The owner of the New York Mets has a powerful ally in Senator John Liu
A proposal to bring a casino hotel near Citi Field took a major step forward as New York State Sen. John Liu introduced a bill that could clear a key legal hurdle. The legislation, if passed, would remove the parkland designation from the parking lots surrounding the stadium, allowing for commercial development on the site. This move is seen as a significant boost for the $8 billion Metropolitan Park project, spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
The plan envisions a mix of entertainment, dining, green spaces, and a casino hotel operated by Hard Rock International. However, the land’s current designation as parkland has been a major obstacle, as state law requires legislative approval to repurpose such areas for commercial use. Liu emphasized the necessity of this change, stating that without it, the casino component of the project cannot move forward.
Despite this progress, opposition remains. Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district includes much of Citi Field, has been a vocal critic of the casino project. She has repeatedly stated she will not support any legislation that overrides the concerns of local residents. A past poll commissioned by an anonymous donor to Ramos indicated local opposition, though other surveys—some linked to casino backers—suggest broad public support.
The momentum for the Metropolitan Park plan has been growing. Several Queens community boards endorsed the proposal late last year, and in February, the City Planning Commission approved necessary zoning adjustments.
The next key step will be the submission of formal applications for downstate casino licenses, due by June 27. After that, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board will review proposals before making recommendations to the state gaming commission, a process expected to extend into 2025.
