Queens Community Board 3 Approves Metropolitan Park Development
Meeting Turns Heated as Opponents Raise Concerns
Queens Community Board 3 voted overwhelmingly to approve modifications to zoning regulations for the planned $8 billion Metropolitan Park development at a fiery monthly meeting at Queens Public Library (QPL) Langston Hughes Thursday night.
Background
The proposed development area is an asphalt parking lot, but it is legally designated as city parkland, meaning zoning text and city map amendments must be approved before the project can proceed. The Metropolitan Park proposal, led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment, would convert the 50-acre parking lot west of Citi Field into an entertainment complex with a casino as its centerpiece.
Community Board Vote
CB 3 became the fifth and final relevant community board to vote in favor of the proposal, voting 26-8 in favor of the amendment with three abstentions. CBs 6, 7, 8, and 9 already voted overwhelmingly in favor of the amendments, while CB 4 – the only other community district deemed "adjacent" to the project – delayed its vote until after the 60-day review period outlined in New York City’s ULURP process.
Next Steps
The proposal will next go to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for an advisory review on December 5 before going to the City Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor’s office as part of the ULURP process. Richards is a strong supporter of the Metropolitan Park proposal.
Opposition
Opponents to the Metropolitan Park proposal raised concerns about the project, stating that the development hinges on bringing a casino to a working-class neighborhood and arguing that such a development would negatively impact vulnerable people in the community, such as people with gambling addictions. Others stated that the 50-acre parcel earmarked for the project is public land and, as such, would be better served as a site for future affordable housing projects.
Support
Those in favor of the project argued that the Metropolitan Park proposal would bring thousands of union jobs to a working-class community as well as convert an asphalt parking lot into a public park. They also pointed to the fact that the developers have promised to make the Willets Point subway station ADA accessible as part of the project.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Park proposal has faced opposition from some community members, but the Queens Community Board 3 has voted in favor of the project. The proposal will now move forward to the next stages of the ULURP process. While some have raised concerns about the impact of the casino on the community, others believe that the project will bring much-needed jobs and economic development to the area.
FAQs
Q: What is the Metropolitan Park proposal?
A: The Metropolitan Park proposal is a planned $8 billion development that would convert a 50-acre parking lot west of Citi Field into an entertainment complex with a casino as its centerpiece.
Q: Why is the community board voting on this proposal?
A: The community board is voting on the proposal because it is a zoning text and city map amendment that requires approval before the project can proceed.
Q: What are the concerns about the proposal?
A: Some community members have raised concerns about the impact of the casino on the community, including the potential for gambling addiction and the displacement of low-income residents.
Q: What are the benefits of the proposal?
A: The proposal is expected to bring thousands of union jobs to the community and convert an asphalt parking lot into a public park. The developers have also promised to make the Willets Point subway station ADA accessible as part of the project.
Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The proposal will next go to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for an advisory review on December 5 before going to the City Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor’s office as part of the ULURP process.
