Tracking The Queens Civic Center

May 13, 1915 - Urges Queens Civic Center - T.G. Ellsworth Scores Provincialism in Borough Planning.

T. Gardner Ellsworth, president of the united civic association of Queens announces publicly to the sinking fund commission to set aside $200,000 for locating a site for the Queens Borough Hall

February 10, 1930 - Go slow on Queens Center says civics.

Borough president George U. Harvey presents the strongest opposition to the Nassau boulevard site for the Queen’s civic center, which will be coming from those interested in the Elmhurst or Rego Park site.

Representatives from all sections of the boroughs and President Harvey are called out to discuss the matter and announce that actions need to be taken soon based upon the information on the subject and the entire borough, not just one section should all stand behind this project.

During the campaign for a city hospital in Queens, advice and criticism was sought out from all sections. The campaign commenced in March of 1928, ground broken in the spring, and two years to get a $350 million proposition across the people because of the borough hall, courthouse or civic center problem which has been with us for over ten years, which has gotten nowhere.

James Burke of the Central Queens allied association discussed and announced from the financial standpoint that Nassau Boulevard site was the most favorable site from this viewpoint.

H.J. Haarmeyer, president of the central Queens allied association stated the matter will be associated on the council meeting on February 25. He also announced the central queens group working on the establishment of the borough hall in Jamaica, and that although the Nassau Boulevard site is acceptable, this site should not be the conclusion, and other sites should be further researched in Queens.

Samuel S. Toback, president of the north shore chapter has been in favor of the Elmhurst site. Jay Wilson Dayton of Bayside and a member of the planning commission also agrees with the Elmhurst site and mentions "the parental school site is a wonderful for the north shore but not central for the rockaways". Charles A Fuchs, president of the college point taxpayer’s association said " transit is not what it should be in that section. The Elmhurst site seems better located from that angle".

February 11, 1930 - Another proposed Queens civic center.

Flushing architect W.W. Knowles propose drawings and diagrams of the third Queens civic center site, which consists of three buildings around a hollow square. It was submitted to borough president George U. Harvey. It consists of 40 Acres in the Briarwood Section, fronting Queens Boulevard and Adjoining Maple Grove Cemetery and Grand Central Parkway.

By this time, the borough president announced his own choice for a site, two miles away from the proposed Knowles site which would essentially build on land adjoining the parental school in flushing.

February 13, 1930 - Would link civic center to P.O. project.

The Queens Boulevard and 97th street site for the proposed queens civic center was approved by the Woodhaven civic association and a central Queen’s post office to be established at the Elmhurst site. This site is contingent on and if a Queens post office is established.

Borough President Harvey opposed the Elmhurst site who described favoring the erection of a centralized group of Queens judicial Chambers, near a New York Parental School site, which was approved and announced late night by the long island real estate board.

The south Elmhurst site was proposed by a Jamaica Architect named Benjamin Braunstein who indicated the city already owned most of the land needed. Opposition soon came up against this idea and other counter proposal sites arises such as Queens Boulevard and 137th Street, and the Briarwood section of Jamaica.

February 13, 1930 - Civic Battle on Transit Is Due Tonight.

78 Queens civics organize to discuss plans for a subway track from the Ridge-wood area, 23rd street Manhattan, Hillside Avenue, metropolitan avenue, Main Street in Flushing, and Little Neck through Bayside. Civic leaders expressed fear that the division the organizations over the selection of a route would cause additional delay in its construction.

February 19, 1930 - Urge King Park for New Queens Civic Center Site.

Borough president Harvey announced at the meeting in Shepherd Church a recommendation from the central Queens Allied Civic council for the Kings Park site as a prospective Civic Center proposal on Jamaica Avenue. The park currently is city property and incorporated a historic mansion which faces Jamaica Avenue, and would not be obstructed or demolished during the construction process.

Borough President Harvey Objects to the existing Queens Sites on Queens Boulevard, Nassau, and Junction Boulevard which are all city owned land. The objection stems from the amount of fill required.

