$8 Billion Casino Project Near Citi Field May Still Happen Despite Resistance

A planned casino and entertainment complex near Citi Field continues to stir debate, even as its chances of approval remain alive in Queens. Despite State Senator Jessica Ramos refusing to sponsor the required bill, other lawmakers have stepped in to keep the $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal in play.

Good to know

• Steve Cohen and Hard Rock are behind the $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal next to Citi Field.
• The project requires legislation to convert public parkland into commercial space.
• Local support is split, with some lawmakers backing the bill and others firmly opposing it.

Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, is leading the project alongside Hard Rock International. Their bid is one of several under review for the three downstate casino licenses the New York State Gaming Commission plans to award later this year.

To move forward, the land next to Citi Field must be rezoned from parkland to commercial use. Ramos, whose district includes most of the site, opposes the plan. “I don’t know if I have the power to block that legislation,” she told The New York Post. She pointed to local opposition, saying most of her constituents do not support a casino in the area.

Although Ramos declined to introduce the enabling bill, her Senate colleague John Liu did. Liu represents part of the same area and said he has received strong support from his constituents. Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks has also filed matching legislation in the Assembly.

“I am close to Jessica, and I know her principled position is based on feedback from her constituents,” said Liu. “Similarly, my intent to advance any enabling legislation is based on feedback I received from constituents. Some opposed, but far more in favor.”

Ramos pushed back strongly. “We are having a profound disagreement about this. I disagree with him. I think he’s wrong.” She also raised concerns about the social effects of placing a casino near the No. 7 subway line, saying it could hurt seniors and low-income residents. “We as taxpayers cannot afford for our seniors to gamble away their pension or social-security money,” she said.

Metropolitan Park has support from other local figures, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and City Councilman Francisco Moya. Several community boards have also backed the idea, viewing it as an economic boost for the area.

New York’s casino expansion effort began with a 2013 amendment to the state constitution. After four upstate casinos were licensed, attention shifted to the New York City area once a ban on downstate licenses expired last year.

Ramos remains committed to her stance but acknowledged that the bill’s outcome now depends on broader legislative dynamics. “What has to happen is the bill passes or it doesn’t,” she said. “Everyone in this city knows exactly how I feel about this project.”

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