Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Elizabeth Bian, former employee of Queensborough President office and district attorney's office, on Metropolitan Park proposal
3:01:31
·
123 sec
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.
3:01:39
So thank you for giving me this time to testify for Metropolitan Park.
3:01:43
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.
3:02:07
It will be a park I will be very proud to introduce to my friends from all over the world.
3:02:13
This is not a one person decision.
3:02:15
It is a collective effort involving thousands of hours of community input and professional work.
3:02:22
So the team led by Sully deserve a plus for this.
3:02:26
The park is multifunctional.
3:02:28
The most controversial aspect is the gaming casino.
3:02:32
The argument that the casino will bring gambling addiction and other crimes does not hold.
3:02:38
First of all, how many people have not been to a casino?
3:02:41
Maybe a handful.
3:02:43
But how many have become addicted to it?
3:02:46
Maybe one percent or less.
3:02:48
So a well managed place with quality services and businesses won't be a bed of crime.
3:02:55
On the contrary, a neglected land is more likely to nurture negative things.
3:03:01
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.
3:03:11
Not many more.
3:03:12
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.