Summary:
- The State Senate voted to reclassify parkland near Citi Field, advancing Steve Cohen and Hard Rock’s $8 billion casino project.
- The plan still faces community opposition and competition for one of three downstate casino licenses.
- The bill now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision, with no clear indication of her support.
Steve Cohen’s vision for a massive casino and entertainment district next to Citi Field just cleared a major hurdle in Albany. On Tuesday, the New York State Senate voted 54-5 to allow New York City to reclassify 50 acres of asphalt lots surrounding the Mets’ stadium.
The legislation is key to moving Cohen’s $8 billion proposal forward. The joint venture with Hard Rock International includes a casino, hotels, green space, and a High Line-style pedestrian bridge connecting Downtown Flushing to Willets Point.
The land currently serves as parking for Citi Field but is technically designated as public parkland. For any private development to proceed, state lawmakers had to vote in favor of “alienating” that land, a legal process that frees it up for non-park use.
The bill, already passed by the Assembly earlier this month, now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul for a decision.
Cohen and Hard Rock’s proposal includes turning 20 of the 50 acres into a true public park, a gesture aimed at appeasing critics and meeting the bill’s requirements.
Cohen said in a statement,
After years of community engagement, thousands of conversations, and the leadership of our local elected officials, we are one step closer to transforming these asphalt lots into something our neighbors can truly be proud of
Even with this legislative win, Cohen faces stiff competition, as his project is one of nine vying for just three available downstate casino licenses. The final decisions will be made by the New York State Gaming Commission later this year.
Project Opponents Are Still Vocal
This step forward follows an expensive, years-long lobbying effort. Cohen and his team reportedly spent over $3.3 million on consultants, many of whom are former city and state officials.
As expected, opposition to the project remains vocal.
Alexis Kaloyanides, a Jackson Heights resident and organizer, criticized the vote, saying:
I think the message it sends is that our elected leaders are more in line with a billionaire developer than they are the working-class neighbors in our community. That’s the bottom line.
Last year, the plan stalled after local Senator Jessica Ramos withheld support. While Ramos still opposes the casino, calling it a symbol of “power” over partnership during the Senate vote, support from Senator John Liu helped move the bill this time around. Liu argued the project would “create thousands of jobs for local residents and opportunities for local small businesses”.
Governor Hochul has not yet indicated her stance, with a spokesperson only indicating that she will review the legislation.
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