Proposal for Mets-Willets Point Station Improvements
Cohen proposed funding enhancements to the Mets-Willets Point 7 train station, which would connect to Metropolitan Park. However, these upgrades need approval from the MTA before proceeding.
Community Tensions Rise
Metropolitan Park has sparked debates among supporters and opponents alike, culminating in heightened tensions at a recent meeting.
Disruptions During the Meeting
Hooks, a supporter of Metropolitan Park since her election last year, removed a member opposing the casino for labeling a speaker a “sellout” after they praised the project. This incident escalated into further conflicts.
Community Protests and Reaction
The meeting became increasingly chaotic as community members placed petitions before the CAC members. Hooks called for security to remove them, which prompted loud chants of “Shame on you” as the meeting concluded.
Concerns of Casino Opposition
Many who confronted Hooks have consistently attended public hearings for the last three years to express their opposition, believing that the casino would negatively affect the Corona and Flushing communities environmentally and financially, benefiting mainly the billionaire Mets owner. They argue that the promised $1 billion in community benefits from Cohen are not legally binding and lack trust in his commitments.
Community Voices and Inequality in the Process
Rebecca Pryor, an organizer with the Guardians of Flushing Bay, remarked that public outcries stem from feeling unheard. She, along with others, voiced concerns about the meetings favoring pro-Metropolitan Park perspectives, claiming they weren’t given equal opportunities to express themselves.
Support for the Project
Before the disruptions, the meeting largely showcased support for Cohen’s plan, with approximately 85 percent of speakers in favor, according to Metropolitan Park representatives. Proponents included union members and local leaders who praised Cohen’s commitment to community benefits and his contributions since acquiring the Mets in 2020.
