Courtesy SHoP Architects, Field Operations

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

A transformative $8 billion infrastructure proposal, the Metropolitan Park
development, is making significant strides as New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and
Hard Rock International push forward with plans to reshape the area around Citi
Field in Queens. The ambitious project, which envisions a sprawling casino, hotel,
and entertainment complex, has been made possible by recent legislation
introduced by State Senator John Liu. The legislation allows for the use of parkland
surrounding Citi Field for the construction of the casino, hotel, and related facilities,
which has been a key hurdle for the project to move forward.

The project, which recently received approval from the City Council in a 41-2 vote,
has now cleared a major regulatory hurdle. In addition to this massive project is the
caveat of the creation of the Flushing Skypark, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that
will span Flushing Creek and connect downtown Flushing to Willets Point. Liu has
emphasized the importance of community connectivity and infrastructure
improvements, which have become a focal point of the project. The Skypark,
inspired by Manhattan’s High Line, will not only serve as a crossing but also a
destination, featuring recreational spaces, public areas, and flexible hubs for
community gatherings.

Senator Liu, who has long been an advocate for expanding Queens’ pedestrian and
bicycle infrastructure, believes that the Skypark will help address gaps in the
borough’s connectivity while also providing a vibrant public space.

“It’s going to be esthetically attractive, it’s environmentally sound, and it would not
only be a way for people to get to and from either side of the Flushing Creek, but it

would also instead be its own destination, because it’ll have space for people to hang
out, to congregate, to rest, whatever people would do in an actual park.”

Courtesy Community Board 7

As part of the project’s development, Liu is introducing legislation that will allow for
the use of the land surrounding Citi Field for the construction of a casino, hotel, and
related facilities. The legislation is seen as a necessary step for Cohen to submit his
application to the Gaming Commission for approval to build the casino. Liu,
however, made it clear that his support is not an endorsement of the casino itself
but rather a way to ensure that the broader project, including infrastructure
improvements like the Skypark, moves forward.

“My bill allows his application to move forward and there are potential benefits that
would come to the community if he were to win the casino proposal, but without
this legislation, he can’t even submit the proposal,” Liu said.

The Metropolitan Park project has drawn mixed reactions, with some local residents
and advocacy groups expressing concerns over the impact of the casino on their
communities. Critics argue that it will contribute to displacement, increase traffic
congestion, and privatize public parkland.

In response, Cohen and Hard Rock International have committed to ensuring that
community benefits are a key part of the project, including a binding agreement
with the Waterfront Alliance, a regional community organization. If for any reason
the Flushing Skypark cannot be completed, Cohen and Hard Rock have pledged to
allocate $100 million for infrastructure improvements at Flushing Meadows Corona
Park.

“As I have made abundantly clear for more than a year, the Metropolitan Park plan is
a grand slam for Northwest Queens — a region of our borough that has historically
been minimized, marginalized and maligned,” Queens Borough President Donovan
Richards Jr said. “In a time of growing economic uncertainty, this revolutionary
project would create 23,000 good-paying union jobs, unlocking new levels of
upward mobility for families across Corona, Flushing and beyond. Meanwhile, a
nine-figure community improvement fund, a 25-acre park, a Queens-specific food
hall that will boost countless local small businesses will generate positive outcomes
for generations of area families.”

Courtesy Fed Up Coalition

Despite these promises, community opposition has been vocal. Local groups have
raised concerns about the potential harm the casino could bring to the
neighborhood, particularly regarding economic exploitation and the social impacts

of gambling. Residents from Flushing, Corona, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst
have rallied together at the end of March to oppose the project, urging Governor
Kathy Hochul to reject the idea of casino development on public parkland.

“A casino at Citi Field will only make things worse,” long-time Corona resident
Marilyn Mendoza said. “We already deal with unbearable traffic and parking issues
every time there’s a game at the stadiums, and with a new stadium being built
against our community’s wishes, we are being ignored yet again. Adding a casino on
top of that will increase congestion, drive up rents, and bring more harm than good.
Instead of a casino that preys on our community, we need real
investments—affordable housing, good jobs, and resources that help families thrive.
I urge our leaders to listen to us and put our community first. We deserve better.”

Environmental groups have also voiced opposition, arguing that the development
threatens the area’s public parkland and fails to address crucial climate resilience
issues. Rebecca Pryor, Executive Director of the Guardians of Flushing Bay,
emphasized that the project’s proposal would privatize significant portions of public
land, limiting access to park spaces that are essential for local residents.

“The proposed project is for Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is formed in the
path of Flushing Creek and one of the most flood-prone parks in the city”, said
Rebecca Pryor, the Executive Director of the Guardians of Flushing Bay. “Any
development in an NYC public park should be a meaningful investment in the city’s
public parkland. Queens Future’s Vegas-like casino fails this basic requirement

“For the City of New York to allow such an entity on public land is unacceptable,”
Memo Salazar, Board Co-Chair of the Western Queens Community Land Trust said.
“The precious few parcels of public land left in this city should be used to address
the many dire needs New Yorkers- and Queens residents in particular- face: open
space, community centers, and truly affordable housing, to name a few.”

For more details, readers can visit queensforall.com to access resources and support
those opposing the Metropolitan Park project.

Despite these concerns, Liu has stood firm in his belief that the Metropolitan Park
project, particularly the Skypark, can provide long-term benefits for Queens,
creating new public spaces while enhancing connectivity.

“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.”

