Senator Liu, Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International Unveil Flushing Skypark Agreement
Transformational Plan to Connect Flushing with Surrounding Neighborhoods with Safe Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossing;
Senator Liu to Introduce Legislation to Help Advance Metropolitan Park
Flushing, NY – Today, State Senator John Liu unveiled the plan for Flushing Skypark, a transformational infrastructure project that will further revitalize the Flushing waterfront and connect downtown Flushing to neighborhoods long separated by the Flushing Creek. Unlike so many empty promises of the past, Senator Liu has secured for the community an unprecedented commitment from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to make this vision a reality.
Senator Liu has been a long-time advocate for improving community connectivity in Queens, working to deliver additional transportation options including expanding the borough’s pedestrian and bike path network. Ever since he first began holding conversations with Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International about their vision for Metropolitan Park, Senator Liu has emphasized the need for improved public infrastructure to be a core component of the project’s community benefits. Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International have embraced Senator Liu’s vision. Today’s agreement includes supporting the Skypark through a first-of-its-kind binding agreement with the non-profit organization Waterfront Alliance which will monitor the progress of the Skypark Project and may invoke a substantial contingency clause.
The agreement formalizes the commitment by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to secure regulatory approvals and all public and private funding necessary to complete Flushing Skypark, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge inspired by Manhattan’s iconic High Line, that will span the Flushing Creek and connect downtown Flushing from 39th Avenue and College Point Boulevard to Willets Point. The Skypark will be a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge lined with recreational and congregate facilities connecting Downtown Flushing and Willets Point, delivering an environmentally sound and aesthetically pleasing connection for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Skypark Project would be a series of interactive areas that form a bridge and transform a simple crossing into vibrant hubs that serve as flexible public spaces for community gatherings, events, rest, and social interactions.
In recognition of the many big-ticket developments in NYC that promise the world in exchange for public accommodation and statutory relief, but ultimately deliver very little in terms of community benefits, this agreement also includes ironclad accountability measures. These measures will be enshrined in a legally binding contract with the Waterfront Alliance, a regional community organization and alliance of over 1,100 organizations, selected by Metropolitan Park due to their advocacy for waterfront access and climate resiliency around the Flushing Meadows Corona Park area. The contract between Metropolitan Park and the Waterfront Alliance stipulates that if the construction of Skypark cannot be completed for any reason, Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International must pay $100 million for capital improvements to infrastructure in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, to be remitted in ten annual installments of $10 million.
Recognizing the value of Metropolitan Park to Flushing and the surrounding communities, including the Skypark and Metropolitan Park’s $1 billion in community benefits, Senator Liu will introduce legislation to expand the permitted uses for the 50 acres of asphalt parking lots around Citi Field.
“The Flushing community has long aspired to have greater access to our waterfront and the other side of Flushing Creek,” said Senator John Liu. “The Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard bridges cater to vehicular traffic but deter pedestrians and cyclists. The new Flushing Skypark will greatly enhance recreational and transportation options, and I am heartened by the sincere commitment of Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to making it happen. Short of that, they have committed to paying $100 million for capital improvements to the infrastructure of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which would be a substantial benefit for our community as well. In the spirit of collaboration I will introduce legislation to create a pathway that makes these community benefits possible.”
“Senator Liu has been a champion for infrastructure and a lifelong advocate for Flushing. As an organization based in Willets Point, we shared the community’s concerns around connectivity, and recognized that the Skypark would be a great way to bring Queens together,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “Metropolitan Park is committed to working to make Flushing Skypark a reality. And if for any reason we cannot, then we will still follow through on our commitment to the community by dedicating $100 million to the betterment of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.”
“As we continue our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and hospitality, Hard Rock is proud to invest in and work to the future of Queens with Skypark,” said Chairman of Hard Rock International Jim Allen. “We are thankful to Senator Liu for his leadership and we look forward to working to bring this transformative project to life. And should we be unable to, will otherwise commit $100 million to revitalize Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Should it come to fruition, Metropolitan Park will celebrate the rich culture and energy of Queens while creating thousands of jobs and unparalleled experiences for guests and the community alike.”
“New York and Queens are all too familiar with developers who overpromise and underdeliver. That changes today thanks to Senator Liu and the leaders at Metropolitan Park,” said Waterfront Alliance President & CEO Cortney Koenig Worrall. “We are proud to be a part of this important step to improve the accessibility, usability, and climate-resiliency of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.”
