Queens Casino Bid Gets Legislative Boost

The casino bid fronted by billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International received a small but significant legislative boost in the New York Assembly with the filing of an amendment to bill A 6781 by Assemblyperson Larinda Hooks.

The $8 billion Metropolitan Park plan, which would be located in Queens next to Citi Field, is one of 10 bids currently vying for three downstate licenses in the Empire State. One of the prerequisites for the bid to be viable is getting the state legislature to pass a law that would re-designate the area surrounding Citi Field from parkland to commercial use.

Hooks, whose district includes Corona Park in Queens, submitted her bill last Thursday as a companion to Senate Bill S 7121 submitted by Sen. John Liu. The language in the bills is practically identical and authorizes New York City …

“to discontinue the use as parkland and alienate through entering of leases or other agreements with Queens Future, LLC, or affiliates, the lands described in section three of this act for the purposes of developing, constructing, maintaining, operating, using, or occupying such lands with a gaming facility … “

The New York City Council already voted to approve rezoning 50 acres of parking lots surrounding Citi Field in March. Both Hooks’ and Liu’s bills are in the Cities Committees of their respective chambers.

Ramos headed off at the pass?

Hooks’ bill offers the potential clearing of a major obstacle for Metropolitan Park since state Sen. Jessica Ramos — also a New York City mayoral candidate — has been in strident opposition to the casino proposal from the start. Most of the bid’s property lines are in Ramos’ district, though Liu was able to submit his bill since some of his constituency also resides there.

Ramos declined to offer similar legislation for the project last year and conceded to the New York Post on Sunday that “I don’t know if I have the power to block that legislation.” She added a majority of her constituents are against the casino, tabulating that sentiment via three town halls, online surveys, and a poll.

“Guess what? Three-quarters of my neighbors don’t want it,” Ramos said, noting, “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.”

Liu acknowledged Ramos’ opposition when he filed his bill last month, telling the Post, “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.”