Initially, the site proposed by the architect Benjamin Braunstein in briarwood, required very little infill and is a superior site in centrality, landscaping value, transit, and highway facilities. But this cannot be accepted as a final option.

Edward W. Stellges Jr., Vice President of the far Rockaway chamber of commerce and president of the Queen’s civic center association, announced that the history of Manhattan Island, from the battery to the Bronx, was a never-ending program of reclamation and filled in land for city owned properties.

February 20, 1930 - Queens Civics See Cemetery Bill Defeat.

Cemetery bill defeat which would serve as a wedge for future cemetery land grabs in areas such as Queens.

February 21, 1930 - New Idea to Relieve City Devised by Planners.

Jamaica Kings Park Site visualization.

February 25, 1930 - Fight Harvey's Queen Civic Center Plan.

Representatives met at the Jamaica town hall and voted on a 186 - 90 referendum debating whether people want an actual Queens civic center. The representatives of the various organizations voiced their reasons against the Civic center, stating the need for streets, sewers, and more schools in their communities rather than a civic center.

February 27, 1930 - Schools First, Civic Center Later, Is Plea.

Borough planning committee met in the Queensborough chamber of commerce building. Each advocating for a civic center site.

Harold M. Lewis, executive engineer of the regional plan of New York spoke in favor of the Juniper Valley site which was advocated by the group last week. The Juniper Valley is 117.6 square miles of territory and the site is accessible because of the various transit lines which run nearby and is large enough from transit lines to avoid high land prices.

Discussions continued for the Elmhurst site by Benjamin Braunstein who drew plans for the site and pointed out two arterial highways, Queens and Nassau Boulevard and no proposed highways were necessary in this case. Also, the subway connection currently under construction from long island city to Jamaica would service the site. The current land could be acquired at a decent rate, since the city already owned 1/3rd of it and the site would essentially service about 4/5th of Queens resides, within a five-mile radius.

John J Halleran, commissioner of public works urges that all parental school sites between Flushing and Jamaica be used for consideration, and George Burdette Ford of the regional plan association said all four sites offered were suitable possibilities since they service all four corners of the borough. He proposed a center from 75-100 acres in area for the civic center with 10 acres of parking space.

But ultimately, the decision will be left to the citizens of Queens to decide.

March 1, 1930 - "Queens Civic Center"

The civic committee endorsed on February 14th the suggestion of the civic center being in the geographical center of Queens county on high ground and on grounds owned by the city. As always, it would save 5-6 million dollars which would have to be spent in the proposed civic center in Jamaica or Elmhurst.

March 11, 1930 - Center Site Rally Slated on Thursday

Borough President Harvey goes on record favoring the parental school site. Although Elmhurst site is not included, it was still economical and most accessible.

March 12, 1930 - Assails Publicity for Harvey Civic Center

Warning of propaganda being sent out to Rockaway owners and civic workers of borough president Harvey in favor of school parental site for a proposed civic center site on Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst.

March 26, 1930 - City to Shift Center Sites Next Tuesday.

The board of Estimates considers the sites along any merits of various locations proposed. Borough president Harvey proposes the four sites: First is Parsons and Nassau Boulevard in Flushing, second is Queens and Nassau Boulevard in Elmhurst, a third at Queens Boulevard and Grand Central parkway, and the last is the Jamaica Town Hall site at Parsons Boulevard and Jamaica Ave.

Jamaica and central Queens Organizations are fighting to remove the county clerks register and surrogate’s office, as their community would be the potential designated civic center location and will undergo large delegation hearings soon. The Queens Civic Center Association is also fighting for the site at Elmhurst and is expected to have large delegations.

A bill was also passed for a sewer through a corner of the cedar Grove Cemetery at Flushing.

March 28, 1930 - To tell City of Queens Site for Civic Center

Meeting of the executive committee of the Queens civic center association was held in forest hills and the 216 organizations in Queens, on record, voting in favor of the construction of the Queens Civic Center at the Elmhurst site. They were urged to communicate with members of the board of estimate.

