Metropolitan Park

The Metropolitan Park project faced a uniquely complex approval pathway that required navigation of an unprecedented community board review process, state legislative action to alienate parkland, and approval of a highly competitive gaming license. Despite broad economic and community potential, the project encountered organized and vocal opposition that created political, procedural, and public perception challenges at every stage.

Our strategy is centered on building durable community trust while aligning stakeholders across all levels of government. We pursued a comprehensive engagement campaign designed to meet communities where they were, prioritizing transparency, economic opportunity, and public benefit, all while educating decision-makers on the project’s legal land-use and licensing requirements. Every step of the way, HPA put Queens and local community benefits first. By pairing grassroots outreach with disciplined government affairs, we reframed the project from a controversial development into an historic generational investment in public space, jobs, and neighborhood revitalization.

HPA led an integrated community engagement and government affairs campaign, coordinating stakeholder meetings, public forums, and coalition-building efforts to navigate the community board approval process. In parallel, we worked with city and state officials to advance the required parkland alienation legislation through the Legislature and supported the broader strategy to secure the gaming license. Despite initial headwinds, the project advanced through key regulatory and legislative milestones, including unanimous approval by six local community boards, clearing the path for Metropolitan Park to move forward as a transformative public-private investment. Through meticulous and intentional advocacy, Metropolitan Park has gained the support of the community and has entered into the next phase.