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Council Member Francisco Moya advocates for Metropolitan Park project in Queens
0:04:03
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Council Member Francisco Moya presents his support for the Metropolitan Park project in Queens, emphasizing its potential to boost the local economy and create job opportunities. He highlights the project's commitment to union jobs, diversity in hiring, and community engagement.
- The project is a collaboration between New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International
- It includes plans for sports entertainment, recreational facilities, open spaces, a hotel, and a gaming facility
- Moya stresses the project's potential to transform underutilized parking lots into a world-class destination
Francisco Moya
0:04:03
Thank you, chair Salamanca, and to my colleagues for the opportunity to share a few words about the project before us today because it has the potential to boost the economy of the Borough Of Queens and the city as a whole.
0:04:15
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.
0:04:23
So when I was approached about the proposal for Metropolitan Park, a new sports entertainment and recreational destination envisioned by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and the Hard Rock International, I made it clear that I would only support the project if it genuinely served our community.
0:04:39
This project is about more than building a new venue, it's about creating lasting job opportunities, transforming this area into a world class destination, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights.
0:04:51
Metropolitan Park will provide 100% union jobs in both construction and operations, following the model that we established at Etihad Park in Willets Point.
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There's also a firm commitment to diversity and local hiring with contracts for, MWBE enterprises and opportunities for our local residents.
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Community involvement has been a part of this plan.
0:05:15
Mister Cohen and the Hard Rock International have, actively engaged with community leaders and shown real dedication to partnerships with local organizations.
0:05:24
I also emphasize the importance of not overshadowing the current and future development that will help Queen's become a premier destination.
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And I am pleased to say that mister Cohen and the Hard Rock International have worked diligently to address these priorities.
0:05:37
Together, through our ongoing dialogue with mister Cohen, local leaders, and residents, we crafted a vision that truly serves Queen's.
0:05:44
So I genuinely support a vision that includes a vibrant community centered sports entertainment and recreational destination complete with new open spaces, entertainment venues, a hotel, and a gaming facility.
0:05:56
Like I mentioned before, it's a transformative plan that could significantly boost our community and city's economy.
0:06:03
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 City.
0:06:13
By transforming these underutilized parking lots into a dynamic hub for recreation, commerce, entertainment, Mister Cohen and the Hard Rock International have demonstrated their commitment to the best interest of Queens and New York City.
0:06:25
We can create an economic engine that will draw visitors year round, enhancing the experience for millions who come to Citi Field, the USTA, and the soon to be New York City Football Club first state of the art soccer stadium.
0:06:37
If we pass on this opportunity, we're choosing to let valuable land remain underutilized, limiting the future growth and potential for Queens.
0:06:44
Let's not let that happen, and I ask my colleagues to please vote in the affirmative.
0:06:49
Thank you.