(July 25, 2013) -- The USTA got the approval it needed to move forward with a planned $500 million expansion of both the US Open and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.
By a vote of 47-1, the New York City Council approved the plan Tuesday. The vote was the last stage of a review process by city and state government officials along with local community boards.
“We are very pleased that the City Council passed the legislation,” said David A. Haggerty, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of the USTA. “The updates and improvements to the National Tennis Center will enhance the usage of the tennis center for local residents, visitors and professional and recreational tennis players while also preserving the US Open Tennis Championships as a world renowned event.”
The new expansion plans will allow the USTA to take over an additional 0.68 acres in parkland needed for improvements to the BJKNTC. In exchange, the USTA will give back 1.56 acres of the current space it leases from the city. The agreement will also establish the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Alliance that will be dedicated to improving all aspects of the park for future use.
"I'm happy to announce that we have reached a deal on the $500 million project to expand the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park," Council Member Julissa Ferreras, who represents Corona and East Elmhurst, said. "This deal was a long time coming and I can say with confidence that we will all benefit from this expansion. I am very proud that my community got engaged and demanded a voice in this process. I look forward to working with the USTA to improve the park for everyone."
The expansion project, expected to take several years to complete, will include the construction of two new stadiums to replace both the current Louis Armstrong and Grandstand arenas located on the site.