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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Reverend Dr. Johnny Green, Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church and Leader of Mobilizing Preachers and Communities Impact
3:14:19
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113 sec
Reverend Dr. Johnny Green, representing Mount Neboh Baptist Church and Mobilizing Preachers and Communities Impact, testified in support of the Hudson Yards West proposal, emphasizing its potential for job creation, economic benefits, and community development in New York City.
- Highlighted the proposal's promise of thousands of union jobs and workforce development programs
- Stressed the importance of the project's community benefits, including $1 billion in investments to help alleviate social issues
- Urged the City Council to support the project, framing it as an opportunity to prioritize the needs of underserved communities
Johnny Green
3:14:19
Good afternoon.
3:14:20
I'm reverend doctor Johnny Green, pastor of Mount Eagle Baptist Church in mobilizing Preachers and Communities Impact, a Harlem based civil rights and faith based organization.
3:14:30
With hardships on the rise for so many New Yorkers, our city is in desperate need of opportunities to bring new housing, jobs, and economic benefits to those who need it the most.
3:14:41
Our community needs jobs.
3:14:43
With thousands of union jobs that many folk in our community could benefit from, the Hudson Yards West proposal provides an opportunity despite what we've heard today of those who oppose.
3:14:54
The proposal also contains funds for workforce development training programs, ensuring local residents have a pathway to prosperity.
3:15:01
I understand that what is before the council today is only zoning changes, which are needed for any development to happen on this site.
3:15:08
The plan with the casino or the plan without.
3:15:12
But I hope the city council does not stand in the way of progress.
3:15:16
The complete Hudson Yards West proposal with the casino would not only provide an immediate economic boost with investments to directly help the community, including 1,000,000,000 in community benefits that will also provide stability for our nonprofits on the front lines helping to alleviate hunger, homelessness, and other issues.
3:15:33
This is absolutely critical at a time when so many of our nonprofits face uncertain waters and the face of unpredictability at the federal level.
3:15:42
Plans also call for new school, childcare facility, and much needed housing.
3:15:46
As a leader in my community, the choice is simple.
3:15:49
Hudson Yards West represents a monumental opportunity.
3:15:52
We must prioritize the needs of not only the haves, but the have nots, especially those in communities like mine.
3:15:58
This project is bigger than any one of us.
3:16:00
Hudson Yards West is about fostering hope, opportunity, and a stronger, more resilient New York, especially in the face of adversity.
3:16:08
I implore you to support this project.
3:16:11
Thank you so much.