By Michael V. Cusenza
State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) announced on Sunday that he intends to introduce legislation to alienate Citi Field’s parking lot — currently designated as city parkland — paving the way for the construction of the proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park entertainment complex.
“Because the parking lot is legally parkland, they require state legislation that would allow a gaming facility to be built on that parkland in order to proceed with their application to the state gaming,” Liu said at the bill introduction, according to a New York Post report.
Borough President and Metro Park cheerleader applauded the news.
File Photo
Cohen has proposed the $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal for the Citi Field parking lot.
“As I have made abundantly clear for more than a year, the Metropolitan Park plan is a grand slam for Northwest Queens — a region of our borough that has historically been minimized, marginalized and maligned,” said Richards. “In a time of growing economic uncertainty, this revolutionary project would create 23,000 good-paying union jobs, unlocking new levels of upward mobility for families across Corona, Flushing and beyond. Meanwhile, a nine-figure community improvement fund, a 25-acre park, a Queens-specific food hall that will boost countless local small businesses will generate positive outcomes for generations of area families.
“I’m proud to have worked closely with the development group throughout the land use review process to ensure the surrounding communities are the biggest winners at Metropolitan Park, which would replace a parking lot that sits unused for more than 200 days per year,” added Richards. “I’m also deeply grateful to the legislative leadership of State Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Larinda Hooks, as well as former Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry — partners who believe Northwest Queens families deserve this kind of historic, holistic investment in their future.”