April 1, 1930 - Queens Civic Center Crowds Jam City Hall

Four Queens communities today held a meeting with no decision which would essentially propose the build of four municipal buildings estimated to cost eight million dollars.

All four sites were continuously proposed at this meeting, those who were the original 4 parental sites by borough president Harvey and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. With many arguments being made between which parental/city owned site is the best suited location.

Major Thomas Downs, President of the St. Albans Civic association mentions "Queens is not yet ready for a civic center, it needs streets, paving, sewers, parks and playgrounds first.

April 7, 1930 - Says Elmhurst Center Site Has Historical Background

Aside from the accessibility and transportation standpoint of the Elmhurst site, the Elmhurst site also has a significant historic background which can deem the site worthy of consideration.

The main Battle of Long Island was fought at the very site, and a short distance away from the barracks used by the British and American soldiers before the United States became a republic.

April 9, 1930 - Ask Transit Plans for Queens Center

Roland E. Beneville, spokesman for the ridge wood delegation said he has little interest in where the civic center is located, just if the location provides accessibility to all sections of the borough. He also mentions, the civic center should be their central point of Queens transit, for it to be reached from all parts of the borough. What needs to be reviewed, if the proposed subway routes already approved, conform with some of the ideas being thrown out there.

Borough president Harvey has spoken on the subject slightly regarding the Elmhurst site, as the Queens Boulevard Subway which is currently under construction would provide sufficient transportation.

Jamaica’s argument and plea for their site is based on banking and business buildings now located there and the indication that Jamaica is the true center of the borough. Civic groups there demanded last week the promised civil court buildings and retention of the existing buildings.

April 9, 1930 - Johnson, Queens Engineer, Given Old Moore Post

Andrew E. Johnson, chief engineer of highways in Queens, has been advanced in grade by Borough President Harvey.

April 12, 1930 - Civics Continue Plea for Subway on Sutphin Blvd

The Queens boulevard subway system has endured debate and discussion to extend southward along Sutphin Boulevard. But the board of estimate highly recommends their idea and choice of using the Van Wyck Boulevard route. Although the argument was proposed that Sutphin will serve more people than Van Wyck.

April 12, 1930 - 46 New Groups Back Elmhurst Center

Forty-six additional organizations joined the campaign to have the proposed civic center located at Queens and Nassau Boulevard, announced by Edward Stellges Jr., president of the Queens civic center association.

April 14, 1930 - Ask Engineers Group to Study Center Sites

To end the controversy of which site is the best, Mayor Walker will be asked to name a committee of engineers to co-operate with the members off the board of estimate in selecting the best suited site for the Civic center.

April 27, 1930 - Says Queens Civic Center Would Be Saving to City

Benjamin Braunstein, the architect who designed the plan for the proposed Queens civic center and is advocating for the Elmhurst site, stated the civic center would not only be an economical improvement, but also a means of inspiring the public to higher aims, better speech and manners and a wholesome respect for law.

May 14, 1930 - Urges Long Island City as Queens Civic Center Location

Long island city was urged as the site for the Queens civic center by Ambrose B. Acker at the regular luncheon meeting of the Rotary club of Queens Borough.

May 14, 1930 - Urges Long Island City as Queens Civic Center Location

Borough president Harvey surrendered to demands of Jamaica’s interests that courts at the county and the offices of the register and county clerk be in Jamaica.

Some time ago, he announced some interest in the flushing-hillcrest selection in the northern part of Queens on parental land. But last week, he agreed to the plea of the delegation for the erection of a courthouse in Jamaica and will house all courts of the state and county and administrative offices.

Groups back Halleran in the borough presidents plan in shifting in civic center plans. It was stated "if Jamaica gets something in the way of a municipal center, Long island city will want a project included into their neighborhoods as well, which will essentially evaporate the idea of a civic center.

Harvey states that it is wrong to place the municipal building in Jamaica, and it should be kept together along with the Civic center.

 

1931

April 20, 1931 - Queens Citizens Back Civic Center Site in Elmhurst

Borough president Harvey led the proponents for the Kissena Boulevard Parental school site between flushing and Jamaica. Although the Elmhurst site was said to cost four million and better located, at a geographical standpoint.

