Crucial Vote Propels $8 Billion Queens Casino Development Plan

Heads Turn as Metropolitan Park Gains Momentum in New York

Things are heating up in New York as the $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal edges closer to reality. Plans to transform a pile of asphalt in Willets Point into a mix of green space, hotels, casinos, and entertainment areas are getting serious support from lawmakers.

Backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, the development will share a neighborhood with Citi Field. A key piece of land currently used for parking-designated parkland-poses an obstacle to commercial development ...unless lawmakers change its designation, of course.

Taking a significant step forward, a State Senate committee voted 4-3 in favor of a bill introduced by Senator John Liu on April 29, 2025. This bill, if passed, would effectively remove the parkland status, paving the way for the project to move full steam ahead.

With the June 27 deadline for downstate casino license bids just around the corner, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board will be making recommendations later this year. To stand out amidst the stiff competition, the Metropolitan Park team has showcased their commitment to the community.

Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International have partnered with Slate Property Group to build 450 residential units nearby, demonstrating the broader economic and social value of their ambitious proposal. Despite the challenges, the committee's approval keeps the project in the running as the licensing race heats up.

Contending for the Crown

While the proposed casino may shine bright, it'll face fierce competition. Two out of the three available downstate licenses seem destined for MGM's Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting's Resorts World New York in Queens. That leaves just one license up for grabs, with multiple hopefuls like Metropolitan Park vying for it.

Already, some contenders have dropped out of the race, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Las Vegas Sands, narrowing the field as the deadline approaches.

Power Plays and Political Tussles

The project faces political resistance, with State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), who represents the district containing most of the planned site, voicing her opposition to removing the land's parkland status. However, she recently hinted that the bill could move forward even without her support.

Regardless of the opposition, the project's backers argue that the revitalization of the underused area offers long-term economic benefits. With the bill's progress, it remains in strong contention as the licensing race tightens.

Time will tell if the Metropolitan Park proposal gets the green light. The fate of this ambitious project hinges on political negotiations and licensing decisions, as New York gears up to welcome a potential new gem.

"For decades, these 50 acres of asphalt have only been parking lots. Today's committee approval brings us one step closer to delivering 25 acres of actual public park space, 23,000 union jobs, new entertainment options, and over $1 billion in community benefits for Queens," says Karl Rickett, Metropolitan Park spokesperson, expressing optimism about the project's future.

Good to know

The $8 billion Metropolitan Park project includes green space, a hotel, and entertainment areas.
The project must pass through the full State Senate and Assembly before reaching Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The project faces political resistance and competition from other projects contending for the available licenses.
The project's proponents have showcased their commitment to the community, partnering with Slate Property Group to build 450 residential units nearby.

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In the midst of New York's Metropolitan Park project gaining momentum, lawmakers are considering changing the parkland status of a key piece of land to facilitate commercial development.
The Metropolitan Park team has highlighted the economic and social benefits of their proposal, such as the creation of 23,000 union jobs and $1 billion in community benefits for Queens, to stand out in the competition for a downstate casino license.
Although some opponents, like State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), have voiced their disagreement about removing the land's parkland status, the project's proponents argue that it will bring long-term benefits to the underused area.
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board will make recommendations for downstate casino licenses later this year, with only one license available for multiple hopefuls like Metropolitan Park, after other contenders like Saks Fifth Avenue dropped out.
While the proposed casino within Metropolitan Park will face competition from venues like MGM's Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting's Resorts World New York in Queens, the project's backers, including Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, remain optimistic about its future, hoping to add a new entertainment jewel to the Las Vegas-style casino culture in New York.