C&S: Development at Willets Point is currently being decided in the courts, but what do you support there? Are you hoping to see the mixed-use development with the mall? What about a new hockey arena for the New York Islanders?
Melinda Katz: I think we’ve got to see what the Court of Appeals says. I sponsored the first plan, which was the Urban Renewal Plan. And that was in 2007 and that was my bill and I thought that it was a much-needed renewal plan for an area that for generations has needed work – infrastructure work and a plan for that area. Now with the new retail, we’ve got to wait for the Court of Appeals. I think no matter what though, seeing a hockey stadium and a soccer stadium there – and a soccer stadium really is my priority – but seeing both there would be a great boon to the borough of Queens, but a great boon to Willets Point. I think we need to think big when it comes to Flushing Meadows Park. And Willets Point is a very large part of that. But no matter what the Court of Appeals says, we need to start thinking big in that area. I look forward to working with the administration to see how we can fulfill that plan.
