Recently, a hot debate has unfolded in Queens, centering around a potential casino complex near Citi Field.
Jessica Ramos, the state senator whose district includes most of the proposed site, isn’t thrilled. She's made it clear she's not on board with the idea.
Ramos told The New York Post, “I don’t know if I have the power to block that legislation,” showing there's a bit of uncertainty mixed with her firm opposition.
While Ramos is doing her best to halt the project, there's a chance it might move forward despite her stance. With the clock ticking and competition for those casino licenses heating up, it's shaping up to be an interesting showdown.
A Big Plan Backed by Big Names
Back in 2013, New York decided it was time to have some Vegas-style fun and started a plan to open seven casinos. They opened four casinos upstate but paused any development near New York City until 2023. And now we're here and the battle for three casino licenses is on.
Bidders must submit their plans this summer and a final decision on who gets the licenses is expected by the end of the year.
Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the Mets, has teamed up with gaming giant Hard Rock in a bid to bring a casino-entertainment complex called "Metropolitan Park" to Queens. They're aiming for one of the three casino licenses up for grabs this year, but it’s not just up to them.
This plan hinges on re-designating the area around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use. Without this legislative change, Cohen’s $8 billion dream won’t even make it to the starting line.
City Council has already approved the rezoning plan, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is in favor of it. He thinks it will generate 23,000 union jobs and attract important investments to areas that have long been overlooked, like Corona and Flushing.
Ramos Stands Her Ground
Senator Ramos, who represents much of the area impacted by the Citi Field proposal, is opposed to the idea.
She's hearing from her constituents and believes that such a complex could harm lower-income residents and seniors in her district. Ramos admitted to the New York Post that she’s not sure she can stop the legislation but remains resolute in her opposition.
At the heart of this issue lies the impact on the local community. Ramos has refused to sponsor the re-designation measure, underscoring her commitment to her constituents' concerns. Her fear? That a casino could bring about unforeseen negative influences.
What's Next for the Citi Field Casino Plan?
Despite Ramos' resistance, not all local lawmakers are against the proposal.
State Senator John Liu, whose district includes part of the proposed site, has agreed to introduce the needed legislation. Liu's bill would change the classification of 50 acres of parking lots around the Mets' home field from parkland to commercial zoning.
Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks has also taken steps to push the measure forward in the Assembly.
Saks Fifth Avenue recently dropped its casino bid, so there is one less competitor for one of the three casino licenses. But as the end of the year approaches, all eyes will be on the state Gaming Commission and the fate of those casino licenses.
For now, as far as the Citi Field project is concerned, the local community remains divided, and Senator Ramos is doing her best to make sure that her constituents are heard.