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

The future of Transfiguration Church, a historic and beloved institution in the Maspeth
community, is uncertain. Built in 1962 on Perry Avenue near 64th Street, the church has
served generations of residents, with roots tracing back to the early 1900s when it was
founded to support Lithuanian immigrants. The building has stood as a cornerstone of the
community for more than six decades, but now, financial pressures and the deterioration
of the church property have placed it in danger of closing.

The church’s financial struggles, detailed by Msgr. Monsignor Calise, the pastor of St.
Stanislaus Kostka Parish, highlighted the dire situation. The church has faced increasing
costs associated with repairs and maintenance of the property, but with a dwindling
congregation and fewer donations, it has become financially unsustainable. Repairs to the
church’s physical structure have been deferred, but the need for significant investment
has reached a point where Msgr. Calise believes the best option may be to sell the
property. The Diocese’s real estate division conducted an assessment, estimating that over
$1 million in repairs would be needed to keep the church functional. Without a growing
congregation to support these expenses, the idea of going into debt to fund repairs seems
untenable.

At present, around 160 to 200 people attend Sunday services, and the church has
struggled to attract new members. Neighboring parishes, such as St. Stanislaus Kostka,
benefit from a much larger congregation and stronger financial backing. St. Stanislaus, in
particular, has a thriving school with over 330 students and a strong community
foundation, leaving Transfiguration increasingly isolated in terms of both attendance and
financial support.

An assessment of the Transfiguration Church building has revealed several critical issues
that need urgent attention. The main roof, originally installed with three-tab asphalt
shingles, is at the end of its useful life and needs replacement. Additionally, the side aisle
roofs have experienced significant water damage, requiring complete replacement, with
potential asbestos testing. Concrete and paving around the church, especially near the
rectory and parking lot, are in poor condition and need extensive repairs, including
excavation and replacement of a potentially blocked or collapsed drain line. The rectory
has suffered from brick displacement, poorly installed windows contributing to water
damage, and requires upgrades to its heating system and possible asbestos removal. The

total cost for these repairs is estimated between $1.3 million and $1.5 million, which far
exceeds the church’s current budget, prompting the consideration of selling the property.

At a town hall meeting held on March 20, at Transfiguration Church, community
members voiced their concerns and frustrations. Many expressed outrage at the potential
closure of the church, viewing it as a blow to the heart of Maspeth. Longtime
churchgoers spoke about the deep emotional and spiritual connection they have to the
church, and the significance of Transfiguration in the history and culture of the
neighborhood.

The meeting revealed a shared sense of disbelief that the church might close, especially
given that it was financially solvent before its merger with St. Stanislaus Kostka in 2019.
Parishioners questioned what changes led to the decline in donations and attendance. Was
it the merger that created confusion? Were there actions taken that alienated long-time
supporters? The loss of the church would be devastating, not only as a place of worship
but as a historic landmark for the Lithuanian community, which has been a cornerstone of
the parish for over a century.

One key point raised at the meeting was the need to involve the younger generation.
Churchgoers emphasized the importance of engaging children and their parents in the life
of the church, encouraging families to return and support the church’s mission. The
community’s strength lies in its ability to rally together, and the hope is that renewed
involvement from families could help secure the future of Transfiguration.

Dr. Paul-Michael Kazas, President of the Knights of Lithuania Council 110, expressed
strong dissatisfaction with the town hall at Transfiguration Church. He felt the
information presented was misleading and intended to justify the potential sale and
demolition of the church. Kazas criticized the lack of discussion regarding the liabilities
and structural issues at Saint Stanislaus and questioned why the church had not pursued
grant opportunities, such as applying for National Register of Historical Sites status,
which could have helped fund repairs. He also pointed out contradictions in the church’s
statements, particularly regarding the church’s closure and the claim that no final decision
had been made. Kazas expressed frustration with the church’s response to efforts from the
Knights to engage the community and support the church, including organizing events
that raised funds. He argued that Transfiguration Church should not be closed or sold,
emphasizing that with proper repairs, parishioners would return, and the church could
continue to serve the community.

In an interview, Msgr. Monsignor Calise explained the difficult financial situation facing
the Transfiguration Church. He emphasized that while the church has been a beautiful
and integral part of the community for many years, attendance has dramatically decreased
to around 140 to 150 people per weekend. This has made it difficult to cover the monthly
expenses. Calise said that “the more people that come, obviously, the more donations

there’ll be. So it’s easier than to pay the bills.” Additionally, the church has lost some
rental income, and the aging buildings require costly repairs that the parish can’t afford.
Calise also called for more community involvement, saying, “What’s crucial is getting
people into the seats. If we can get people into the seats, then the parish stays open and
lively,” and stressed the importance of volunteer work and donations, although he
acknowledged that even those efforts may not be enough to cover the extensive repairs
needed.

The “Parish Health” report shows fluctuating trends in sacraments and mass attendance at
Transfiguration and St. Stanislaus Kostka from 2021 to 2024. Baptisms at
Transfiguration declined in 2023 but rebounded in 2024, while marriages dropped
significantly. Mass attendance varied, with some declines at Transfiguration, while St.
Stanislaus Kostka saw growth, especially in its 12:30 PM Spanish service, which nearly
doubled from 102 in 2021 to 186 in 2024.

Despite the grim outlook, no final decision has yet been made regarding the church’s
future. As the meeting concluded, the pastor assured the congregation that all options
were still on the table, including the possibility of selling some of the other properties
attached to the church in order to fund the repairs. The church’s fate, according to Msgr.
Calise, is not a decision to be made hastily.

Parishioners remain determined to explore every avenue, from securing additional
funding to organizing community efforts, in hopes of preserving the church that has
served as a spiritual home for many.