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Case Study News Summary

This is a news summary generated by the GovWire AI engine for the Queens Community Board 3 meeting that took place on November 21, 2024. This news product was generated for our client Epicenter NYC. Epicenter NYC chose to use this product in their coverage of the meeting. For more information about the case study and to see other GovWire news products that were generated, please click the button below. 

Queens Community Board 3 Meeting Briefing Doc - November 21, 2024

Main Topic: Public Hearing and Vote on the Proposed "Queens Future" / "Metropolitan Park" Development Project by the New York Mets and Hard Rock International

 

Key Themes

  • Land Use and Redevelopment: The project centers on transforming 50 acres of asphalt parking lots surrounding Citi Field.

  • Public Park Creation: A key element is the development of a 25-acre public park, touted as rectifying Robert Moses' historical use of the land as a parking lot despite zoning it as parkland.

  • Economic Development and Job Creation: The project promises significant economic benefits, including jobs, infrastructure improvements, and revitalization of the surrounding area.

  • Casino Inclusion: The project's financing hinges on securing one of three downstate casino licenses and developing an 88,000 sq ft gaming facility. This element is a major point of contention.

  • Community Engagement and Concerns: While the developers highlight extensive community engagement, residents express concerns about potential negative impacts of a casino, including addiction, crime, and gentrification.

 

Important Facts

  • Project Partners: New York Mets, owned by Steve Cohen, and Hard Rock International

  • Project Scope: 25-acre public park, 88,000 sq ft casino, music hall, hotel, convention space, parking garages

  • Financial Model: Privately funded contingent on securing a casino license

  • Community Benefits: Proposed park, parking infrastructure, job creation, ongoing community engagement, potential for additional benefits

 

Key Quotes

  • Mike Sullivan (Chief of Staff, NY Mets): “The bottom line of what we're going to present to you tonight is a proposal to take the 50 acres of asphalt parking lots around city field…and take those asphalt parking lots. Take half of the land, 25 acres and transform it into a brand new New York City Public Park.”

  • Julisa Ferreras (Community Engagement Consultant): "every part of this project is looking for other opportunities to continue to hear the Community throughout the process until…we're able to open the doors."

  • Architect: "How many times do you have the opportunity to right the wrongs of Robert Moses?"

  • Resident opposing casino: “It's very concerning this casino plan…I grew up…where…several large casinos were built…[and witnessed] how these projects can cause harm to the communities around them.”

  • Paul (Hard Rock International): "our business is not premised on addiction and it's not good for our business. People who lose their money lose their homes, lose their relationships, are not long term customers."

  • Resident supporting project: “This is an opportunity for us to take a stand as a community and change the way development is done in New York City.”

  • Resident opposing project: “They are temporary…public land has been handed to billionaires and to large corporations who use our public resources to line their pockets.”

  • Tom Grech (Queens Chamber of Commerce): “I don't have the piece of vinegar that the other speakers have. I’m here to tell you that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something special for our community.”

 

Outcome

  • The Community Board voted to approve the City Map Amendment (26 yes, 8 no, 3 abstain) and the Zoning Map Amendment (27 yes, 8 no, 3 abstain) for the proposed "Queens Future" project.

  • This approval allows the developers to move forward with the application process for a casino license and other necessary approvals.

 

Next Steps

  • The developers will continue to engage with the community and refine their plans.

  • The project will be subject to further review and approval by various city and state agencies.

 

 

Note: This briefing document provides a summary of the meeting and does not capture all perspectives or nuances of the discussion. It is essential to review the full meeting transcript for a comprehensive understanding.

©2024 by GovWire

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