Although pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training is still nearly two months away, there’s no off season for the Mets organization as construction continues on their new stadium, Citi Field, set to open for the 2009 season.
Speaking to business, political and community leaders at the Flushing Chamber of Commerce December luncheon, Mets Executive Vice President in charge of Business Operations Dave Howard said that the project is well underway with nearly $200 million worth of construction contracts awarded.
Howard said that of the $200 million, which is a little less than one-third of the expected cost for the project, 41 percent have been awarded to Queens-based organizations and businesses.
Currently, Howard said that there are 300 employees working full-time on the site, with a significant representation from Queens.
“Of those positions, 27 percent are women and minorities and 33 percent of that workforce lives in Queens, so we are starting to see the impact locally of this world-class construction project,” Howard said.
Howard also said that of the $200 million already awarded, roughly $26 million, or 12 percent, has gone to women- or minority-owned businesses.
However, he stressed that the organization remains committed to having 25 percent of the total profit investment being awarded to minority and women-owned businesses.
“We’re mindful of our commitment to the community, and we will follow up on that commitment during the next two years as we complete this project,” Howard said.
Mets award a third of Citi Field contracts
By Pete Davis
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