenue subway terminal has been mostly vacant for decades — fail to upgrade their properties, according to the News.

Continuing growth in the West Lawrence and Bayswater sections of the neighborhood have not carried over into the downtown commercial district, where only three Jewish-centric stores — a supermarket, a pizzeria and a pharmacy — remain.

“The new energy and plan for downtown Far Rockaway will help … pump new life into our beachfront community,” outgoing Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder said at a press conference. 

“I was into born and raised in Far Rockaway and have seen firsthand how blight and disinvestment over the years have limited economic opportunities for our families.”

Goldfeder was joined by Councilman Donovan Richards, and Rep. Greg Meek.