New York NY – Members of Local 3, IBEW and unions affiliated with the Building and Construction Trades Council traveled up to Albany on May 13th and 14th to speak to state legislators and rally in support of the Metropolitan Park project proposed for Flushing, Queens. On Tuesday, the New York State Assembly passed the bill (A6781B) proposed by Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks in order to reclassify the 50-acre parking lot next to Citi Field as commercial property, moving the project one step closer to starting construction.
The New York City Council and Queens Community Boards 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 had previously voted overwhelmingly in favor of approving the $8-billion development by Mets franchise owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. With a new casino as its centerpiece, it also includes a $1 billion commitment to community development, $480 million for improvements and adding ADA accessibility to the Willets Point subway station, $320 million for a 25-acre public park and additional bike lanes, while creating as many as 23,000 jobs.
The State Senate is expected to vote next week on its version of the bill (S7121A) proposed by Senator John Liu. However, the Metropolitan Park proposal ultimately depends on getting one of three downstate casino licenses to be awarded by the NYS Gaming Commission by the end of the year.
