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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kareem Holmes, Founder/CEO of Big City Tourism
2:35:07
·
127 sec
Kareem Holmes, founder and CEO of Big City Tourism, expresses support for the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, particularly the Wynn casino development. He emphasizes the economic benefits and job creation potential of the project.
- Holmes, a black business owner from the Lower East Side, operates his tourism business in the Hudson Yards area
- He argues that the proposal will bring opportunities, create union jobs, and support small businesses
- Holmes highlights the long-term benefits, including housing, green space, and a community benefit package
Kareem Holmes
2:35:07
Hello.
2:35:08
My name is Kareem Holmes.
2:35:09
I'm the president, founder, CEO of Big City Tourism, the first black owned SICIAN business and probably the only black owned SICIAN business in the Hudson Yards area.
2:35:20
I'm originally from the Lower East Side Of Manhattan, born and raised in the projects of the Lower East Side, Jacob Rees.
2:35:27
I recently, in the last four years, developed my my small business and I operate out of Pier 78, which is on the West Side in Hudson Yards.
2:35:38
It's been a great experience of being able to, create my small business and change the lives of many people.
2:35:46
What I do understand the this whole process because I was on the community side when I was in the Low East Side and experienced a lot of the gentrification and big businesses coming into build.
2:35:59
Here, in this situation, I I really, am for, the wind and them building a business because they are bringing lots of opportunity to the area.
2:36:10
This proposal will build a great success in the Hudson Yards, which everyone here should acknowledge, has been a big boost to our city and brought new visitors to the West Side Of Manhattan.
2:36:25
It will create tens of thousands of union construction jobs, 5,000 permanent union jobs spanning hospitality, operation, and retail.
2:36:34
The same industries that drive New York's tourism economy.
2:36:38
These are the kinds of jobs that lift up working people and support families for the long haul.
2:36:44
Just as important are the long term benefits.
2:36:48
Some housing are permanent, a premier gaming destination, more green space, and a community benefit package that will fund local services, workforce training, and a foundation dedicated to support in the neighborhood directly.
2:37:06
That's the kind of investment that helps to keep small businesses like mine strong.
2:37:11
I'm for this this opportunity.
2:37:13
Thank you.