Queens Borough President Recommends Conditional Approval of Metropolitan Park Development
Background
The proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park development, located adjacent to Citi Field, has received conditional approval from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. The project, led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment, aims to convert a 50-acre parking lot into an entertainment complex with a casino, shops, restaurants, and a 25-acre public park.
Conditional Approval
Richards announced his conditional approval of the Metropolitan Park proposal, citing the potential positive impact on the local community. The Borough President emphasized that the project’s success is dependent on the fulfillment of several conditions, including:
- A written commitment to all community benefits outlined during the ULURP process
- The creation of a Community Advisory Board to ensure the realization of community benefits
- A framework for revenue earmarking for maintenance and capital projects within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
- A commitment to 30% minority and women-owned business hiring and contracting
- Quarterly reports on local hiring to surrounding community boards
- Culturally competent outreach to Queens street vendors and assistance in securing space within the Taste of Queens food hall
- Terms and conditions for the "CommUNITY Passport" program, which promotes and supports local businesses across Queens
Community Feedback
The proposal has received mixed feedback from the community. While some residents have expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of a casino, others have praised the project’s potential to bring jobs and economic growth to the area.
Next Steps
The Metropolitan Park proposal will now go to the City Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor’s office as part of the ULURP process. The City Planning Commission will vote on the zoning amendments before the proposal goes before the City Council for a vote.
Conclusion
The conditional approval of the Metropolitan Park proposal marks an important step forward for the project. However, it is crucial that the Borough President’s conditions are met to ensure that the project benefits the local community. As the proposal moves forward, it will be important to continue engaging with the community and addressing concerns about the potential impacts of the development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Metropolitan Park proposal?
A: The Metropolitan Park proposal is a $8 billion development project that aims to convert a 50-acre parking lot into an entertainment complex with a casino, shops, restaurants, and a 25-acre public park.
Q: Who is behind the Metropolitan Park proposal?
A: The project is led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment.
Q: What is the potential impact of the Metropolitan Park proposal on the local community?
A: The proposal has the potential to bring jobs and economic growth to the area, as well as provide community benefits such as a 25-acre public park and a community facility space.
Q: What are the conditions for the conditional approval of the Metropolitan Park proposal?
A: The conditions include a written commitment to all community benefits outlined during the ULURP process, the creation of a Community Advisory Board, and a framework for revenue earmarking for maintenance and capital projects within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, among others.
