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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Shanel Thomas-Henry, Lifelong Resident of Corona East Elmhurst
2:57:27
ยท
147 sec
Shanel Thomas-Henry, a lifelong resident of Corona East Elmhurst, expresses strong support for the Metropolitan Park project. She highlights the project's potential to create jobs, support small businesses, and provide significant community benefits.
- The project is expected to generate at least 23,000 union jobs, including 6,000 permanent positions.
- The development team has committed to a 30% minority and women business participation goal and has programs to support small business involvement.
- A $1 billion community benefits program includes improvements to public spaces, transportation infrastructure, and support for local organizations and vendors.
Shanel Thomas-Henry
2:57:27
Good afternoon, counsel, and thank you for this opportunity to speak.
2:57:32
My name is Chanel Thomas Henry, and I've been a lifelong resident of Corona East Elmhurst right next to this project site.
2:57:38
I stand here as a wife, a mother, and a dedicated community advocate, and I support Metropolitan Park.
2:57:45
During this time of national uncertainty, the creation of jobs is crucial as this project is expected to generate at least 23 union 23,000 union jobs with a minimum of 6,000 permanent jobs that will benefit our local families.
2:58:01
Alongside job creation, the team has collaborated to provide free health care, and jobs aren't merely a concept or a checking of the box.
2:58:11
They've already reached out to several of our nonprofits throughout the city to start training residents and individuals from our communities to make sure that they're fully equipped to get these jobs.
2:58:24
For small businesses, which are the lifeblood of New York and a key factor in creating generational wealth, the team has committed to at least 30% minority and women business goals.
2:58:36
But in addition to that, have developed programs aimed at building capacity and securing funding for small businesses that often struggle to compete in large scale projects like this.
2:58:46
This initiative aims to eliminate barriers to participation.
2:58:52
Lastly, the community benefits program, a $1,000,000,000 initiative, will establish a Queens food hall providing small vendors with a safe year round venue to sell their goods, provide resources to our community based organizations during these uncertain times, supporting groups that deliver essential services to our underserved populations.
2:59:14
Enhancing public spaces such as parks and recreational areas and the much needed overhaul of Metz Willett's Point 7 train station, making it ADA accessible and improving transportation connectivity to encourage sustainable commuting options and reduce traffic congestion in our neighborhoods.
UNKNOWN
2:59:33
Thank you.
2:59:34
Time's expired.
Shanel Thomas-Henry
2:59:34
I'm wrapping up.
2:59:36
An ordinary project, it is a transformative effort focused on comprehensive community engagement, job creation, support for small businesses, and enhancements to public spaces and transportation.
2:59:47
This project sets a new standard for urban development that prioritizes people and our inviter environment.
2:59:53
Thank you for your time.