Flushing Anti-Casino Rally Resurfaces
On Sunday afternoon, October 19th, at 3 p.m., several community groups and residents held an “Anti-Casino Town Hall” at the Muslim Center of NY in New York to criticize State Senator John Liu’s support for the “Metropolitan Park Casino” project and demand a public apology along with a commitment to stop the project from proceeding.
Organized jointly by the Muslim Center of NY, Flushing Workers Center, and the “FED UP” alliance, the event attracted numerous residents, religious leaders, and civil rights organization representatives in solidarity. Attendees unanimously believe that the casino project not only threatens community safety and quality of life but also could lead to soaring rents, traffic congestion, and social issues, seriously disrupting Flushing’s existing balance.
Current State Senator Jessica Ramos, who was present at the rally, warned that if the casino project is approved, Flushing will face unprecedented impacts: “House prices will skyrocket, traffic will come to a standstill, and the community will be engulfed by a development frenzy.” She stated that residents seek help from her office daily due to rent issues, and the casino will only exacerbate these hardships.
The atmosphere on-site was fervent. Flushing resident and nurse Baojin Qiu pointed out that the casino will only “harm oneself and others,” causing broken families, rent hikes, and life difficulties. She criticized some politicians colluding with businesses, selling out community interests, and urged residents to unite and “fight for dignity and conscience.”
Jackson Heights resident Alexis Kaloyanides strongly criticized John Liu for “betraying voters and siding with corporations,” and urged Governor Kathy Hochul to immediately halt the entire casino project. She stated, “I cannot stay silent. As a representative of the people, he should protect Flushing rather than help developers plunder the community.”
Former State Senator Tony Avella believed that John Liu “betrayed public resources and undermined the rule of law.” He pointed out that during his term, he successfully prevented the previous government from promoting large commercial projects on public land in Flushing. He now witnesses this protection being shattered, condemning it as “sending a dangerous signal to real estate developers – that money and power can seize public land.”
The rally concluded with the announcement that a larger-scale political gathering will be held next month in downtown Flushing, expecting over two thousand participants, making it the largest anti-casino action in Flushing’s history. Community organizers emphasized, “This battle has just begun, Flushing residents will not remain silent until the casino project is completely withdrawn.”