Assembly approves Bronx stadium package authorizing new Yankee Stadium and parkland exchange

The New York State Assembly on Thursday approved legislation clearing the way for a new Yankee Stadium and related waterfront and park development after a floor debate in which Bronx lawmakers emphasized local economic benefits and protections for public recreation space.

Carmen Arroyo, a sponsor who led the package for the Bronx delegation, said the plan will replace and add parkland while preserving the field of the old Yankee Stadium “for the children and the people in the community.” Arroyo told colleagues the total development area is roughly 27 acres, with about 8 acres occupied by the new stadium and the remainder slated for public facilities, courts and waterfront access.

Jeff Dinowitz, who pressed the sponsor with questions from the floor, said the project represented a net gain for the borough compared with prior park alienation bills. “Unlike that bill back then, where the city took 48 acres and replaced it with no parkland, in this case we are receiving at least as much parkland, if not more,” Dinowitz said.

Members also raised economic points. Assemblyman [name withheld per transcript mapping] noted the private investment in the project—cited on the floor as roughly $850 million—and argued the package would create construction jobs and spur surrounding development, including parking and market projects the delegation expects to complete within a multi‑year construction timeline.

Arroyo and other Bronx members said they have a memorandum of understanding with the Yankees and civic leaders to pursue participation by minority- and women-owned businesses during construction and to ensure community benefits, such as keeping community recreation available during construction.

After supporters explained the bill on the floor and responded to questions about acreage, public access, and minority participation, the Assembly recorded the vote and the speaker announced the bill carried by a large affirmative margin.

The bill passed; floor remarks closed with leaders scheduling committee meetings and the House adjourning for the day. The measure now goes to the next step in the legislative process as required by statute.

Sources: floor debate and roll-call announcements on the Assembly floor.