Colby Hamilton, Writer, WNYC News
Colby Hamilton is a general assignment reporter. He originally joined WNYC as a political blogger. He's a proud graduate of the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.
Major League Soccer Eyes Queens Real Estate
Monday, August 13, 2012 - 04:35 PM
Queens is being looked at for the home of a new Major League Soccer team, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
If the plan is approved, a $300 million stadium will be built near Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. Construction could begin as early as next year.
But first city and state officials need to hammer out a deal to swap state-owned land for the city park land that would be used for the new stadium
“You can’t take park land away for another use unless you get Albany to go along, and you got to replace it with other park land,” Bloomberg said on Monday. “My understanding is there’s a lot of sentiment in Albany that they would be willing to do it.”
The New York Post and the mayor both mentioned MTA-owned land nearby that could be part of the final deal. Bloomberg said he has not yet spoken with MTA chief Joe Lhota about the plan.
This would be New York City’s second Major League Soccer team but the first with a home stadium in the city. The New York Red Bulls’ were founded in 1994 and play their home games in Harrison, New Jersey.
Comments [1]
I hope that expansion team is going to be the Cosmos! They joined the NASL this summer and looking to make the jump to MLS in the near future. Cosmos would be great for the league. A team that would have tradition here in america! Every league needs a team like this.
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