citymeetings.nyc

Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Joseph Datko, Member of the Public, on Queen's Future/Metropolitan Park proposal

2:28:01

·

78 sec

Video Player is loading.

Current TimeÂ 0:00

DurationÂ 3:11:39

Loaded: 0%

Stream TypeÂ LIVE

Remaining TimeÂ 3:11:39

Â

Joseph Datko testifies in opposition to the Queen's Future/Metropolitan Park proposal, characterizing it as a "shakedown" and urging the City Council to exercise independent judgment. He questions the representativeness of community boards, and expresses skepticism about the project's benefits.

Criticizes the proposal as essentially demanding land or threatening to keep it as a parking lot
Questions the representativeness of community board support, noting board members are appointed, not elected
Urges City Council members to consider the proposal on its own merits, rather than deferring to state authorities
Believes that most of Community District 3 where he is opposes the project

Joseph Datko

2:28:01

Thank you.

2:28:01

And pardon my voice.

2:28:03

I'm having a bit of a medical experience today.

2:28:07

I've heard Sully give this pitch many times now, and it seems like each edition, the veneer comes off a little bit more to expose the essence of it, which is give us this land or it's going to stay a parking lot for the next eighty years.

2:28:24

This is a shakedown.

2:28:26

And the supposed consensus

Francisco Moya

2:28:29

on the part

Joseph Datko

2:28:29

of the community boards doesn't really represent since, those positions are appointed and not elected.

2:28:38

The city council, however, is elected, and, I would like to implore you to exercise some judgment and, take some pride in your role to, not fall victim to a shakedown and to not, meekly deflect responsibility to well, it's the state gaming commission or it's the state legislature.

2:29:00

Please consider the issue before you on its own merits.

2:29:05

And, I will submit further written comments as well, but, I am opposed, and I believe most of Community District 3 where I am shares this sentiment.

2:29:17

Thank you for your time.

← Previous Chapter

Testimony by Eddie Valentin, Business Owner of Friend's Tavern, on Queen's Future/Metropolitan Park proposal

Next Chapter →

Testimony by Cody Herman, Community Board 7 Member, on Queen's Futures Proposal