Mets owner Steve Cohen’s bid to bring a casino adjacent to Citi Field received a big boost from the New York State Assembly when they voted to allow redesignating the parkland for commercial use.
Significant Milestone
Had the New York State Assembly not voted 138-7 to allow the development of a casino adjacent to Citi Field, then the project would be as good as dead. Although this is far from a guarantee that Steve Cohen and his partners at Hard Rock International will see their $8 billion Metropolitan Park vision become a reality, it is nonetheless a critical hurdle to climb.
“This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits.” Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queen), the bill’s sponsor, said before voting. “This is about giving something back to residents that’s given more than they’ve received,” Hooks added.
One Step Closer to Reality
Late last month, the City Council handed Cohen and his partners another lifeline when it passed a “home rule” resolution, calling on the state to approve those bills.
“Last week’s home rule brings us one step closer to delivering 23,000 union jobs, 25 acres of public park space, new entertainment options, and over $1 billion in community benefits for Queens,” said Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Park, in a statement.
Two of the initial 11 bidders for just three downstate casino licenses have recently folded their tents. The Las Vegas Sands’ Nassau Coliseum project on Long Island and Saks Global’s Fifth Avenue venue have both been shelved, leaving nine bidders remaining.
Ramos Says No
The Senate will also need to approve the rezoning designation, but it won’t be with Senator Jessica Ramos’ stamp of approval. Ramos is a powerful force in the upper chamber, and her district is in the heart of the Citi Field project. She has been consistently vocal in her opposition. Ramos commented on the bill, saying, “It does impact his district. It’s not like it was introduced by someone from a different geography.”
Nevertheless, a colleague of hers, state Senator John Liu, also has a portion of his district in the project zone, but he has been far more welcoming to pro-casino legislation. This means there are two opposing forces in the state Senate, which could spark fireworks during the session.
“[Liu] has a direct vested interest in what happens there. We are having a profound disagreement about this. I disagree with him. I think he’s wrong,” said Ramos.
Noting the casino would be open daily, Ramos stated she feared for the residents of her district who could be tempted into losing their money at a casino that is within walking distance from their homes.
“It’s really about my neighborhood,” the lawmaker said. “No, we as taxpayers cannot afford for our seniors gambling away their pension or social security money because then we have to pony up [funds] to make sure they are taken care of,” Ramos added.
Liu countered Ramos by saying, “I am close to Jessica, and I know her principled position is based on feedback from her constituents. Similarly, my intent to advance any enabling legislation is based on feedback I received from constituents. Some opposed, but far more in favor.”