October 25, 1931 - Mr. Harvey's Plans

In a public building’s standpoint, for the civic center, Harvey plans on constructing between flushing and Jamaica, now owned by the board of education, a 10-story central courthouse in Jamaica to house all local lower jurisdictions. A new city prison to replace the old county jail in Long Island City, and a new county court which will have jurisdiction over all criminal cases.

With the completion of the municipal and magistrate’s courthouse at rockaway beach, the construction of a children's court at union hall, Jamaica have been adopted and a new municipal court at Long Island City, a new municipal court at Elmhurst, and municipal swimming pool in Jamaica.

October 31, 1931- Queensborough Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce plan was organized in 1911 and would continue for 20 years in its plan to promote the general welfare of the borough of Queens. It is mentioned undoubtedly that rapid transit is the magic key which will unlock the large, undeveloped areas in Queens and make them accessible to its residents. With many improvements and advancements in major highways which also connect in many similar areas where both the subway will offer connections in relation to where the Civic center can be located.

 

1933

 

January 29, 1933- 10 Point Plan for Jamaica’s Gain Launched

A ten-point program of activities for improvement of Jamaica was announced, and in these plans, included the potential Civic center for Jamaica through the completion of the federal Building, armory and the securing of the new courthouse, borough hall and other public buildings.

November 14, 1933 – Queens Civic Center Stirred Up Again

Harvey secured an eight-million-dollar federal load to propose the site for the civic center in Jamaica in the program of public works backed for the federal financing by the Jamaica chamber of commerce.

 

1934

March 9, 1934 – Charges Deal on Civic Center

Borough President George Harvey Challenged Joseph Rothman, president of the Jamaica lawyer’s association to go before the grand jury to back up the latter’s charges before the board of estimate on a tip that the Queens Civic center would be places in north Jamaica.

March 10, 1934 – Harveys Courts Jury Probe on Site Proposal

Borough president and his commissioner remain firm in their stand today that the city owned parental school property in north Jamaica to be used for the sire of the proposed Queens Civic center. They defined it as the most logical and most economical choice that the city could select. The main issue was the purchasing of lots purposely, by big real estate people, on the suspicion that the civic center would be located there. About 40 of the most valuable lots were purchased by Janet Grace, including another 150 lots were purchased north of the center site.

March 17, 1934 – Board Views Queens Sites with Harvey

On the 103 acres of parental school sites between flushing and Jamaica on Kissena boulevard was toured and favored by officials observing these sites. Because it was city owned, Harvey outlined its importance and labeled it at potential future growth. Harvey mentioned he would build a three story, no elevator buildings to comprise five buildings in all. Reason being, to save for an expensive foundation construction. Harvey mentioned, if a ten-acre site was elected, then it would be required to build a ten-story structure. He held that title to the property would revert to heirs of the original owner if used for any other purpose than educational in accordance with the will of the donor.

March 31, 1934 – Public Works in the Balance

With Mayor LaGuardia’s proposal of the subway construction, it mostly brings forward the reasoning of its construction, to the Queens Civic Center as the prime importance for depending on the federal government for money. With the required sum of construction amounting to 8 million dollars for the civic center, the city itself will have to provide the site since Washington does not lend money for the purchase of land. If there would have been an agreement by the towns, as to what site to use, it would have been easier to construct when the city had more money.

1935

April 18, 1935 – Opposition Aroused by Civic Center Pact

County judge Charles and Borough President George Harvey reached an agreement to support the parental school site in Flushing-Hillcrest as a location for the Queens Civic Center. Civic leaders from Queen and Jamaica denounced the agreement because “the center couldn’t be put in a worse spot than out there in the woods between flushing and Jamaica.” And the easiest place where this Civic Center might be better suited, would be in the center of Jamaica for accessibility. At this point, the same six other sites were still being discussed: Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Elmhurst, Long island city, and Woodside. Mayor LaGuardia has indicated unless an agreement on a site is reached within the next few weeks, this will officially be a lost federal project.

