New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has received a huge boost to his efforts to develop a sprawling $8 billion casino complex called Metropolitan Park near the Mets’ Citi Field in Queens. On March 30, state Senator John Liu introduced legislation that would rezone the 50 acres of parking lots near the stadium from parkland to commercial use in order to accommodate the project.
In addition, Cohen and partner Hard Rock International have also pledged to develop the Flushing Skypark project, a pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting downtown Flushing and Willets Point.
According to Gothamist, Liu said the project “will not be easy to achieve,” but Cohen has agreed to contribute $100 million for infrastructure improvements to Flushing Meadows Corona Park even if the Skypark does not move forward.
The project needs the zoning change in order to qualify for one of three downstate casino licenses, which are to be awarded by the end of the year. However, Liu’s district only includes a portion of the land—most of the project falls under the purview of Senator Jessica Ramos, who has opposed the plan since it was first proposed.
“My position has not changed. I cannot support a casino in Corona and am a definitive no on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes,” she said in a statement to the New York Post.
Generally, the state Senate will defer to local officials when it comes to such projects, and it is unclear if the bill will pass if Ramos does not support it. Cohen is one of 11 bidders vying for the three available licenses.
