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REMARKS
Council Member Francisco Moya expresses support for Metropolitan Park project
0:06:39
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Council Member Francisco Moya delivers remarks in support of the Metropolitan Park project, emphasizing its potential economic benefits for Queens and New York City. He outlines the project's key features, including job creation, community involvement, and the transformation of underutilized space into a world-class destination.
- Moya stresses the project's commitment to union jobs, diversity in hiring, and opportunities for local residents and businesses.
- He highlights the collaborative effort between Steve Cohen, Hard Rock International, and community leaders in shaping the project.
- Moya views the project as a transformative opportunity to create an economic engine that complements existing and future developments in the area.
Francisco Moya
0:06:39
Good morning.
0:06:40
Good morning, and thank you, chair Reilly, for the opportunity to share a few words, about the project before us today because it has a potential to boost the economy of the borough Of Queens and the city as a whole.
0:06:52
Throughout my career in public service, my priority has been to support initiatives that truly reflect our community's needs and strengthen our local economy.
0:07:01
When it when I was approached about the proposal for Metropolitan Park, a new sports, entertainment, and recreational destination envisioned by the New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, I made it clear that I would only support the project if it was if it genuinely served our community.
0:07:18
This project is about more than building a new venue.
0:07:21
It's about creating lasting job opportunities, transforming this area into a world class destination, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights.
0:07:31
Metropolitan Park will provide a % union jobs in both the construction and operations of the project, following the model that was established in Ethiad Park at Willits Point.
0:07:42
There's also a firm commitment to diversity and local hiring with contracts for minority and women owned businesses and opportunities for local residents.
0:07:51
Community involvement has been a part of this plan.
0:07:54
Mr.
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Cohen and Hard Rock International have actively engaged with community leaders and shown real dedication to partnership with local organizations.
0:08:03
I also emphasize the importance of not overshadowing the current and future developments that will help Queen's become a premier destination.
0:08:12
I am pleased to say that mister Cohen and the Hard Rock International have worked diligently to address these priorities Together through ongoing dialogue with mister Cohen, local leaders, and residents, we've crafted a vision that truly serves the borough of Queens.
0:08:26
So I genuinely support the vision that includes a vibrant community, centered sports entertainment and recreation destination complete with new open spaces, entertainment venues, a hotel and a gaming facility.
0:08:39
Like I mentioned before, it's a transformative plan that could significantly boost our community and city's economy.
0:08:46
So with the development of Willets Point and Metropolitan Park, we have a once in a lifetime chance to create a world class destination that will benefit not only Queens, but all of New York.
0:08:56
And by transforming these underutilized parking lots into dynamic into a dynamic hub, for commerce and entertainment, mister Cohen and the Hard Rock International have demonstrated their commitment, to the best interest of Queens and New York City, where we can create an economic engine that will draw visitors year round, enhancing the experience for millions who come to Citi Field, the USTA Center, and the soon to be New York City Football Club first state of the art soccer stadium.
0:09:25
So I am looking forward to having a robust and in-depth conversation about this project here today with the applicants, and I thank you, chair, and my colleagues for the opportunity to speak here today.