Metropolitan Park Casino Project Receives Local Committee Approval

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The $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino project proposed by Mets owner Steve Cohen has received unanimous approval from its local Community Advisory Committee (CAC), advancing the plan toward consideration by the New York State Gaming Commission. 

This committee endorsement marks a step forward as the project competes with other bids for three downstate casino licenses. The commission is expected to make a decision by the end of the year from among four bidders to have advanced to state consideration: Metropolitan Park, Bally’s in the Bronx, Resorts World in Queens and MGM Empire in Yonkers.

Key takeaways:

  • Unanimous committee approval pushes $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino project forward
  • Project promises over 20,000 jobs and improved transit access
  • Bid now awaits the New York State Gaming Commission’s final decision

What the Metropolitan Park Casino Project Brings to Queens?

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards described the approval as an important development for the borough, citing projections of economic benefits, including the creation of more than 20,000 union jobs and substantial wages for local families. 

The Metropolitan Park casino project involves redeveloping the parking area adjacent to Citi Field into a multi-use complex featuring a Hard Rock casino, hotel accommodations, a music venue, dining establishments, retail and convention spaces and expanded park areas. 

Project developers estimate the creation of approximately 23,000 jobs, with over 6,000 being permanent positions, along with temporary employment for construction workers.

Transit Upgrades Tied to the Project

In addition to economic elements, the proposal includes funding for improvements to the Mets-Willets Point subway station to enhance access, subject to approval by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 

The plan has previously received unanimous zoning approvals from both the New York City Planning Commission and the City Council and garnered positive votes from several Queens community boards.

While the committee’s approval was unanimous, some opposition persists among local residents and officials. Despite that, a spokesperson for the developer, Karl Rickett, stated that the committee’s vote reflects broad community support for the project, according to Bloomberg.

The next step in the approval process is the New York Gaming Facility Location Board’s evaluation and recommendation to the Gaming Commission, which will determine the future of the Metropolitan Park casino proposal.