Queens could get new convention center

As politicians debate the future of the Javits Center on Manhattan’s Far West Side, another controversial site in Queens could become the home of a new convention center. The public review process is about to begin for Willets Point, and the city’s ambitious plans call for a convention center with up to 400,000 square feet. Plans also call for 5,500 housing units, 1.8 million square feet of retail space and 500,000 square feet of office space. A Queens convention center could offer a less congested site for boat shows and larger trade shows.