April 23, 1935 – Leaders Again Battling Over Queens Center

With the dispute of the center revived, just like in the 1930’s, the fight for a site has reoccurred within the borough of Queens. Harveys plan was to placate opposition from the Jamaica civic center and place it near a parental site near flushing while a new courthouse could at the same time be constructed in Jamaica. Since most of the courts are already located in Jamaica, most of the civic groups took to protesting the decision.

April 25, 1935 – Harveys Choice is Approved at Public Hearing

The Parental school property in Flushing-Hillcrest is the only site borough president Harvey is planning to recommend to mayor LaGuardia for the civic center after arguing of the advantages of the sites. Harvey would later announce to confer with the mayor regarding the proposed 15 million allocation of federal funds to erect the civic center on the city owned land in flushing hillcrest. Including the separate court houses being allocated in Jamaica. After many of the constant disputes, Harvey at one point announced to the mayor if no agreement was reached on a site, that any federal money which might be allocated to Queens, be spent for additional high school instead of a civic center. Joseph Coufal opposed the flushing hillcrest site, as it was far from all main transit routes, who than announced Kew Gardens as the ideal site.

April 30, 1395 – Parley with Mayor on Center Site Off

Conference between Mayor LaGuardia and County Judge Charles postponed. Judge Colden to submit a report on civic sentiment in Queens to place the civic center on grounds near parental school site in flushing hillcrest and courthouse in Jamaica.

May 1, 1935 – Urge 500 Civic Hears to Vote in Center Row

Civic leaders from many cities in Queens meet to propose their discussion with Mayor LaGuardia. LaGuardia leaves early from the meeting, leaving to discuss possibility for Jamaica location.

May 3, 1935 – Rule Park Site Out of Center

Jamaica site has been officially ruled out as one of the 6 possibilities for a civic center site. By LaGuardia and Judge Charles.

May 7, 1935 – Plenty of Dirt Hurled but None Dug from A Site In 30 Year Fight for a Civic Center

A torchlight parade was held in long island city, in protest for the flushing hillcrest site for the Queens Civic Center. No agreement has been reached on a site, but as been an ongoing issue for over 30 years.

May 23, 1935 – 88 Groups Vote on Center Site

Mayor LaGuardia was advised of the answers from 88 civic organizations voted to have any site located on the city subway line. Their tabulations showed that 69 opposed and 19 favored the parental school site, and 72 are in favor and 16 opposed any site on the city subway line, and 14 favor and 74 opposed placing the central courts building in one place, and the civic center in another.

June 28, 1935 – Harvey Claims Mayor Lacks Interest

During an interview when asked regarding his presentation plans for a 9-million-dollar civic center project, he accused mayor LaGuardia of showing little interest in the civic center, and Queens having no chance of getting any civic center at this time.

July 18, 1935 – Leaders of South Shore Groups Confident Parental Schools Site for Civic Center Killed

South shore civic leaders today are “laughing” at borough president Harvey, whose parental school site for the 10-million-dollar Queens Civic Center has been killed off.

**July 20, 1935 – Queens Boulevard Civic Center Asked

A delegation of leading citizens from Queens called on the controller Frank J. Taylor and urged him to support the selection of the Civic Center site in Queens, along the New York City subway line. At this point, the delegates expressed unyielding opposition to selection of a parental school site which was favored by borough president George Harvey and urged the choice of a site new Kew Gardens on Queens Boulevard.

August 1, 1935 – Native Born Urge New Center Site

An Astoria branch of the native-born society in Queens circulates a petition urging Elmhurst to be reconsidered as a site for the proposed Queens Civic Center site. The petition for this site is being organized among the north side of Queens, and other proposed campaigns of the organization include for a police department, erection of traffic lights, construction of parks and musical concert halls.

September 23, 1935 – ’39 World Fair on Queens Site Gets City’s Ok

With the integration of the World Fair being planned in Flushing park which comprises 1,003 acres of land, the acquisition of the remaining land, south of the park (which is made up of 20 acres) near Kew Gardens, have been reserved in the hopes that the Queensborough Civic Center, as a group of buildings, will be constructed here. Ideally, this would be the perfect site to integrate this project, as it will blend admirably with the park setting and will revert to the city after the fair and command the entire view of the valley north which is the entire Flushing park.

