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Controversial casino bill clears Assembly, paving way for Citi Field complex

A high-stakes vote revives a stalled casino plan near Citi Field. Will Queens get a glittering entertainment hubโ€”or lose precious parkland forever?

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
The image shows the entrance to a casino with a large screen on the wall, a banner with pictures...
The image shows the entrance to a casino with a large screen on the wall, a banner with pictures and text, a group of people standing on the floor, sign boards with text on them, a roof with ceiling lights, and a watermark at the bottom.

Controversial casino bill clears Assembly, paving way for Citi Field complex

A controversial bill allowing the use of parkland for a new casino complex has cleared a major hurdle. The measure passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly, paving the way for Steve Cohen's Metropolitan Park project near Citi Field. The proposal now moves to the state Gaming Commission for final approval by the end of the year. The plan to build Metropolitan Park, a casino and entertainment complex, required state lawmakers to approve a parkland alienation bill. This legislation was initially stalled in May 2024 when State Sen. Jessica Ramos chose not to introduce it. However, Assembly Member Larinda Hooks revived the bill, and state Sen. John Liu later agreed to sponsor itโ€”on the condition that a pedestrian bridge be included in the project.

The bill eventually passed with strong support, securing 54 votes in favour and just 5 against. Key backers included Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who voted in favour, and George Dixon, a member of the community advisory committee (CAC) appointed by Ramos. The CAC itself unanimously approved Cohen's proposal, helping it advance to the final licensing stage. Metropolitan Park is one of four projects now under consideration for New York's three full downstate gaming licences. The Gaming Commission will decide which bids succeed before the year ends. If approved, the complex will occupy part of the Citi Field parking lot, transforming the area into a major entertainment hub.

The parkland alienation bill's passage removes a key obstacle for the Metropolitan Park project. With the Gaming Commission set to make its final decision, the future of the Citi Field-adjacent site now rests on the outcome of the licensing process. A decision is expected before the close of 2024.

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