Local Senator Drives Mets Owner Cohen’s New York Casino Project

A Queens official is pushing legislation to facilitate New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s bid for a New York casino license.

State Sen. John Liu (D-16), the Chairman of the New York City Education Committee, proposed a billon Sunday that would designate the parking lots around Citi Field for commercial use. If the bill is approved, the land would no longer be considered public park space and would be eligible for casino development.

The bill targets 50 acres of space to help develop the $8 billion project, which is one of numerous projects that are hoping to receive one of three available New York casino licenses.

Reclassifying the land

Cohen’s enormous casino project has received the most attention of any among the New York casino license bidders. It was recently granted the zoning approval for construction, though it cannot proceed until the matter of the public parkland is resolved.

As a result, Cohen and Hard Rock International have promised to build the Flushing Skypark, a public space inspired by the High Line park that would cover Flushing Creek and connect downtown Flushing to Willets Point.

“The Skypark project would be a series of interactive areas that form a bridge and transform a simple crossing into vibrant hubs that serve as flexible public spaces for community gatherings, events, rest and social interactions,” said Liu, whose district covers Flushing and part of the proposed casino site on Willets point.

The project would be part of $100 million Cohen committed to public improvement projects even if he does not receive one of the available licenses.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards shared his approval for the project on Sunday and called it a “grand slam,” fitting for the Mets’ owner.

The project would create an estimated 23,000 in union jobs and provide a jolt of economic stimulus to the area, per Richards.

Senators push back and forth

Liu’s legal proposal is a major step in the right direction for Cohen and casino-backers, but it is far from the final hurdle. Many locals and officials still oppose bringing a casino to the area.

Sen. Jessica Ramos (D, WF-13), whose district encompasses the majority of the project’s build site, has been an outspoken and unwavering opponent of the project for about a year. 

Despite pleas from Cohen’s team, she did not sponsor legislation to tranredesignatesform the public parkland.

“My position has not changed, Ramos told the New York Post. “I cannot support a casino in Corona and am a definitive ‘no’ on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes.”

The New York Senate often defaults to local legislators to settle disputes over public projects. Liu’s entrance into the debate and opposition to Ramos provides a new source of hope that the build site will receive the necessary designation status. 

“I’m close to Jessica, and I know her principal position is based on feedback for the constituents,” said Liu. “Similarly, my intent to advance any enabling legislation is based on feedback I received from constituents. Some opposed but far more in favor.”