September 24, 1935 – Worlds Fair Plans Assured of Full Support

The board of estimate announced their stamp of approval on the project expected to cost around $40 million which will be invested into development of the park for the Worlds Fair. Anticipated by Robert Moses, he steps into the picture with the announcement of the development if the proposed tract of land from Flushing Bay to Kew Gardens, covering 1,003 acres of land, as Flushing Meadows. The commissioner announces that 1,100 acres in all probability would be available for the site, but the city owns 589 acres of that initial total, and Robert Moses declared the remainder would be procured through condemnation proceedings, predicting the cost would not be substantial.

Robert Moses describes this location for the World’s Fair as the “Ideal location and the only place in the city to pick for the fair”. He suggests the infill to be adopted from the existing ashes located at Rikers Island, and in areas that did not require infill, can be used as locations for permanent structures to be built on firm ground. By this, he also emphasizes the possibility of the establishment of the Queens Civic Center in the southern part of the tract, adjoining Kew Gardens and Flushing Park. Borough President Harvey immediately appoints a committee “as quickly as possible” to secure his and the boroughs, personal interests in the project.

Real estate and business see the potential realty jump in the area surrounding the Fair site and anticipate the great demand for business property and costs of all kinds along major motor arteries leading up to the Worlds Fair. Especially the Queens Boulevard route, Northern Boulevard, and Grand Central Parkway. A foreseeable boom in the area financially for modernization and construction.

 

1936

 

January 31, 1936 – McAneny Urges Civic Center in Kew Gardens Area – Views Queens as Enhances Exposition

Visualizing a “Queens Beautiful” as stated by George McAneny, president of the World’s Fair corporation, announced to the Kew Gardens board of trade at the Kew Gardens Inn that this project of the Worlds Fair will enhance the architecture of the city during its initial construction in 1939 and the aftereffects of architecture brought on by the fair for many years to come. He states “it is my personal conviction that in the immediate vicinity of this hill which overlooks the Worlds Fair site, a Civic Center, the finest in the world, could be developed, either part as the fair program, or as an aftermath. The permanent Flushing Meadow Park which will remain after the fair is over, would enhance the beauty of such a center.”

There was little doubt as to the potential of the World fair, as seen in multiple projections in the cities where it has initially been held in the past. Seeing substantial economic growth, revitalization and installation and repairs of major transportation arteries, and construction of major projects surround these previous World Fair Sites, such as in Chicago. The Chicago Far stood as an example of what people could do under depression conditions, and in Queens, it will stand as an example of what people can do during a time of recovery.

McAneny also cites the plans and improvements that were already under way, such as the Tri-Borough bridge, Midtown Tunnel, Queens Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, Astoria Boulevard, and the Grand Central Parkway extension, and 400 odd acres needed for the site and its rebuilding in time to permit the erection of the fair buildings.

March 2, 1936 – Politics and People

Joseph F. Coufal, of Forrest Hills, who is active in more Civic and political organizations, has been leading a movement to have the Queens Civic Center build in Kew Gardens, overlooking the World’s Fair site.

March 17, 1936 – Mayor Studies Queens Civic Center Plans

Mayor LaGuardia received a proposal for a Queens Civic Authority to be created by legislature to select a site which has been an issue for many years. Joseph F. Coufal of Kew Gardens and Forest Hills civic works and author of the proposal stated Senator Joseph D.  Nunan, was ready to introduce the bill creating the Authority if it met LaGuardia’s approval.

The bill explained that 3 commissioners would be selected without pay and would serve and appointed by the mayor. Although Coufal mentioned it would not be necessary for the commissioners to be residents of Queens, but he finished by stating it might be better if none of the three were Queens’s men. Thus, eliminating the substantial town sectional rivalries.

The entire project could be financed with a $7 million bond issue and need not to interfere with the general courts building in Jamaica, on which LaGuardia is determined to stat work at once.

