In a significant move to foster community development, Hard Rock International recently hosted a day of information sessions at the Queens Theatre, attracting more than 300 local vendors, workforce development organizations, and community leaders. This event aimed to build partnerships while spotlighting future job opportunities tied to the ambitious Metropolitan Park project.
The sessions offered insights into a variety of career paths available at Hard Rock, with the company's Chairman, Jim Allen, leading the charge. He expressed his enthusiasm for local organizations to play pivotal roles in realizing the vision for Metropolitan Park, a $8 billion investment that aims to transform 50 acres of paved parking lots surrounding Citi Field into vibrant community spaces.
The proposed Metropolitan Park is designed to create an impressive 23,000 permanent and construction-related jobs, showcasing Hard Rock’s commitment to investing directly in the local workforce and economy. It promises to deliver 25 acres of new park space, community areas, and various economic opportunities for local vendors and restaurants. Allen emphasized that the aim is to "build a better future for Queens, one that includes economic opportunity, meaningful partnerships, and jobs."
The event highlighted several critical elements of the Metropolitan Park proposal, focusing on its community-first approach. Attendees learned about how their neighborhood could benefit from this ambitious plan, including the creation of climate-ready infrastructure designed with sustainability in mind.
Key elements of the park’s vision include:
- - An investment totaling $8 billion, igniting lasting growth
- - A commitment to ensure over 23,000 good-paying permanent and construction jobs become a reality
- - The development of 20 acres of public park space alongside 5 acres designated for community athletic fields and playgrounds
- - Infrastructure enhancements to prepare for potential climate impact, integrating features such as solar energy and green roofs
- - New access points to the waterfront and surrounding communities
- - A commitment of over $1 billion in community benefits, which includes a dedicated food hall showcasing local restaurants, improving public transit, modernizing parking infrastructure, and supporting community needs through a Community Impact Fund
Community leaders like Tom Grech, President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, praised the initiative for its focus on local residents and businesses. In his statements, he noted that the sessions reflect the type of investment and commitment Queens truly needs.
The vision for Metropolitan Park is not just about creating a functional space; it’s about cultivating a lively environment for residents and visitors year-round. This park is envisioned to be a gathering place with opportunities for leisurely activities by the water, hosting live music, and providing venues for dining and shopping from local businesses.
Hard Rock's entry into the area promises more than just a job creation initiative. The projects will incorporate a Hard Rock Hotel complete with multiple restaurants, conference spaces, and entertainment venues, including a state-of-the-art live music arena featuring both local and international acts.
Hard Rock International’s extensive background in delivering world-class entertainment guarantees a unique blend of attraction and cultural resonation for the community. With a notable pedigree in creating memorable experiences, Hard Rock is set to honor the diverse cultural fabric of Queens through exciting entertainment and community engagement strategies.
As the Metropolitan Park project progresses, Hard Rock seeks to continuously fortify its relationship with the local community, ensuring that growth and development go hand-in-hand with the empowerment of nearby residents and businesses. The participation of the community leaders in the information sessions marks a promising beginning towards building an inclusive partnership that will shape the future of Queens for generations to come.