NYC rekindles development project next to Citi Field

by Nick Giacone February 09, 2018

It’s time to bid farewell to your favorite muffler repair shop in Willets Point.

In a much-needed move, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio approved a redevelopment plan next to Citi Field that will include affordable housing, schooling, and retail shops. This revives an effort from 2015, in which then-mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a redevelopment plan that was cut short because it included a mall that protruded into Corona Park.

This is a big deal for the Mets community. You’ve all seen it; that area across from McFadden’s on 126th Street that bares resemblance to a war zone. It’s a wasteland of auto-repair shops that’s needed a makeover years before the inception of Citi Field. It should excite every Mets fan that there is now potential to build a baseball village that could become a Wrigley or a Fenway. Flushing has always been a baseball town by default, but with more households, commerce, and general foot traffic, Mets fans can have a place to congregate year round.

Speaking of places for fans to congregate, this new project guarantees us something well-deserved: more bars. That’s right, we’re going to have more options besides McFadden’s to load up before and after the game. Nothing against Citi’s lone bar, but slamming $8 light beers and “Syndergria’s” can get old. Couple the potential for more bars with the addition of the Mikkeller Brewery at Citi, and activity before the game should increase tenfold.

And one potential bar excites us the most: The 7 Line Saloon. It’s no secret that Darren's dream is to open up a watering hole for the fans that is consistent with his merchandise mantra. The redevelopment plan takes this dream much closer to a reality. Imagine the possibilities: Pre-graming for outings, fundraisers, postgame celebrations, or just a new place for Mets fans call home.

Always think big... @The7LineSaloon
— Darren Meenan (@DarrenJMeenan) October 10, 2013

The project in the preliminary stages, but a Willets Point renovation would be the perfect compliment to Citi Field. It shows that NYC is not only willing to invest in the Mets, but also in its fans and community. So adios to the potholes and auto-shops of the past, and hello to the Mets community of the future. Let’s grab a beer in Willets Point.