At this point, Coufal has been active in the campaign to have the Civic Center built in Kew Gardens, but he stated today he would be willing to have the site determined by the members of the proposed authority.

**March 18, 1936 – Just Meddlers Seeking Own Glory, He Says

Borough President Harvey characterized those disrupting the process as meddlers and obstructionists. Those mainly being civic leaders who are denying the authorization of the Queens Civic Center authorization on the 105-acre city owned tract of the parental school site in Jamaica.

Harvey has a particular issue with Coufal essentially selling the public to the idea of having the Civic Center constructed on the tract at Queens Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway (methodology from the World’s Fair integration/opinion) but rather work for the construction of the project on the 105-acre site already owned by the city.

With legislation on the authority brought by the legislation chosen by LaGuardia, is predicted to soon sponsor a site. Mr. Harvey believed the choice should not be ultimately decided by this authority, and believes it should be sanctioned by the city, since it is a city enterprise and non-related to the state.

Ultimately, pointing the finger at Coufal, he describes him as the meddler and that most of the civics fighting for this site, just want this to be in their own back yards, while LaGuardia running with the considering proposal of creating this authority to bring a level playing field to the decision without bias. Harvey believes Coufal plan is to deliberately force the selection of the Kew Gardens site. Mr. Coufal originally retracts his statement made in the March 17^th article by saying “he is willing to forego the selection of the site at the Kew Gardens Tract in favor of any other the Authority may select”.

With all this undergoing at the time, north shore areas have been in support of Mr. Harvey in favor of his parental school site, while south side workers have been in support of Mr. Coufal fight for Kew Gardens.

July 19, 1936 – News Views

Mayor LaGuardia mentions the purchase of a site for a new courthouse in Queens. He stated Queens needs a civic center, and the new courthouse should be part of this center. Instead, located in a part of Jamaica that is not suitable for such a center.

August 8, 1936 – An Invitation to Mayor LaGuardia

With Mayor LaGuardia looking for a headquarters next summer, he gets extended a limited accommodation offer in Kew Gardens, including the run of the house and a 60x100 lot if he “feels the need for taking a short walk with numerous improvements that are needed for the site.

 

1937

 

April 18, 1937 – An Invitation to Mayor LaGuardia

Mayor LaGuardia recommended giving up the 48 acres and buildings on the old parental school site on Parsons Boulevard on the rout from Flushing to Jamaica. An appropriation of $434,000 for repairs with more than a million will be spent on further construction if the board of estimate approves. The land is spacious and has long been a focus of ambitions by civic workers, to designate the Civic Center. Or better known as a windy war over a Queens Civic Center.

The area of the parental school’s tie is said to be abandoned and contains an additional 55 acres not covered in the operation plans. It is expected that after the site has completed the route of transferal to the sinking funds commissioners and to the board of higher education, the rest will be improved for an elementary or high school.

 

1938

July 3, 1938 – Proposed Queens Boro Hall to Cost 12 Million

Artist rendered sketch of the proposed Queens Borough Hall estimating to me 12 million.

December 18, 1938 – Harvey Explains Stand on Civic Center Plan

Harvey explains, under no circumstance will Queens support the erection of a $1.2 million municipal building in Long Island City, as proposed by Mr. Dayton. It is highly inadequate and against everything Borough President Harvey and fought and stood for when it comes to the construction of the Civic Center and meeting the adequate demands of the citizens of Queens. He describes the misguided public officials and “narrow minded” community leaders as being the ones successful inside tracking the better thinking of most of the Queens Civic jamaWorkers and the initial plans to locate a Site.

This long fight as attracted the admiration of leading architects and planning groups across the country, weighting in on their opinions for a possible site for this Civic Center, that site being midway between Flushing and Jamaica which was nicknamed as the fastest growing place in the fasted growing borough in the world.

