NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6781B Revised 04/25/25
SPONSOR: Hooks TITLE OF BILL:
An act authorizing the discontinuance of certain parkland in Flushing
Meadows Corona Park in the borough of Queens
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the City of New York to
discontinue the use of certain designated parkland within Flushing Mead-
ows Corona Park to facilitate the development of a gaming facility with
affiliated commercial, retail; entertainment, recreational, hotel,
convention, and community facility uses, while ensuring the dedication
of equivalent parkland improvements.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Grants New York City the authority to discontinue and alien-
ate certain parkland through leases or agreements with Queens Future,
LLC or affiliates for the development of a gaming facility and associ-
ated commercial uses..
Section 2: Requires New York City to dedicate an amount equal to or
greater than the fair market value of the parklands discontinued towards
acquiring new parklands and/or capital improvements to existing park-
lands, with a minimum of 20 acres of parkland development.
Section 3: Defines the specific parcels of land to be discontinued as
parkland.
Section 4: Ensures compliance with federal requirements if any funding,
support, or assistance from the federal government was previously allo-
cated to the affected parklands.
Section 5: Clarifies that the bill does not preempt any provision of
article 13 of the Racing, PariMutuel Wagering, and Breeding Law or
sections of the NYC Charter pertaining to the Uniform Land Use Review
Procedure.
Section 6: Establishes that if construction does, not commence within
fifteen years or if the land is used for unauthorized purposes, the
parkland will revert back to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Section 7: Sets the act to take effect immediately.
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation is essential to facilitate economic growth and infras-
tructure improvements in Queens. By converting underutilized asphalt
parking lots into a gaming and entertainment hub, the project will
generate significant economic activity, create jobs, and enhance recre-
ational opportunities in the borough. Additionally, the requirement for
at least 20 acres of parkland ensures that the community benefits from
enhanced green space and improved public access to recreational facili-
ties.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill,
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
The bill requires that any discontinued parkland be replaced with new or
improved parkland, ensuring no net loss of recreational space. The
development is expected to generate increased tax revenues, job
creation, and economic investment in the area.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately upon enactment.
