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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Larry Gallegos, Member of the Public
3:00:00
ยท
83 sec
Larry Gallegos, a lifelong Queens resident, speaks in strong support of the Queen's Future/Metropolitan Park proposal. He argues that the project represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community and criticizes opponents as outsiders who don't understand local needs.
- Gallegos refutes allegations of personal financial interest in the project
- He praises Steve Cohen's team for investing in the community and questions the feasibility of alternative proposals
- Gallegos emphasizes his local roots and promises to continue fighting for the project, which he believes the community and borough deserve
Larry Gallegos
3:00:00
Good afternoon, everyone.
3:00:01
My name is Larry Gallegos.
3:00:03
My wife and I are lifelong Queens residents and hope our two kids can one day stay the same.
3:00:07
Really quickly, I'll address the offensive allegations made by a previous speaker.
3:00:11
No.
3:00:11
I have no business interest or personal financial gains from this project.
3:00:15
I think it's clear here that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our community, which is why most of us are here.
3:00:20
Yes.
3:00:20
Steve Cohen and his team have invested in the surrounding community, but isn't that what we have ultimately asked of our corporate partners?
3:00:26
I'd much rather ask the Elmcores of the world what is best for this community whose leadership comes from the neighborhood and not from outsiders who have provided no legitimate, keyword being legitimate alternative.
3:00:36
One speaker said on one hand that the city can't meet ADA requirements, and then on the other saying that a park can be filled with city funds.
3:00:42
Make up your mind.
3:00:43
Even if the lease for the parking lot wasn't there and you believe that the city could fund the project of this magnitude, I have a bridge to sell you if you believe that.
3:00:50
We've seen this play out before.
3:00:52
Certain people come into our communities and try to tell us what is best for us.
3:00:56
I think I speak for a lot of folks here when I say we are tired of it.
3:00:59
I've actually hung out on 100 Third, who went to the movies when the theater was there, got my haircuts at 01:04 at 01:04, eaten at La Cavana.
3:01:06
I'm from this community.
3:01:08
For the professional agitators who wanna stand in the way of progress, I promise you that we you will find us at every turn.
3:01:14
We will not be ignored anymore, and I will continue to fight for this project because our community deserves it, and our borough deserves it.
3:01:20
Thank you, council members.
3:01:21
I humbly ask that you support this project.