The Shakedown Went Very Well, Thank You

After clamoring for the Mets to be “better neighbors,” Queens politicians seem happy with whatever deal they’ve struck with the team in exchange for their help financing the new stadium:

The Mets pledged jobs, contracts and other goodies for Queens yesterday to win support for their proposed new stadium.

“We’ve got a deal here,” said City Councilman Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens), whose district includes Shea Stadium. “It’s a home run for the borough.”

The deal paves the way for approval today by the full Council for a $798 million financing deal to build a new stadium for the Mets. The Council is also set to approve a similar $1.2 billion financing deal for the Yankees’ new stadium.

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No dollar amount was given for the Mets pact, but 25% of the team’s annual community and charitable donations and related activities is to be steered to Queens sports, school and community groups.

The Mets also pledged to “use all reasonable efforts” to have at least 25% of construction contracts and jobs go to Queens firms and residents, and another 25% of the contracts go to minority- and women-owned firms.