Op-Ed September 11, 2005

A Jets stadium in Queens? Yes

By HELEN MARSHALL

The New York Jets have decided that Queens would be the best site to build a football stadium, and they're right.

Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia also had it right when he said in 1934 that his ticket said "Chicago to New York." Returning from a flight to the Windy City, the feisty mayor refused to deplane in Newark, citing the appalling lack of a major airport in his beloved New York City. He settled for a landing at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.

Today, an airport is named after him, a tribute to his energy, hard work and vision.

Somewhat similarly, if the ticket says "New York Jets" the game should be in New York City. The team name is even derived from the aircraft landing at LaGuardia in 1964 when the Titans arrived in Queens and changed their name to the Jets.

The New York Jets practice on Long Island and play their home games in New Jersey. After sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets for a generation, they opted to share Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands for another generation. Now we must encourage them to come to Queens. It would be foolish not to.

The Independent Budget Office has concluded the return on a public investment in a new NFL stadium in New York City would generate significant incremental impact for the city and the state.

The stadium would create more than 10,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs. It would generate more than $250 million in annual economic impact for the region, bringing in an estimated $1.6 billion in new tax revenue over the next 30 years. Locally, the stadium would enhance the economy of downtown Flushing, improve existing soccer fields and also create several additional fields in the park. The city has even expressed interest in the 2014 World Cup.

City parks are much-needed oases. That's why I met in August with the Jets and almost 30 local elected officials representing the city, state and federal governments. Last week, I met with cultural institutions located in Flushing Meadows to hear their concerns. More meetings are on the horizon. We cannot proceed without consensus. Construction is expected to take up to three years and the Jets could be playing here for the 2009 season.

We must not fumble the opportunity!

Marshall is Queens borough president.