Mets owner Steve Cohen is pushing for his $8 billion “Metropolitan Park” project, which includes a casino complex next to Citi Field. He is seeking the support of state Sen. Jessica Ramos to re-designate the parking lots around the ballpark for commercial use. Ramos has been resistant to the project, which has led Cohen to rally the support of 100 civic leaders, small business owners, and residents in an effort to persuade her.
Despite Ramos’ reluctance, there are only a few more weeks remaining in the legislative session for Cohen to secure her support. In a strategic move, a pro-casino rally was held near Ramos’ district office in Diversity Park in Jackson Heights. Supporters of the project highlighted the potential job opportunities and entertainment that the casino complex could bring to the surrounding Queens community.
Supporters, including members of the First Baptist Church of Corona, emphasized the importance of the casino project in providing opportunities for young people to generate generational wealth. The idea of bringing entertainment options closer to the community was also a key factor for many supporters. Additionally, small business owners like Eddie Valentin and residents like Valerie Young expressed their excitement for the project and the potential benefits it could bring to the neighborhood.
While Cohen has garnered support from other Queens officials, Ramos remains noncommittal about her stance on the casino project. Councilman Francisco Moya, Assemblyman Jeffry Aubry, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards have all pledged their support. Despite the pressure from Cohen and other officials, Ramos maintained that she is representing the best interests of her constituents in Albany.
Cohen’s Metropolitan Park project would include a gaming center, hotel, music venue, and green space operated by Hard Rock International. The proposed complex aims to provide the community with additional amenities and access to Flushing Bay. However, competition from other casino plans in the area, such as the expansion of the Genting Resorts World New York slots parlor and proposals in The Bronx, Hudson Yards, Coney Island, and Uniondale, adds complexity to the project.
Overall, the push for the Metropolitan Park project reflects a larger trend of casino developments in the New York City area. While Cohen seeks to bring a casino complex to the Queens community, the project faces resistance from certain officials and competition from other proposals. The outcome of the legislative session will determine the fate of Cohen’s $8 billion project and its potential impact on the Queens neighborhood.
