It does not require a rocket scientist to make a decision concerning a Major Soccer League stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
All one needs to know is the site is public parkland in Flushing Meadows, a park that for years has not only been neglected, but alienated piece by piece for structures and organizations that have no legitimate right to be in the park.
The culprit is too many myopic public officials who do not understand the importance of urban parks. That City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) cannot reject a soccer stadium for the benefit of a private, for-profit business makes it clear she is a member in good standing with the mediocrity who should not be on the public payroll.
While Ferreras could be applauded for suggesting a coalition of private groups and companies currently in the park as well as those outside, she is not worthy of such applause because she has failed to make it clear that contributions to a fund will only be accepted on a philanthropic basis. There is to be no access in any manner because of their contribution — only a name plaque recognition.
Furthermore, while we are stuck with what is currently in the park, Ferreras should have made it clear that enough is enough. Under no circumstances, the gates to the park are to be closed permanently except for passive urban park users.
Her failure to do so makes one look forward to term limits, which will replace her with an official who understands that it is the public that is her constituency, not private interests (“Community weighs Flushing Meadows’ future,” TimesLedger Newspapers April 25-May 2).
Benjamin M. Haber
Flushing
