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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Joseph Datko, Member of the Public, on Queen's Future/Metropolitan Park proposal
2:28:01
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78 sec
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.