Queens Lawmaker Advocates for $8 Billion Casino Project
A lawmaker from Queens is set to introduce legislation that would enable billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen to proceed with a proposed $8 billion casino complex adjacent to Citi Field.
State Senator John Liu revealed on Sunday that he will support this initiative by proposing a bill to change the designation of the land surrounding Citi Field from parkland to commercial use. This adjustment is essential for the ambitious Metropolitan Park project to secure one of three highly sought-after casino licenses in the downstate region.
Community and Infrastructure Development
Senator Liu, whose district is adjacent to the planned casino site, emphasized the need for improved access to the waterfront and the portion of Flushing Creek on the opposite side. He noted that Cohen and Hard Rock International’s commitment to developing Flushing Skypark—a pedestrian and bicycle bridge—would help connect downtown Flushing with areas separated by the creek.
“The Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard bridges mainly accommodate vehicles, which discourages pedestrian and cyclist access,” Liu stated. “The new Flushing Skypark will significantly improve recreational and transportation avenues, and I am pleased by the genuine dedication shown by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to realize this project.”
Financial Commitments and Community Benefits
Liu expressed his support for the casino entertainment complex after Cohen and Hard Rock pledged to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and secure all public and private funding for the Flushing Skypark, which aims to connect downtown Flushing from 39th Avenue and College Point Boulevard to Willets Point. This design is inspired by Manhattan’s renowned High Line.
In addition, Liu commended Cohen and Hard Rock’s commitment to contributing $100 million towards infrastructure enhancements in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, benefiting local residents even if the Skypark project does not proceed as planned. “To facilitate these community benefits, I will introduce legislation,” Liu, a former city comptroller, remarked.
Potential Job Creation and Community Support
Mets owner Cohen lauded Liu as a “champion of infrastructure,” emphasizing that the Skypark is essential for enhancing connectivity in Willets Point. He reassured that if the Metropolitan Park project does not succeed, they would still honor their commitment to the community with the $100 million investment in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
However, this influx of funding is contingent on the casino project securing a license from the state. Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen mentioned that if the Metropolitan Park initiative moves forward, it would generate “thousands of jobs and unparalleled experiences” for the community and its visitors.
Political Landscape and Support for the Project
The community benefit initiatives will be formalized through a legally binding contract with the Waterfront Alliance, an organization comprising over 1,100 groups. Liu’s support bolsters Cohen and Hard Rock’s plans following opposition from state Senator Jessica Ramos, who represents the district encompassing the Flushing Meadows-Corona casino site. It remains uncertain whether the state Senate will approve the plan given her objections, as she has previously blocked the bill in two legislative sessions. Typically, the Senate defers to local legislators on district-critical projects.
Next Steps in Casino Application Process
The proposal has gained support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, Councilman Francisco Moya, and local community boards. Casino bidders, including Cohen and Hard Rock, must submit their applications to local siting boards by June 27, and the state Gaming Commission will award up to three casino licenses by the end of December.
Other contenders seeking state casino licenses include:
- The Wynn NYC-Related Companies in Hudson Yards;
- Las Vegas Sands at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale;
- SL Green/Caesar’s Entertainment/Jay-Z Roc Nation’s $4 billion proposal in Times Square;
- The Stefan Soloviev and Mohegan Sun project along the East River;
- The Silverstein Properties/Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment plan near the Jacob Javits Center.
Additionally, existing slot parlors such as Genting Resorts World at Aqueduct race track and MGM Empire City at Yonkers race track are also seeking licenses to offer live table games.
