New York City's first Major League Soccer stadium coming to Willets Point, Queens
NEW YORK -- The city announced Wednesday major developments coming to what's been considered a blighted and ignored neighborhood in Queens.
CBS2's Kristie Keleshian has more about the multimillion dollar project.
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new neighborhood," said Mayor Eric Adams.
Affordable housing units, a school, a hotel and a brand new soccer stadium, all in the Willets Point's future.
"When other folks were waking up to alarm clocks, you were waking up to gunshots and you stayed. You did not abandon this city. And we are saying you are very much a part of this city, and this project means that," Adams said.
The nearly $800 million project, using a mix of private, government and city funds is expected to bring $6 billion in revenue to the city over 30 years. At 2,500 100% affordable housing units, the site will be the largest public housing project the city has seen since the 1970s.
"It's just great for my borough," said Jonathan Salas of Los Templados, a local soccer team.
It'll also build the city's first-ever professional soccer field near Citi Field, Arthur Ashe Stadium - all near the train.
Los Templados has struggled to find a place to play.
"Now this opens up a world of possibilities for all those kids out there who now have a chance to be a professional, if they choose to," Salas siad.
"Undirectly, they are forcing us out of here," said Jaime, the owner of a nearby auto shop.
The city paid $6.5 million to buy out the business to make room for the construction site, and they were moved to a coop space in the Bronx. But some still remain. They weren't given a move-out date, but expect it in the coming months.
"All these shops they forced to close... I don't know what's going to happen, I'm so worried. And I have my whole family and they're giving me a couple of months to leave. I don't know what to do," Jaime said.
"So I can't speak to those who decided to stay here, but they all received compensation from the previous administration and they all agreed to move to that coop in the Bronx that's called the Sunshine Coop, I believe the name is," said City Council member Francisco Moya.
"The city has power, has money, but does nothing to help," Jaime said.
Ground is expected to break on the project next year - a year earlier than expected. The soccer stadium is expected to open in 2027.
The 25,000-seat stadium will be the new home of New York City FC. It would be the first major league sports venue built in the city since 2012.
"I'm excited about it," said a Queens resident named Marco. "I'm a Mets fan also, and it's close to home. So I can take my son, my daughter out to games. It's good for the family. So I think it's a good idea."
The project is expected to include a hotel.
The city says NYCFC will pick up the $780 million price tag. The team has been playing most of its home games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Goooal! We’re kicking off a new era of housing and sports at Willets Point. Tune in if you’re a @NYCFC fan! https://t.co/lsDk5WE6xv
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) November 16, 2022
The general consensus from people CBS2's Elijah Westbrook spoke to Wednesday is that they support the new soccer stadium that will sit across the street from Citi Field. However, some worry about the increased congestion when it comes to the 7 train that already experiences a lot of customers during Mets games.
"Not really sure yet. Let's see what happens," Corona resident Jackie Limitone said.
"I actually work over here, so I know there's going to be a lot more congestion," said Corona resident Xavier Mitchell.
Nonetheless, there appears to be positive feedback from people Westbrook spoke with about the project.