Queens Leaders, Community Organizations, and Elected Officials Welcome Metropolitan Park
After Years of Engagement, Community Celebrates License Approval
Queens, NY — In response to today’s decision by the New York State Gaming Commission, community leaders, local organizations, and elected officials from across Queens welcomed the future Metropolitan Park and celebrated the final gaming license approval.
Borough President Donovan Richards said, “From creating thousands of good-paying union jobs to supporting local street vendors to making North Queens the entertainment capital of New York City, the Metropolitan Park plan is a winner in every sense of the word. It’s impossible to overstate the boost to the economies of Corona, Flushing and beyond that this project will deliver, as we work to give countless families the upward mobility they have long deserved. I couldn’t be more grateful to every member of the development team for their commitment to community development and empowerment throughout this process, and I can’t wait to break ground on Metropolitan Park in the near future.”
Council Member Francisco Moya said, “Today’s decision is a major win for the people of Queens. From day one, my priority has been to ensure that this project delivers true value and benefits to our community. I’m proud that Metropolitan Park meets that standard and that the vision laid out will come true. This truly is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create lasting economic growth for our neighborhoods all throughout Queens.”
Assemblymember Larinda Hooks said, “This decision is truly a game-changer for Assembly District 35 and marks a turning point in long-overdue investment in East Elmhurst, Corona, and Queens as a whole. These 50 acres will become a powerful economic engine that will uplift residents in a major way. With this approval, Metropolitan Park gives our community the opportunity to finally unlock that potential. Community members are excited about what this means for our neighborhoods, and I look forward to seeing this vision move forward in a way that delivers real benefits for the people of AD35 and all of Queens.”
Councilwoman-elect Shanel Thomas-Henry said, “From the beginning, residents have been clear about what we need—real career pathways, MWBE opportunities, and meaningful investment that supports our families and small businesses. Metropolitan Park delivers all of this because it was shaped the right way: through years of listening to the people who live here. I’m excited about the long-term benefits our community will receive as a result of this decision.”
Tom Grech, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said, “Queens is open for business. Today’s decision is a huge step toward unlocking the full potential of our community for workers, families, and entrepreneurs alike. The Queens Chamber of Commerce has been proud to support Metropolitan Park since the beginning, and we stand ready to help in delivering on the greatest economic impact our community has ever seen.
Saeeda Dunston, CEO of Elmcor, said, “Today’s decision brings real hope and opportunity to the families we serve. The jobs and resources this project will soon create will help more people build self-sufficient, stable lives, and strengthen the support systems our neighborhoods rely on. I’m thrilled for this moment and what it means for an empowered and thriving Queens.”
Costa Constantinides, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Queens, said, “For years, this area has been a barrier instead of a community asset. Metropolitan Park changes that. This decision unlocks real investment and new opportunities for our young people and families across our borough. It’s time for Queens to get the success it deserves, and this project is how we get there.”
Darren Meenan of The 7 Line Army said, “Ballparks across the country are raising the bar for fan experiences, and Queens shouldn’t be any different. Metropolitan Park finally gives Mets fans what we’ve been asking for — real things to do around the ballpark. This is a massive investment in the fan experience and a game-changing project.”
Hyun T. Lee, President of the Korean American Association of Queens, said, “Our members, neighbors, and small business owners have long seen the potential in transforming this unused land into something meaningful. Metropolitan Park represents new energy, opportunity, and pride to Queens and we are excited for what the future looks like as this project comes to life.”
Frankie Miranda, CEO of the Hispanic Federation, said, “For too long, many of the essential workers in our community have been invisible and overlooked when it comes to transformational investments. Metropolitan Park has changed that and will bring culturally competent training and jobs to support our families all across Queens. I’ve been proud to stand with this vision and can’t wait for the next step of bringing this to life.”
Eddie Valentin, a Queens Small Business owner, said, “What’s made me support this project from the beginning is simple. We spoke up for what we wanted, and they listened. Our ideas and suggestions were heard and respected, which normally doesn’t happen when big projects come into our neighborhoods.. I’m proud to stand behind this project and what it means for Queens.”
Yoselin Genao-Estrella, Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens CDC, said, “When major development comes to our community, it must work for the people who have built and sustained this place. Metropolitan Park’s commitments to workforce development and equitable hiring represent a significant investment in our neighborhoods. I look forward to seeing these plans turn into real opportunities for residents across Queens.”
Pastor Patrick Young, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Queens, said, “What stood out most to me about Metropolitan Park wasn’t the jobs or the new park, it was the promise to invest directly in our people. The Community Benefit Fund will directly support local nonprofits and the youth in our communities, and these services will reach many of the very families I meet with every week. I’ve been proud to stand with Metropolitan Park to bring these resources and opportunities to the people who need it most in Queens. This is only the beginning of transformational change for us here in Queens.”
Tammy Rose, owner of Little Friends School Sunnyside and a member of Community Board 3, said, “All my life I’ve invested in working to grow Queens, and time after time, I’ve seen chances slip through our fingers, or we’ve just been given false promises. Metropolitan Park is the opposite, and will finally help deliver jobs, expand services for families, and reconnect communities that have been divided for too long. Today’s decision is a step toward finally delivering on the promises our community has waited for. This is what putting Queens first looks like.
Jeehae Fischer, Executive Director of the Korean American Family Service Center, said, “For the immigrant and vulnerable families we serve, real economic opportunity is essential to stability and dignity. Today’s decision is a meaningful step toward bringing jobs, resources, and culturally responsive support to communities too often overlooked.”
