A Queens lawmaker is backing legislation that would give billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen the legal right to move forward with a planned $8 billion casino complex next to Citi Field – but there’s no guarantee the controversial plan will move forward.
State Sen. John Liu introduced a bill Sunday proposing to redesignate the parking lots around the Queens baseball stadium from parkland to commercial use, which would allow the application for Cohen’s ambitious Metropolitan Park casino proposal to move forward.
“Because the parking lot is legally parkland, they require state legislation that would allow a gaming facility to be built on that parkland in order to proceed with their application to the state gaming,” Liu explained at the bill introduction.
State Sen. John Liu announced Sunday he’s going to bat for the project with a bill that would legally convert the lots around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use.
The $8 billion casino complex will be next to Citi Field.
Cohen — in partnership with Hard Rock International restaurant group — has been pushing to build a casino by Citi Field since at least 2023 after the state announced it was accepting applications for three licenses to build casinos downstate.
The billionaire is piggybacking his application on the Flushing Skypark project — which proposes to build a Manhattan High Line-inspired pedestrian and bike bridge connecting downtown Flushing to Citi Field’s home on Willets Point – by offering to provide $100 million for that project.
Image: The $8 Billlion Casino Complex would be located next to Citi Field - credit Shutterstock
“The Skypark project would be a series of interactive areas that form a bridge and transform a simple crossing into vibrant hubs that serve as flexible public spaces for community gatherings, events, rest and social interactions,” said Liu, whose district covers Flushing and only a portion of the proposed casino site by Citi Field on Willets point.
And even if the Skypark falls apart – Liu characterized it as “a tough project from financing to regulatory approvals” — Cohen has agreed to stay on the hook for $100 million in community improvements.
But all of that remains contingent on the baseball mogul – who paid $765 million to sign outfielder Juan Soto to the Mets last year – winning the casino license from the state.
Cohen and Hard Rock committed to secure regulatory approvals and all public and private funding needed for Flushing Skypark
His casino project cannot go forward unless the Citi Field lots are converted from parkland to commercial use. Now that the proposal has been inked it will need to pass the state Assembly and Senate, and be signed by Gov. Hochul.
But a potential roadblock lies with Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents the district where the casino would largely be built.
She has opposed the idea from the start.
“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 Post.
It is unclear whether the state Senate will pass it over her objections after Ramos had refused to advance the bill in the prior two legislative sessions.
“In the spirit of collaboration I will introduce legislation to create a pathway that makes these community benefits possible,” said Liu, the former city comptroller.
The Senate typically defers to the local legislator regarding a project important to his or her district.
Despite Ramos’ objections, Liu expressed confidence that local residents would support the project.
“I’m close to Jessica, and I know her principal position is based on feedback for the constituents,” he said. “Similarly, my intent to advance any enabling legislation is based on feedback I received from constituents. Some opposed but far more in favor.”
Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen said if the Metropolitan Park project comes to fruition it would create “thousands of jobs and unparalleled experiences” for the community and guests.
The Metropolitan Park project also has a hotel and music venue.
Liu’s backing of the casino project is a boost for Cohen and Hard Rock after opposition from state Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district includes the Flushing Meadows-Corona casino site. Ramos had refused to advance the bill in the prior two legislative sessions.
The Metropolitan Park project also includes a hotel and music venue.
The proposal has garnered support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, Councilman Francisco Moya, and even the local community boards.
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.
Other bidders with chips on the table vying for a state casino license include:
- the The Wynn NYC-Related Companies’ in Hudson Yards;
- Las Vegas Sands project at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum hub in Uniondale;
- the SL Green/Caesar’s Entertainment/Jay-Z Roc Nation $4 billion proposal in Times Square;
- the Stefan Soloviev and Mohegan Sun project along the East River;
- and the Silverstein Properties/Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment plan for a casino at West 41st Street and 11th Avenue north of the Jacob Javits Center.
Two existing slots parlors or “racinos” — Genting Resorts World at Aqueduct race track and MGM Empire City at Yonkers race track — are applying for a gaming license to offer live table games.
Source: New York Post By Carl Campanile, Valentina Jaramillo and Alex Oliveira
Preview image: Shutterstock
