Epicenter is part of a cohort of publishers sharing tools and practices around generative artificial intelligence, supported through a grant from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. The summary below was generated using GovWire, which monitors public meetings and leverages AI to generate transcripts, articles, podcasts and other content. We checked quotes against the transcript and original recording of the three-hour meeting, available on YouTube. This story also was copy edited by a human.
A community board in Queens held a hearing last week about a proposal to redevelop the area around Citi Field, including the addition of a casino on parkland. Community Board 3, which represents Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and North Corona, approved the plan.
That has prompted a renewed outcry among some residents who don’t want a casino anywhere near them, as they raise concerns over parking, congestion and gambling addiction. To be sure, other residents and organizations spoke in favor of the development, which has been dubbed Metropolitan Park, for the unionized jobs, park space, community investment and connectivity it represents between the stadium and nearby neighborhoods.
The future of the project is in limbo as State Senator Jessica Ramos, who represents Queens’ District 13, has said she opposes the casino and will not introduce legislation that would essentially rezone the area. The state legislature would still need to approve the use of parkland for the redevelopment. Ramos says an effort is underway to find senators okay with a casino as a part of it.
In an interview with Epicenter, she said the community’s outcry, “would have been really helpful a year ago. It’s all been very unorthodox. Part of the issue is that I’m the only local official who has said no.” She encouraged residents who have not felt heard to contact local officials. (More on that here in this Queens Eagle article on next steps.)
Below is a summary of the meeting, held Thursday. Before you dive in, here are some previous Epicenter stories on this proposal:
- The stereotype of the Asian gambler
- Why gambling addiction is becoming an issue in Steve Cohen’s casino proposal
- Queens residents sound off at a visioning session
SUMMARY
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 square-foot 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 square-foot 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, Point72, the hedge fund founded by Steven Cohen, who owns the 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.”
- Julissa Ferreras (Community Engagement Consultant, former NYC Council member): “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 Pellizzari (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: “Public land has been handed to billionaires and to large corporations who use our public resources to line their pockets.”
- Tom Grech (President/CEO of Queens Chamber of Commerce): “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.
