Start spreading the news. New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's plan to build a casino hotel near Citi Field just received substantial support.
State Senator John Liu plans to introduce a bill aimed at changing the classification of 50 acres of parking lots around the Mets' home field from parkland to commercial zoning. This change could significantly benefit Cohen's $8 billion Metropolitan Park project, which includes dining, entertainment, green space, and a casino hotel operated by Hard Rock International.
In return, Cohen and his partner, Hard Rock International, promised to construct the Flushing Skypark—a pedestrian and bicycle bridge inspired by the High Line—to connect downtown Flushing and Willets Point across Flushing Creek.
“I understand that Flushing Skypark will not be easy to achieve, but if anyone can do it, it would be the Metropolitan Park team,” Liu said at a press conference.
Liu also took to social media following the announcement. He posted images of what the Skypark would look like, calling it a "game changer" in the post's description. He added that he is "Encouraged by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock’s commitment to making it happen or paying $100M to fix up Flushing Meadows Corona Park if they can’t. In that spirit, I’ll introduce legislation to make these benefits possible."
Not Everyone Onboard With Casino Project
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards supports the plan. He believes it will create 23,000 union jobs and bring much-needed investment to historically underserved areas like Corona and Flushing. Metropolitan Park land use proposals were also recently approved by the city council.
However, not everyone feels that strongly about the idea. There remains significant opposition to the proposal. State Senator Jessica Ramos, who is running for mayor of New York City and represents the district that includes the ballpark, opposes the idea. Her refusal to sponsor legislation to change the parkland to commercial use has stalled the project for nearly a year.
“My position has not changed. I cannot support a casino in Corona and am a definitive no on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes,” she told The New York Post.
Despite these objections, it is uncertain whether the state Senate will approve the bill, especially since Ramos did not move it forward during the last two legislative sessions. While Liu's support is an important step for the Citi Field casino plan, it is important to note that his Senate district is next to Citi Field, but does not include it. However, part of the Metropolitan Park development would be in his area.
Other Challenges to Citi Field Plan
Yes, the casino project near Citi Field can only proceed if the parking lots are reclassified from parkland to commercial use. But there's more.
The proposal still needs approval from the state Assembly and Senate, followed by the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul. Additionally, there is the challenge of securing one of the three downstate casino licenses that will be awarded by the end of the year. The Citi Field project is one of a dozen proposals vying for these coveted licenses.
Each proposal, including the Citi Field one, has been presented to the local community and planning boards through various presentations and design previews to obtain necessary zoning approvals. This step is essential before the state Gaming Facility Location Board makes its final decisions in December.
Proposals include plans to build casinos in The Bronx, Nassau Coliseum, and another at Hudson Yards. Other proposals currently being lobbied include a plan for Caesars Palace in Times Square and a bid from Resorts World New York City.
Casino bidders must submit their applications to local siting boards by June 27. The state Gaming Commission will award up to three casino licenses by the end of December.
