Willets Point, the neighborhood that surrounds the Mets baseball stadium, in Queens, is moving through a whole redesign process, which, according to information from the Municipal Administration, aims to build a housing project of 2,500 100% affordable apartments , the creation of 16,000 jobs and the soccer stadium of the New York City Football Club (NYCFC).
And in his desire to join the plans and for the community to be heard, the owner of the Mets is calling on residents of the area and other parts of Queens to attend a public hearing that will take place this Saturday, January 7, at 2:00 pm, at Citi Field, just steps from the 7 train to discuss concrete proposals to reimagine the area surrounding the sports arena.
The intention of the meeting, for which those interested must register in advance, is to listen and share proposals on plans to revitalize some 50 hectares around the Willets Point stadium.
“For months, we have been listening to the local community who continue to insist that they want more from the area. Everyone agrees that the current situation is not acceptable,” said Steve Cohen, owner of the Queens team. “We are committed to presenting a vision for the area that
it will create a space to share with people not only where they want to come and enjoy, but also where they can be proud”.
The Mets owner added that for too long, the area around Citi Field “has been nothing more than 50 acres of blacktop and wasted opportunities that haven’t fulfilled their potential to serve the community.”
The executive stressed that he intends to follow the example of other cities, in which ballparks have created meaningful experiences not only for fans but also for surrounding communities, in the reimagining of Willets Point.
Within the proposals to change the face of that part of Queens, there are open space projects with parks, forms of entertainment and recreational activities.
“Cohen is committed to creating a space where people can come every day of the year to hang out in front of the sea, enjoy green spaces, listen to live music and have many options to eat and drink,” added the promoters of the event. meeting on Saturday, which will boost the contribution that the Mets will make in the area.
This builds on a development plan already being pursued by the City, which has ensured that the next phase of construction at Willets Point will erect the first 1,100 affordable homes, a new 650-seat public school and new public open spaces.
Councilman Francisco Moya, one of the main promoters of the transformation of Willets Point, assured after the announcement of the project that will be built in his district, which has not been seen in New York or in any city in the country.
Councilman Francisco Moya, one of the great promoters of the redevelopment of that neighborhood, assured about the Adams Administration plan that it is a unique opportunity to build a completely new neighborhood, which will bring the largest 100% affordable housing project in the last 40 years and a 100% privately financed professional stadium.
“This is an investment that will support the future of neighborhood children, boost our local economy, create a pipeline for local hiring, and support our on-the-job brothers and sisters who have been the backbone of building this city.” Moya added. “What began as a dream, when I was a child playing soccer in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, with my family, who came here from Ecuador, will now be a reality for the children of Corona, who, like me, were born with love for soccer in the veins”, said the Latino politician.
Facts about the Public Hearing on Saturday
- Date: Saturday, January 7, 2023
- Time: 2:00 PM
- Site: Citi Field Stadium
- Where to register: in this link https://www.queensfuture.com
- Where to see more about the project: https://www.queensfuture.com/map