Mets’ Owner Cohen Receives Zoning Approval for Queens, New York Casino

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen had a major breakthrough in his effort to obtain one of the three New York casino licenses.

The City Council voted overwhelmingly to amend zoning regulations that would pave the way for Cohen’s project in Queens. The 41-2 vote with three voters abstaining now puts the baseball billionaire and his partner, Hard Rock Entertainment, one giant step closer to his goal of opening a casino.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to announce the recipients of the licenses later this year.

An enormous victory for Cohen

Cohen’s plans would completely transform a 50-acre parking lot west of Citi Field, the Mets’ home stadium, into an entertainment complex fitted with a casino, a 25-acre public park, retail stores, restaurants, and a food hall.

The project would also take on the job of redeveloping the Mets-Willets Point subway station and improving roads and bike paths in the surrounding area.

Developers estimated the total cost of the endeavor to be $8 billion.

“From the very beginning we have been focused on creating something the community can truly be proud of,” Cohen said in a statement. “It’s time the world’s greatest borough gets the investment it deserves.”

The vote was needed to redesignate the use of the asphalt-laden land next to the Mets’ field that was technically classified as park space. 

The Council’s Land Use Committee voted 9-0 in favor of the project, and the Council’s Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee voted 6-0 in support, both on Tuesday.

Closing in on a license

Approval from the City Council marks the penultimate stage of the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The final step will be to receive approval from New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Cohen and his team wanted to redefine the zoning for the Citi Field parking lot and receive approval to build on several nearby streets.

“This project is about more than building a new venue – it's about creating lasting job opportunities, transforming this area into a world-class destination, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights,” councilmember Francisco Moya said before the vote on Wednesday. 

All five community boards that reviewed the plans signed their approval in November.

Then, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards declared his support for the project in December, two months after Metropolitan Park began the city review. 

Richards is also on record supporting plans to turn a racino at Resorts World New York City in South Queens into a full-fledged casino, provided it can secure one of the three licenses.