Mets Owner Cohen Reveals New Details About Casino And Entertainment Complex Proposal

As he looks to significantly reshape the landscape around Queens’ Citi Field, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is trying to garner more support for his pet casino project. Media outlet amNY has shared new renderings Cohen unveiled that he hopes will whet the right appetites as the competition increases.

Cohen partnered with Hard Rock Entertainment to propose the creation of a sprawling casino and entertainment district named Metropolitan Park. This $8 billion project aims to transform the largely unused parkland surrounding the Mets’ home stadium into a vibrant destination for tourists and locals alike.

The project faces stiff competition in the race for one of three coveted downstate casino licenses that New York State legislators have authorized.

Cohen’s proposal aims to redevelop 50 acres of parkland, currently serving as a parking lot for Citi Field. The centerpiece of this grand vision is a state-of-the-art casino that would be managed by Hard Rock.

The broader Metropolitan Park complex would also feature a variety of attractions, including 20 acres of public parks, five acres of community athletic fields, and a major music venue. A “Taste of Queens” food hall would showcase local vendors, promoting the borough’s culinary culture.

Cohen’s team is also pledging significant investments in the area’s infrastructure. These include accessibility upgrades to the Mets-Willets Point 7 train station, improved roadways and cycling paths, and a $163 million community impact fund. The latter would support local nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, the development promises to create over 23,000 jobs, both permanent and temporary.

The broader development of Willets Point

The Metropolitan Park proposal coincides with a broader revitalization effort in the Willets Point area. The eastern part of Willets Point, once a collection of auto body shops and scrapyards, is already undergoing a transformation.

New York City Football Club is set to build a soccer stadium in the neighborhood, and plans are underway for thousands of units of affordable housing. These projects, alongside Cohen’s casino and entertainment complex, could turn the area into a major hub for sports, entertainment, and community activity.

Despite his grand vision, Cohen’s proposal faces significant political obstacles, particularly in the form of community opposition and legislative hurdles. The land on which Cohen plans to build is classified as parkland, and any development on it would require a “parkland alienation” bill to be passed by the New York State Legislature.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents the district and is now running for mayor, has voiced opposition to the project. In May 2023, she announced that she would not introduce the necessary parkland alienation bill, citing resistance from her constituents.

This opposition has become a major stumbling block for Cohen’s plans. Ramos’ stance has garnered some support from local residents who are concerned about the potential social and environmental impacts of the casino.

However, not all local politicians are against the project. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry have expressed their support, with Aubry already introducing the parkland alienation bill in his chamber. Local City Council Member Francisco Moya is also a backer of the project.

Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett remains optimistic, emphasizing that the state’s legislative process allows for community and elected official input at every step. Rickett also pointed out that any senator, not just Ramos, could introduce the alienation bill.

Fierce competition for casino licenses

The competition for one of the three downstate New York casino licenses has attracted a diverse range of high-profile bids. With two of the licenses likely to go to existing racinos — establishments that currently offer slot machines and horse racing, but not full table games — the race for the third license is especially intense.

Aside from Cohen’s bid in Queens, other proposals include a casino in Times Square backed by music mogul Jay-Z, a development in Hudson Yards, and potential sites in Coney Island and the Bronx. Jay-Z’s Roc Nation-led team has pledged more than $250 million in grant money for the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as part of its Times Square bid, which includes the creation of a Caesars Palace casino.

The team has already engaged with local residents to ensure community benefits beyond just the construction phase. It also plans on contributing an initial $15 million to the local community, along with ongoing grants tied to 0.5% of the casino’s revenue.

Additional contenders for a casino license include proposals from Saks Fifth Avenue, Mohegan Sun, Wynn Resorts, and Resorts World Casino.