Metropolitan Park, the upcoming $8.1 billion casino and entertainment complex led by Hard Rock International and Steve Cohen, has announced a $10 million investment in the new Jackson Heights community center of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.
The investment is part of Metropolitan Park’s commitment to more than $1 billion in community benefits and served as the seed funding for the community center’s $33.8 million in total public-private funding.
In addition to Metropolitan Park’s investment, Governor Kathy Hochul committed $10 million in State funding, $9.3 million was secured by Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the New York City Council, $2 million from U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, $1 million by Congress Member Grace Meng, $1 million in New York State funding secured by Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, $250,000 by Assembly Member Steven Raga, and $250,000 by Assembly Member Catalina Cruz.
“On behalf of Hard Rock International, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Jim Allen, we are proud to make this $10 million investment and to stand alongside our elected officials, community leaders, and the Variety Boys & Girls Club to help turn a long-held community vision into reality,” said Sean Caffery, Hard Rock International.
“This investment can make a difference and transform the lives of New York residents and their families for generations.”
“Metropolitan Park is about creating opportunities for Queens, and that commitment doesn’t stop at the boundaries of our site,” said Michael Sullivan, Metropolitan Park. “Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst are some of the most vibrant communities in New York City, and we heard loud and clear from our neighbors that they need a new community center to meet the area’s growing needs.”