Jumaane Williams wants Citi Field renamed

Before I post what the Daily News is reporting about Jumaane Williams, Citi Field/Mets, and CitiBank, I feel like there is more to this story.

This is all my opinion and conjecture and I have no hard evidence but just from what my eyes can see and what my brain is putting together. I’m more than likely wrong but here is my working theory anyway. This is about the parkland aka parking lots at Citi Field that Steve Cohen wants to build the casino on. There was  new legislation up in Albany that I posted about the other day on here. It basically makes it easier to swap parkland out to be built on if the same amount of land is replaced as parkland nearby.

 Now isn’t it funny that the whole idea of CitiBank is evil because of Climate Change and by renaming the ballpark something else and the Mets breaking their deal with Citi over naming rights will fix climate change?  To me this seems like a political move. Not a move. A move that is basically using the environment for leverage. What leverage I don’t know. That’s why beyond my pay grade.

Anyway here is part of the story from the NY Daily News.

“New Yorkers know I bleed blue and orange — the Mets represent an incredible spirit, history and institution, and are a tremendous value to New Yorkers,” Williams said. “The practices of Citibank, though, don’t represent the values of the Mets or of our city, and we must demand better. If Citi refuses to end its toxic relationship with the fossil fuel industry, the Mets should end their partnership with Citi.”
Williams, a progressive Democrat, plans to hold a Tuesday press conference in City Hall Park to formally call on Cohen to make the switch. Joining Williams for the event will be representatives from a number of local environmental groups, including New York Communities for Change, Climate Organizing Hub, Climate Families NYC, 350 NYC and Sunrise Movement NYC.

. Read more here  

Like I said, I might be totally crazy about this.new legislation

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New Legislation to help try to make Casino in Flushing a reality.

 

Looks like some politicians are falling in line to try to make parkland available to build a casino on in Flushing. They say about extending parkland out to the marina. How can they do that with Northern Blvd and the Whitestone Expressway being there.

From WPIX

WILLETS POINT, Queens (PIX11) — Plans for a casino to be built at Citi Field have taken a notable step forward, with the introduction of new legislation in Albany. It would allow a gaming facility to be built on part of the ballpark’s parking lot, if Mets owner Steve Cohen is granted one of three downstate New York casino licenses that are set to be granted later this year.

Environmental and parkland advocates are skeptical of the legislation, which was introduced in the statehouse on Wednesday. However, its sponsor says that his proposal adds public space and benefits the community.

At the core of the legislation is the fact that New York state considers the Citi Field parking lot to be parkland. In order for even part of it to be turned into a casino requires what’s called “parkland alienation.” Essentially, it’s the reduction of parks space.

In the specific case of Citi Field’s parking lot, any reduction in its parking lot — which is legally considered parkland — would require other parkland to be established somewhere else, according to the new legislation. It was first reported by The City. His bill would require that at least 20 acres of parkland be created elsewhere if part of the Citi Field parking lot was allowed to be a gaming facility.

More specifically, said Aubry, a right of way that would be operated by New York City’s parks department would be created that would connect the World’s Fair Marina, north of the ballpark, with the U.S. Tennis Center, in Flushing Meadows, to the ballpark’s south.

“This application would create that kind of access,” Aubry said, “because I felt it would be an advantage for the people who use both [the marina and tennis center].”

Read more here. 

 

Mets Amazin Day Diamond Takeover moved and now closed off to the public

 

UPDATE: NEW YORK METS CELEBRATE AMAZIN’ DAY ACROSS NEW YORK CITY ON MARCH 25

 

FLUSHING, N.Y. - March 24, 2023 - Due to inclement weather, the Diamond Takeover has been relocated. There will no longer be a Sandlot Stars game at Flushing Meadows Corona Park during Amazin’ Day tomorrow. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation will instead host a private event for the two local little league teams who were slated to play on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the Piazza Club at Citi Field. The Foundation will provide lunch, donate gear to the local teams and announce a grant to renovate the Flushing Meadows Corona Park fields.

 

Media is invited to cover the event, but please note this event is closed to the public. Media may park in Lot G off Seaver Way, enter through the Hodges VIP entrance and take elevators to Level 5 for the Piazza Club.

 

All other Amazin’ Day events will continue as scheduled, rain or shine. For additional information on Amazin’ Day, please visitmets.com/AmazinDay or stay connected via @mets on social media.

See Jessie's immense Mets Catcher Collection

 

Take a look inside Jessie’s impressive collection of Mets catcher memorabilia dating back to the start of the franchise. He also gets a special surprise video message from former Mets backstop Todd Hundley.

Goon here: Jessie is one of my closest friends and he has a pretty awesome collection. He is on of the people who volunteer every year at the QBC and I am happy he has gotten to show of his collection to everyone.