In a pivotal legislative move, the New York State Senate Committee on Cities has taken a decisive step in the advancement of Steve Cohen’s $8 billion casino proposal near Citi Field. On April 29, 2025, the committee approved a bill that would allow the alienation of public parkland, paving the way for what could become one of the most transformative developments in Queens’ history.
This bill’s approval, while still early in the legislative process, signals growing momentum for the controversial project dubbed “Metropolitan Park.”
A Casino in Queens? Breaking Down the Vision
At the heart of the debate lies Cohen’s ambitious plan to convert a Citi Field-adjacent parking lot into a vast entertainment complex. The proposed development includes a Hard Rock casino, a luxury hotel, dining and retail spaces, recreational areas, and substantial green public space.
If approved, Metropolitan Park would represent a seismic shift in the land use of the area — currently designated as parkland under state law. To move forward legally, the land must be “alienated” — a process that requires formal approval from state lawmakers.
The Bill’s Journey: A Contentious Committee Vote
On April 29, the Senate Cities Committee voted to advance the alienation bill. The outcome? Four votes in favor, three against, with no formal recommendation — an unusual result that underscores the sensitive nature of the proposal.
State Senator John Liu, who introduced the bill, described the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to revitalize the community, offering both economic stimulus and new public amenities. Liu’s district partially overlaps with the development site, giving him both political leverage and local responsibility.
However, the bill passed without full consensus, reflecting the deep divides among lawmakers and the community itself.
Local Tensions: Ramos vs. Cohen
State Senator Jessica Ramos, who represents the district where the site is located, has been one of the project’s most vocal critics. Her opposition is rooted in concerns about gentrification, potential harm to low-income and elderly residents, and the impact of gambling on vulnerable populations.
Ramos refused to introduce the alienation bill herself, stating, “This community deserves green space and opportunity without being forced to accept a casino.”
Despite her resistance, Ramos admitted the bill may still progress — especially given the support from other lawmakers, including those outside the immediate district.
Cohen’s Commitments: Infrastructure and Community Deals
In an effort to win support, Steve Cohen has made several public commitments, including plans for:
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A pedestrian bridge (the “Flushing Skypark”) over Flushing Creek to connect Downtown Flushing and Willets Point,
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A $100 million pledge over 10 years to maintain and enhance Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, if the bridge proves unfeasible.
These gestures, while strategic, have done little to sway some detractors. Still, they reflect Cohen’s awareness of the political and social complexities of building a casino in Queens.
Public Sentiment: Divided but Vocal
A poll commissioned by Cohen’s team showed that 62% of residents in Liu’s district support the project — though critics have called the survey biased. Meanwhile, community rallies have drawn both fervent support and organized opposition.
In April, a pro-casino demonstration saw hundreds of local residents — organized by the Coalition for Queens Advancement — call for job creation, better infrastructure, and investment in under-resourced areas.
On the flip side, grassroots organizers have labeled the casino “predatory,” claiming it preys on economically struggling communities and offers “false promises” of prosperity.
Political Landscape: Key Allies and Strategic Timing
Aside from Liu, the project has garnered support from:
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Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who described the casino as a “game-changing investment,”
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City Council Member Francisco Moya, who has voiced enthusiasm for the proposal’s job creation potential.
Critics, however, accuse Cohen of using his ownership of the Mets and Citi Field as leverage to gain favorable treatment from lawmakers and public agencies.
Regulatory Hurdles and the Bigger Picture
Although this committee vote is a major milestone, the path forward remains complex. The bill now moves to the full Senate floor, and if passed, will also need approval in the State Assembly.
Simultaneously, the New York State Gaming Commission is in the process of awarding three downstate casino licenses. Competition is fierce — with proposals coming from Times Square, Coney Island, and Hudson Yards — all vying for the same limited approvals.
Cohen’s pitch is considered strong, thanks to:
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His ties to Queens,
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The Mets’ existing infrastructure,
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The potential for regional economic revitalization.
Yet, the outcome is far from guaranteed.
Conclusion: A Gamble on More Than Cards
The approval of this bill by the Senate committee is more than a procedural step — it’s a symbolic green light for one of the most high-profile, high-stakes developments in the city’s recent history.
Whether Metropolitan Park becomes a landmark destination or a cautionary tale of unchecked development depends on how lawmakers, community members, and regulators balance public interest with private ambition.
One thing is clear: the debate around Steve Cohen’s casino is far from over. With billions on the line — and the future of an entire neighborhood hanging in the balance — the coming months will be critical.
