New York City’s first dedicated soccer stadium is becoming closer to a reality. As reported by Gothamist, the City Council is expected to approve the final phase of an ambitious project to revitalize the long-neglected Willets Point neighborhood in Queens through a mixed-use redevelopment.
In addition to the stadium, the scheme promises to deliver 2,500 units of affordable housing, including 133 homes for homeless New Yorkers, a 250-room hotel, a public school, retail, space, and public space. Designed by HOK, the $780 million, 25,000-seat stadium will host the MLS’ New York City Football Club. It is also expected to be the first-ever fully electric soccer stadium in the MLS.
Phase I of the project, which includes 1,100 residential units, has been approved, with construction commencing in December of last year. Approval of Phase II, which includes the stadium and more housing units, is expected to follow through the support of city councilmember and Queens native Francisco Moya.
Though the initiative reportedly has no major opposition, there are concerns that the city gave developers too much in economic incentives, refraining from hundreds of millions of dollars in potential tax revenue. Environmentalists also fear the development will cause increased ecological damage to the site’s wetlands. The project will also most likely result in the continued displacement of the area’s existing residents and business owners.
Despite these concerns, the City Council is largely behind the project. Moya claims that during a committee meeting in March, the proposal faced no criticism from members of the public. Now, the entire Council must approve the plan. New York Mayor Eric Adams, who has already signed on, would then have five days to either veto or sign the proposal.
If the plan goes forward, the stadium is expected to be constructed for the 2027 MLS season.
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