NY Gov. Denies Reports of Helping Mets Owner With Casino Application

New York Governor Kathy Hochul denied a report that she planned to help New York Mets owner Steve Cohen acquire a New York casino license.

The New York Post reported on Wednesday that Hochul was ready to use her position of authority to streamline one of three casino operator’s licenses that will be made available next year to Cohen, one of her political donors. 

The report, which Hochul refuted, also stated that she planned to rework the state’s rules regarding the use of city parkland to help Cohen’s license application.

Hochul condemns report

Hochul has the authority to designate the use of public parkland for various projects. However, precedent has long granted that decision to local officials. 

“There are people, shady people, who will try to manipulate the [casino bidding] process to their benefit and be willing to put out lies,” Hochul said on Thursday when asked if she was going to help Cohen acquire a license. “I have had no intention of putting this in my executive budget.” 

The Post claims it inquired with Hochul’s office earlier this week about her intent to add the provision in the upcoming budget, only to be told that the office did not have a comment.

“Gov. Hochul will unveil her State of the State agenda in January,” a representative responded.

Chairman of the New York Senate’s Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee said that the Governor intervening in matters regarding the use of public land would set a “bad precedent.” 

Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger also said it would be an “inappropriate use of the budget process.”

The topic of use of parkland is important to Cohen since he’s repeatedly failed to win over local legislators, namely Sen. Jessica Ramos, a Queens Democrat who is running for mayor in 2025.

Details of Cohen’s plan

Cohen’s casino application calls for the erection of a gaming and entertainment complex on Citi Field’s parking lot.

The $8 billion plan is one of numerous proposals that have been drafted ahead of the state’s June 27, 2025 deadline for applications.

The complex, named Metropolitan Park, is missing approval from several state and local authorities, including local community boards, the borough president, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and the mayor in 2025.

The project is stuck in a bit of a stand-still because the land at the site of the complex is technically designated as public parkland. To get around this, Cohen needs the state to pass a workaround known as a parkland alienation bill.

Cohen claimed that he would enjoy support from Ramos, but he does need it as long as another Senator introduces the Alienation bill.

If approved, Cohen will spearhead the creation of a casino, a 2,300-room hotel, a 5,600-seat concert venue, restaurants, stores, a convention center, a community center, a food hall, parking garages, and at least 20 acres of open-air greenery.