New York senator John Liu introduces bill to allow Citi Field casino project
The senator is backing Steve Cohen’s plans for an $8bn casino resort.
US.- State senator John Liu has introduced a bill proposing to redesignate parking lots around the Queens baseball stadium from parkland to commercial use in order to allow New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal for an $8bn casino resort at Citi Field ballpark in Queens. Cohen and Hard Rock International hope to gain one of three casino licences to be granted for downtown New York.
The Metropolitan Park complex would be located on 50 acres of parking space around the Mets’ ballpark. Because the parking lot is legally parkland, state legislation is needed to allow a gaming facility to be built.
Cohen’s plans with partner Hard Rock International include the Flushing Skypark, a High Line-inspired pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would span Flushing Creek, connecting downtown Flushing and Willets Point. Cohen is also offering to fund $100m toward the project.
Queens Borough president Donovan Richards has called the plan “grand slam for Northwest Queens” that would bring 23,000 union jobs and investment to historically underserved neighbourhoods like Corona and Flushing. However, the proposal faces opposition. Senator Jessica Ramos, who is running for New York City mayor and whose district includes the ballpark, has voiced opposition.
Cohen’s proposal will compete with other applicants for one of three downstate New York gaming licences. Other bidders include Thor Equities Group in Coney Island, Las Vegas Sands in Long Island, the Related Companies/Wynn Resorts in Hudson Yards, SL Green/Caesars in Times Square and Bally’s Corporation in Manhattan’s far West Side.
