On Tuesday, the first public hearing for Steve Cohen’s proposed Metropolitan Park casino took place at Queens Borough Hall, generating an atmosphere reminiscent of a lively sports event such as a Mets-Phillies game at Citi Field. The ambitious $8 billion mixed-use development proposal saw supporters and opponents waving signs, chanting slogans, and vocalizing their stances throughout the three-hour session.
This hearing is just one of a minimum of two required by the community advisory committee (CAC) for the project, with the follow-up session set for 10am on 16 September at the same location. Following these hearings, the CAC may decide to conduct a binding vote or opt for additional sessions if deemed necessary. The project must secure a two-thirds approval from the CAC by 30 September to proceed to state consideration. This development is one of eight applicants vying for three available downstate New York casino licenses, expected to be awarded by the end of the year.
For Steve Cohen, a hedge fund billionaire and owner of the New York Mets, the Metropolitan Park proposal represents the pinnacle of his recent investment spree since purchasing the team in 2020. Cohen has made headlines with substantial investments, exemplified by Juan Soto’s MLB record $765 million deal, and now aims to transform 50 acres of parking lots around Citi Field into a sprawling entertainment and residential hub. In this endeavor, he has partnered with Hard Rock International, a prominent gaming and entertainment enterprise owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
While Cohen’s financial influence bolsters the project’s standing in the license bid, several challenges remain. These include strong opposition from local senator Jessica Ramos and the competitive bid from Resorts World NYC, also situated in Queens. Despite high approval rates in previous board votes, local opposition was evident during Tuesday’s hearing, hinting at potential fractures in the project’s perceived support.
Michael Sullivan, Cohen’s chief of staff, took the stage to address specific queries from the CAC, focusing on plans for a new entryway to enhance pedestrian and bike traffic, replacing an existing vehicle ramp. Additionally, Sullivan discussed the possibility of a soap box derby concourse, which stakeholders deemed too large for incorporation but suggested could be developed elsewhere using community trust funds. Renderings for a “vendor plaza” were also unveiled, intended to serve as a temporary food court for construction workers.
Sullivan expressed confidence in the project’s location, describing it as the optimal site in New York City for a new gaming license. He emphasized its potential to integrate local sports venues, including Citi Field, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and the forthcoming Etihad Park, home to the NYCFC soccer franchise.
Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, the project’s outreach director and former city council member, highlighted the project’s consistent support in various votes, including community boards and state legislature. She noted that this was the 18th public hearing for the project, with each session drawing significant community engagement.
The hearing’s early public comments included endorsements from local influencers. Former city councilman Daniel Dromm called the project a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Queens,” stressing the economic benefits it could bring to the area. This sentiment reflects a broader theme among bidders outside Manhattan, arguing that their communities deserve more developmental opportunities.
However, Metropolitan Park faces a potential disadvantage by being in the same borough as Resorts World, considered a frontrunner for a license. It remains uncertain whether state officials would endorse two licenses for a single borough.
The diversity among speakers at the hearing was notable, reflecting Queens’ reputation as “The World’s Borough,” with a significant immigrant population. According to Data USA, at least 10% of the borough’s population belongs to four different ethnic groups, surpassing the national average.
Some attendees viewed the project as an opportunity for all local communities. Frankie Miranda, CEO of the Hispanic Federation, emphasized the transformative potential for essential workers who often go unnoticed in such investments. Meanwhile, Community Board 8 member Simon Pelman, who manages a facility with a predominantly Asian resident population, welcomed the casino, acknowledging the cultural affinity for gambling among Asians.
Conversely, opponents like Annie Lowe, an attorney for the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, argued that the luxury complex could exacerbate displacement in communities of color, with no community benefits agreement capable of offsetting such impacts.
The hearing saw increasing opposition as it progressed, with residents expressing frustration over the influence of wealthy stakeholders and questioning the necessity of a casino for local development. Zeke Dunn, a resident, criticized the process for making the community reliant on affluent investors for public amenities.
The proposal includes a 25-acre public park, touted as a major benefit. However, this aspect has failed to win over many locals, who question why a casino is required to facilitate such development. This skepticism is common among detractors of various bids.
Resident Victoria Hoyle implored the audience not to allow the project, which she views as a profit-driven venture, to disrupt Queens families’ lives. As the debate over the Metropolitan Park proposal continues, the division between supporters and opponents underscores the complexity and high stakes involved in securing one of the coveted casino licenses for downstate New York.
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