Queens Councilman Moya supports Cohen casino plan, but Ramos remains opposed
Queens Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-21st Assembly District) said Thursday that he supports Steve Cohen's plan to transform the Willets Point area into a massive entertainment complex with an $8 billion casino hotel.
Moya, whose district includes Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, LeFrak City and Willits Point, said the Queens casino plan is in the "best interest" of the region and the city. However, New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, who represents the Citi Field area, remains wary of drafting legislation that would change the Willits Point parkland designation.
It's important that Ramos supports changing the title. If she doesn't, the Queens casino effort could be at risk. Earlier this week, reports emerged that the timetable for the opening of the bidding window for three casino licenses in the southern state had been delayed, with a decision on the winning bidder likely not being made until late 2025. Some of the delays are believed to be due to development issues, including issues with the Willits Point land designation.
Cohen, the billionaire hedge fund owner and owner of the New York Mets, is working with Hard Rock International on a project called Metropolitan Park that will revitalize the area around Citi Field.
Moya supports casinos and other efforts in Queens
Moya has long supported efforts to better utilize land in Willets Point. The area has struggled to develop for years and is now little more than a Citi Field parking lot.
In addition to the Kern/Hard Rock Casino plan, the City Council is also optimistic about building a new stadium nearby for Major League Soccer (MLS) team New York City FC (NYCFC). He believes Met Park can attract more fans to Mets and NYCFC games, as well as the USTA Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows, home of the U.S. Open.
If this unique opportunity is not taken advantage of, the area surrounding Citi Field will remain vacant for the foreseeable future; we are permanently hindering Queens' future growth potential," he said in the release. "Let's not let this things happen. I look forward to supporting this historic project and making Metropolitan Park a reality. "
New York regulators have yet to comment on the possibility of two casino hotels opening in Queens. Speculation has long been that Genting's Resorts World New York in Queens is one of two venues in the best position to receive one of three casino licenses in the state. Last month, Genting announced a $5 billion expansion of the property, transforming it into a Las Vegas-style casino.
Ramos unhappy with Cohen, Moya moves
Ramos seemed less than happy with Moya's support for the Queens casino plan and the timing of his press release, suggesting the City Council did so at Cohen's behest.
“I question the tactics here. “This press release, the last-minute press conference before my third town hall, the paid lobbyists for my first town hall — these are not what I expected. Open and transparent steps taken by those who claim to value genuine, honest citizen engagement. " Ramos said in a statement to the New York Post.
Ramos has held several town hall meetings on casino issues, but her website does not list a date for such an event in March or April.
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Source: www.casino.org
