Updated 10/11/2012 12:10 AM
Major League Soccer Execs Discuss Plans For Queens Stadium
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The ball is rolling on plans to build a new Major League Soccer stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
MLS executives met Wednesday to discuss plans to build the stadium and bring an expansion team to Queens.
Officials said they plan to build a 25,000-seat stadium over the historic Fountain of the Planets near Citi Field.
They said the project would create more than 2,000 construction jobs and nearly 1,000 permanent jobs, mostly part-time, once the stadium opens.
"We're gonna bring a world-class sports facility for a game that the community loves and plays every day in that park," said Mark Abbott, the president of Major League Soccer. "We're gonna make it a better park than it is today and we're gonna bring economic development and jobs."
Some local groups, such as Queens Congregations United for Action, said they're worried the stadium will be taking away a large chunk of the park. But MLS officials said they'll be replacing all park land they use.
The firm that designed the Barclays Center reportedly is involved in the design of this stadium but the MLS said it has not officially chosen an architect yet.