New York State Senate approves land redesignation for Queens casino project
The bill was approved with 54 votes in favour and 5 against.
US.- The New York Senate has approved Bill S7121A, which would authorise the redesignation of land in Queens for New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock’s proposed $8bn casino resort. The bill would redesignate 50 acres of parking space around the Queens baseball stadium from parkland to commercial.
The proposal passed the Senate in a 54-5 vote after the State Assembly approved it 138-7 last week. bill. It will now go to governor Kathy Hochul for her signature or veto. The bill was introduced by state senator John Liu/
Among the senators who voted against the bill, Jessica Ramos said the development of a casino would not align with what her community wanted. According to the New York Post, she said: “I cast my vote today not in opposition to my neighbours, but in defence of a vision of economic development that is dignified, sustainable, and rooted in the needs of working people, not in the wings of a billionaire.” Meanwhile, senator Liu said the proposal would create new job opportunities for local residents and boost the state’s economy.
Cohen’s proposal includes the Flushing Skypark, a High Line-inspired pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would span Flushing Creek, connecting downtown Flushing and Willets Point. He will first have to gain one of three casino licences that are expected to be granted for downtown New York.
