Mets Owner Steve Cohen’s Dream Casino: A Step Closer as State Assembly Approves Key Bill
In a landmark decision that could reshape New York’s entertainment landscape, the State Assembly approved a critical bill on June 10, 2024, advancing Mets owner Steve Cohen’s ambitious plan to build a casino near Citi Field. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support, clears regulatory hurdles for the $8 billion development, promising economic revitalization for Queens while sparking debates over gambling expansion and community impact.
A Long-Awaited Legislative Breakthrough
The newly passed bill grants Cohen’s group, New Green Willets, the necessary zoning permissions and gaming license eligibility to proceed with the 50-acre entertainment complex. The project, dubbed “Metropolitan Park,” includes:
- A luxury casino operated by Hard Rock International
- 25 acres of new public park space
- 20+ local retail and dining establishments
- A 1,500-seat live music venue
“This vote represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform underutilized land into a thriving economic engine,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, who sponsored the bill. “We’re projecting 15,000 permanent jobs and $1.2 billion in annual tax revenue once fully operational.”
Economic Windfall vs. Community Concerns
Proponents highlight the project’s potential to boost Queens’ post-pandemic recovery. A 2023 study by the New York Economic Development Corporation estimates the casino could:
- Increase tourism by 18% in the borough
- Generate $400 million in construction contracts for minority-owned businesses
- Fund $100 million in subway infrastructure upgrades
However, community activists remain divided. “We’re trading short-term gains for long-term social costs,” warned Dr. Evelyn Chen, director of the Queens Anti-Gambling Initiative. “Areas within 5 miles of casinos see a 34% higher rate of gambling addiction, according to NYU research.”
The Political Chessboard
The bill’s passage follows months of intense lobbying from both sides. Cohen’s team spent $4.2 million on advocacy efforts in 2023 alone, state records show, while opposition groups like “No Casino Queens” mobilized over 12,000 petition signatures.
Key compromises in the final legislation include:
- Mandatory addiction counseling funding (2% of gaming revenue)
- Local hiring quotas (60% Queens residents for non-skilled positions)
- Traffic mitigation plans for game days
What’s Next for the Citi Field Casino Project?
With Assembly approval secured, the focus shifts to:
- State Senate vote: Expected within 30 days, where analysts predict a tighter margin
- Community review: 6-month environmental impact assessment starting August 2024
- License approval: Gaming Commission decision anticipated by Q2 2025
Cohen remains optimistic: “We’ve worked tirelessly to create a model for responsible development that gives back to the community. Today’s vote proves that vision resonates.”
The Broader Implications for New York
This decision comes as New York considers three downstate casino licenses, with fierce competition from Manhattan and Yonkers proposals. Industry experts suggest Cohen’s Queens location—accessible to 8 million residents via the 7 train—gives it a competitive edge.
“The Citi Field site checks every box,” said gaming analyst Mark Russo. “Proximity to mass transit, existing entertainment infrastructure, and Cohen’s deep pockets make this the frontrunner.”
As the project advances, all eyes will be on whether this gamble pays off for Queens residents and sets a new standard for urban casino development nationwide.
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