 

1939

November 12, 1939 – Queens Residents Back Harvey Plan for Civic Center

Queens’s residents in Forrest Hills and Kew Gardens section of the borough are solidly behind Borough President George Harvey in his decision to locate the new Borough Hall at Kew Gardens, thus finally ending a controversy which has spanned over 40 years. The present offices being used in long island city, spanning this long controversy estimated about $5 Million in the past ten years just spent on rent.

The site selection was decided on a site planning perspective, since it is overlooking the world’s fair like, the site was ideal as it is in the center of transportation facilities of the borough. The subway line passes right by the site and the bus lines converge at the site of the Civic Center.

The proposed building is estimated to cost $2.34 Million and calls for a two-story frontage on Queens Boulevard and six stories in the rear due to the steep grade towards Flushing Meadow Park. The structure will be a red brick colonial building with limestone trim and could be completed in about a year and a half. The assurance of such a grand geographical decision in the center of Queens, will assure the continuance of the economic growth in the area with new apartment buildings and private homes constructed in the forest hills and Kew gardens area.

November 30, 1939 – Queens Waits City’s O.K. On New Boro Hall Plan

Approval by the Board of Estimate of a 10-Acre site at Queens Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway and Union Turnpike was being sought out by Borough president Harvey to promptly send out contracts for the foundation work. Which could be done by January. Map changes for the initial site were approved by the city planning commission. The project is set at three stories high and 600 feet long with an early colonial style and red brick façade.

December 15, 1939 – Greek Style Approved for Queens Boro Hall

Modified Greek revival is the chosen style for the proposed Queens Borough Hall, approved by the Municipal Art Commission.

 

1940

January 3, 1940 – Harvey Plans Speedy Action on Boro Hall

Board of estimate approves plans and authorization of acquisition of land for the new Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens. Plans to transfer borough offices by October 1^st was initiated, the date upon which the lease for the present borough hall in long island city will expire.

February 2, 1940 – Queens Borough Hall

Board of Estimate concludes resolution, approving the form of contract and plans for Queens Borough Hall.

February 22, 1940 – City to Sell Realty

The city of NY, through the board of transportation, will put to auction on March 7, 1940 tin the Real Estate Exchange a block front located on the north west side of the 78^th crescent, between Queens Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway, opposite of the Queens Civic Center, part of the unused acreage acquired earlier by the city.

February 25, 1940 – Public Auction of Land

The sale of 86,014 square feet of land opposite the Civic Center.

March 2, 1940 – Queens Boro Hall Contract Awarded

The Board of Estimate awarded to the contract of the construction for the new Queens borough hall to the Manhattan firm O’Driscoll & Grove, Inc. for $856,600 The work must be completed by December 15, and if delayed, the city will be required to pay more for two additional months. A total of ten bids were places for this project.

 

GROUND BROKEN FOR CIVIC CENTER

March 1940

July 24, 1940 – $485,000 Award for Queens Site

Awards Totaling $485 for property taken by the city as a site for the new Queens Borough hall located at 78^th Avenue and Forrest Hills.

August 22, 1940 – The New Queens Boro Hall

Mayor LaGuardia and Borough President Harvey find themselves in agreement which is news to the city. By now, the Queens Borough Hall is half completed at 78^th Street and Forest hills which they both declared was a good investment. After 10 years of battling for a site, the controversy as finally ended.

 

CIVIC CENTER COMPLETED (NOVEMBER 15, 1940)

December 5, 1940 – 4,000 At Opening of Queens Boro Hall

Queens Boro Hall at the corner of Union Turnpike and Kew Gardens was formally opened and greeted with more than 4,000 people with a buffet. The structure is a four-story building fronting on Queens Boulevard, ground was broken in March and completed on November 15.

December 23, 1940 – Plans for Future Seen for Queens in Land Purchase

The city planning commission expressed approval of the purchase of 17 acres of property at the research of the new borough hall in Kew Gardens. The land will cost $300,000, but with the purchase underway, no development work will commence at the present time. But Borough president Harvey hopes to see the accomplishment of the plans soon.

The move to purchase the land at the time was to assure the future development of Kew Gardens as the Civic Center of Queens and because the area in question was being “eyed”.

(Extension for Civic Center, Parking Lot)