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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Elizabeth Bian, former employee of Queensborough President office and district attorney's office, on Metropolitan Park proposal

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Elizabeth Bian, a former employee of the Queensborough President office and district attorney's office, testifies in support of the Metropolitan Park proposal. She argues that the project will transform Queens and provide world-class recreational areas using private funds, dismissing concerns about potential negative impacts of the casino.

Bian emphasizes the project's potential to become a landmark in Queens, comparable to other notable sites in the borough.
She argues against concerns about gambling addiction and crime, stating that a well-managed casino is unlikely to foster negative outcomes.
Bian urges a "yes" vote on the Queen's future plan of Metropolitan Park, expressing strong support for the vision and investment in Queens.

Elizabeth Bian

3:01:31

So my name is Elizabeth Bien.

3:01:33

I used to work for the Queensborough President office and district attorney's office.

3:01:37

Now I'm working for a nonprofit in Queens.

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So thank you for giving me this time to testify for Metropolitan Park.

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I attended a couple of presentations, and it was an eye opening experience to see a project that can transform the borough and the city we live in.

3:01:53

Metropolitan Park will utilize private funds to provide the public with a world class creation area, including parks, hotels, restaurants, a modern subway station, and many, many more.

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It will be a park I will be very proud to introduce to my friends from all over the world.

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This is not a one person decision.

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It is a collective effort involving thousands of hours of community input and professional work.

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So the team led by Sully deserve a plus for this.

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The park is multifunctional.

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The most controversial aspect is the gaming casino.

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The argument that the casino will bring gambling addiction and other crimes does not hold.

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First of all, how many people have not been to a casino?

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Maybe a handful.

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But how many have become addicted to it?

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Maybe one percent or less.

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So a well managed place with quality services and businesses won't be a bed of crime.

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On the contrary, a neglected land is more likely to nurture negative things.

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So if I ask you to name a few landmarks in Queens, you might mention the remnants of the world fell from a hundred years ago, the Union Fell, or the US Open.

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Not many more.

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So let's vote yes to Queen's future plan of Metropolitan Park as our next landmark in Queen's history.

3:03:20

The generation will be so grateful for the vision and the investment in Queen's.

3:03:25

So thank you for your time and consideration.

3:03:28

Again, I want to express my strong support for Metropolitan Park.

3:03:33

So thank you so much.

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Testimony by Isaac Carmignani, Member of Queens Community Board 4