Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michael DeValera, Chair of Neighborhood Advisory Board 3, Treasurer of Dory Miller Co-op, and Former Member of Queens CB 3 on Metropolitan Park proposal
1:46:11
ยท
111 sec
Michael DeValera, a community organizer from Corona, Queens, passionately advocates for the Metropolitan Park proposal, describing it as a transformative project that will bring significant benefits to the neighborhood. He paints a vivid picture of the proposed development and urges council members to support it.
- The speaker envisions Metropolitan Park as a 20-acre vibrant community hub with parks, sports fields, restaurants, a theater, and a hotel.
- He emphasizes the creation of 6,000 permanent union wage jobs and 23,000 initial construction jobs.
- DeValera frames the project as an opportunity to right historical wrongs and invest in a neglected neighborhood.
Michael DeValera
1:46:11
Good morning, council members.
1:46:12
My name is Michael DiVallera, a resident of Corona Queens, Community Organizer, Chair of Neighborhood Advisory Board three, treasurer of Dory Miller Co op, former CB three executive board member, and an associate of various affordable housing advocacies.
1:46:30
My guiding principle is how to make New York City better and how we can leave a positive legacy.
1:46:36
Let's take this moment to embark upon a thought experiment.
1:46:40
In fact, let's say it's a journey into the future.
1:46:43
A future, mind you, that is epic, transformative, and well within our reach.
1:46:49
Let's give it a name so it's easy for us to recall.
1:46:52
Metropolitan Park.
1:46:55
Close your eyes.
1:46:57
Picture a vibrant 20 acre park where families gather, where children play on new sports fields, where neighbors meet over meals at local restaurants and food courts.
1:47:07
Imagine a thriving community hub with a theater, a hotel, a new ADA compliant subway station, making Flushing Meadows Park more accessible.
1:47:17
6,000 permanent union wage jobs, 23,000 initial construction jobs.
1:47:22
Can you see the future now?
1:47:24
I'm speaking of a future where there is hope for our young people, a future where in the blink of an eye, some historical wrongs can be righted, a neighborhood renewed, an iconic landmark created.
1:47:38
This isn't just about development.
1:47:40
It's about purpose.
1:47:41
It's about opportunity.
1:47:43
It's about investing in a neighborhood that has long deserved more and yet has been woefully neglected.
1:47:50
Can you feel the future nudging us?
1:47:52
Metropolitan Park is in your hands.
1:47:55
It's here.
1:47:57
It's now.
1:47:58
Council members, let's build it.
1:48:01
Thank you.