New York: State Senate Committee vote advances Steve Cohen’s $8 billion casino plan near Citi Field

A proposal to build an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex near Citi Field in Queens cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday when a New York State Senate committee voted in favor of allowing commercial development on parkland currently used as parking lots.

The 4–3 vote on a bill introduced by State Senator John Liu (D-Bayside) marks a critical step forward for the project, which is being led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.

Known as “Metropolitan Park,” the proposed development aims to transform a 50-acre stretch of asphalt in Willets Point, long neglected and adjacent to the Mets’ stadium, into a hub of entertainment, hospitality, and green space. The project includes a casino hotel, public park areas, and other amenities, and has been pitched as a job-generating, community-enhancing initiative for Queens.

“For decades, these 50 acres of asphalt have only been parking lots,” said Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett in a statement. “Today’s committee approval brings us one step closer to delivering 25 acres of actual public park space, 23,000 union jobs, new entertainment options, and over $1 billion in community benefits for Queens.”

Under current zoning, the targeted site is designated as parkland, which prohibits commercial development. Senator Liu’s bill, introduced last month, seeks to “alienate” the land’s park status, effectively clearing the way for commercial use. 

Rendering of the proposed Metropolitan Park

That legal reclassification is required before any formal application for a casino license can proceed, and Tuesday’s vote helps keep the proposal on track ahead of the June 27 deadline for downstate casino license bids.

The project has faced political opposition, most notably from State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), who represents the district encompassing the bulk of the proposed Metropolitan Park site. Ramos has resisted efforts to reclassify parkland, but earlier this month acknowledged that Liu’s bill could still advance without her support.

Cohen and Hard Rock have also sought to strengthen their proposal through community development efforts. Earlier this month, they announced a partnership with Slate Property Group to develop 450 residential units in a nearby area, an initiative that may boost their appeal to regulators evaluating social and economic impacts.

With only three downstate casino licenses available, the competition is fierce. The existing MGM’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting’s Resorts World New York in Queens are widely expected to secure two of the licenses. That leaves eight contenders, including Cohen and Hard Rock, vying for the final slot.

Industry watchers have noted that the field of contenders is narrowing. Saks Fifth Avenue has dropped out of the race, as did Las Vegas Sands earlier this month.

The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to make its recommendations to the New York State Gaming Commission by the end of the year.