Senator from the Local Area Advances Mets Owner Cohen's New York Gambling Establishment Agenda
The $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino project, spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, is making headway next to Citi Field. The ambitious project aims to transform the Willets Point lot into an elaborate entertainment and casino complex, encompassing a casino, hotel, and new green spaces.
The project has recently secured legislative approval, with the New York State Assembly voting 138-7 in favor [5], and the state Senate passing a necessary "parkland alienation" bill with a vote of 54-5 [4]. However, it still awaits the governor's signature and faces persistent opposition from local residents, concerned about the potential loss of greenspace and community impact [4][5].
While Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris offers key legislative support, his approval is conditional upon the proposal entering the formal bidding process, not necessarily endorsing the casino itself [1]. In contrast, State Senator Jessica Ramos, whose district includes the proposed site, has expressed strong opposition [4][5].
The New York State Gaming Commission is scheduled to issue up to three downstate casino licenses by the end of 2025, each costing $500 million [1]. The success of Cohen's proposal hinges on securing one of these licenses. The project also faces legal and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed.
Proponents argue that the project could substantially bring investment and economic benefits to the region by revitalizing neglected land [5]. Nevertheless, its future remains uncertain, given the ongoing controversy and regulatory hurdles.
- The casino project at Metropolitan Park, envisioned by Steve Cohen, includes sports betting, online casinos, and blackjack, aiming to turn the Willets Point lot into an entertainment complex, along with a hotel and green spaces.
- Despite securing legislative approval, the project still needs the governor's signature and must address local residents' concerns about green space loss and community impact.
- The project's success depends on winning one of the up to three downstate casino licenses the New York State Gaming Commission plans to issue by 2025, with each license costing $500 million.
- If successful, the project could bring significant investment and economic benefits to the region, revitalizing neglected land, while potentially contributing to the industry, finance, and aerospace sectors through the progressive jackpot generated from sports betting and online casinos.
