New York Lawmakers Endorse Citi Field Casino Proposal

There are nearly a dozen gaming and entertainment companies and coalitions planning their bid for one out of three casino licenses in New York. The process of securing one of the coveted licenses is complex and, for some bidders, requires rezoning of land.

Such is the case for the proposal backed by the billionaire businessman and New York Mets owner, Steve Cohen, who joined forces with Hard Rock, proposing a massive development that would include a casino near Citi Field.

The $8BN Casino and Entertainment Complex Is Seen as a “Grand Slam” for Queens

Only recently, the project, which is called Metropolitan Park, received support from a couple of lawmakers. That’s the case for Queens State Sen. John Liu and Queens Borough president Donovan Richards, who recently endorsed the $8 billion project that proposes a massive community development called Flushing Skypark.

The aforementioned development is part of the pledge of Cohen and Hard Rock and represents a bridge that can be used by pedestrians and bicyclists, stretching across Flushing Creek and helping it connect to Willets Point. As announced by Sen. Liu, Hard Rock and Cohen committed to making Flushing Skypark a reality or if they cannot accomplish it, to pay $100 million to revamp Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Metropolitan Park requires rezoning of land near Citi Field, which is currently used as a parking lot. Similar to other casino bidders, Cohen and Hard Rock are trying to secure necessary permits and meet rezoning requirements. However, considering their pledge for Flushing Skypark, Sen. Liu confirmed that he plans to back legislation that can help make the project a reality.

As noted, the casino project was also endorsed by Queens Borough president Richards. “Metropolitan Park is a grand slam for Northwest Queens. In a time of growing economic fear, this project would create 23,000 good-paying union jobs, unlocking new levels of upward mobility for families across Corona, Flushing and beyond,” he wrote on Sunday.

Richards acknowledged that the parking lot that requires rezoning for the project sits “unused for 200+ days a year, doing absolutely nothing for Queens.” He recognized the Metropolitan Park proposal as an opportunity, explaining it will not only create new jobs but deliver a new 25-acre park, food hall and other amenities. “I’m proud of my work with the developers to ensure Metropolitan Park is community-first,” Richards explained in a post on X.

“No Casino in Queens,” Say Opponents of the Project

While the two lawmakers see the benefit of the project, not everyone agrees with the proposed development. Sen. Liu’s announcement on his Instagram page was met with disapproval by residents who voiced their concerns and some outright wrote “no” to the proposed development that would include a casino.

One user, nicknamed “misterjosephrobert” wrote: “NO CASINO IN QUEENS!!!!!!!” while another person who shared the same opinion wrote: “Ummmm…no! No Casino in Queens!!!!!!!“

Another person, nicknamed “bungchacha,” who also commented on the announcement, claimed that a casino in the area is going to “destroy” families in Flushing and Queens. The same user suggested that such a development would make the “community poorer and less safe,” accusing the lawmaker of already knowing this but supporting the project regardless.

It is yet to be seen when Sen. Liu will introduce the aforementioned legislation. Even if that happens, there’s no guarantee that Cohen and Hard Rock would secure a license.