New York Assembly approves key bill for Queens casino project 

The New York State Assembly gave a strong endorsement Tuesday to Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plan to build a casino hotel complex near Citi Field, approving a key bill by a vote of 138-7.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queens), allows for the removal of parkland status on a portion of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Casino.org reported. This land is crucial to the $8 billion “Metropolitan Park” project Cohen and Hard Rock International hope to develop.

The parkland designation has been a major obstacle as the project site is currently protected public parkland. Removing that status is necessary for Cohen’s plan to move forward.

Metropolitan Park aims to create a mixed-use destination including a casino, hotel, entertainment venues, green spaces, and other public amenities. Cohen and Hard Rock pitched the project in November 2023, promising to transform an underused part of Queens that has struggled with development.

Last month, the developers announced a partnership with Slate Property Group to add 450 residential units, including affordable housing, nearby. This addition could boost political and regulatory support by addressing community housing needs.

Hooks has been one of the project’s most vocal supporters. In a March op-ed, she called Metropolitan Park a “game-changer” that would bring jobs and revitalize Queens. Hooks cited the economic benefits and cultural opportunities while avoiding explicit mention of the casino aspect.

Now that the assembly has cleared the parkland alienation bill, it moves to the New York State Senate, where the legislative battle could intensify.

In late March, State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) introduced a Senate version of the Hooks bill. While Liu’s district includes only a portion of the Metropolitan Park site, the majority falls under the purview of State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), a long-time opponent of repurposing parkland for private development.

Ramos, a declared candidate for New York City mayor, has not revealed how strongly she intends to fight the bill in the Senate. However, she recently acknowledged that the legislation might advance despite her opposition.

Cohen is pushing forward while other casino developers are stepping back, as per New York Post report.

Last month, Las Vegas Sands dropped its $4 billion bid for a casino near Nassau Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the Soloviev Group, partnered with Mohegan on a proposed Midtown Manhattan casino, is offering stock options to win local support. The group said it will reserve up to 12% of its stock options for New York City residents.