Mets Owner & Hard Rock Citi Field Casino Proposal Hurdles Critical Senate Vote

A monumental obstacle was recently hurdled when Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International’s casino proposal received a significant boost when the Senate voted to approve the land around Mets Stadium to be rezoned for commercial use.

Rezoning Key to Success

Earlier this month, the first milestone was crossed when the New York State Assembly voted 138-7 to allow the rezoning of parkland adjacent to Mets Stadium for commercial use.

“This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits.” Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queen), the bill’s sponsor, said before voting. “This is about giving something back to residents that’s given more than they’ve received,” Hooks added.

But then there was another mountain to climb, as the upper chamber had to approve as well. That vote recently took place, and the Democratic-led state Senate approved the rezoning measure, 54-5, this past Tuesday to allow New York City to reclassify 50 acres of parking lots surrounding the Mets’ stadium.

The bill also includes a provision stating that Cohen and his Hard Rock partners must develop 20 acres of the plot into a park with proper green space that can be used by the community and accessed by the public.

The bill now advances to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, where she is expected to sign off on it, paving the way for a possible $8 billion casino resort, entertainment district and park that will transform the Queens area if they are granted one of three downstate casino licenses. There are also plans to develop a High Line-style pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting Downtown Flushing and Willets Point.

And Then There Were Nine

Two of the 11 casino license bidders have dropped out, including the Las Vegas Sands, the iconic Sin City gaming company that wanted to redevelop the Nassau Coliseum as a casino and entertainment venue. Saks Global’s Fifth Avenue venue also exited the competition, which would have seen a casino atop their New York City flagship store.

There are now nine competitors vying for three coveted licenses, but two of the competitors already have limited gaming options and have successfully been conducting slot business for years. Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct boasts over 5,800 slot machines and electronic table games, while MGM Empire City Casino in Yonkers has slots as well.

Many industry insiders believe both of those companies would be likely landing spots for two of the three casino licenses, which would allow casino table games like blackjack, baccarat, Pai Gow and roulette to be offered in addition to slots.

Not Everyone’s All In

The investments being made in these casino resorts will likely have tremendous economic benefits for the surrounding community in terms of jobs, taxes, and an increase in tourism. Therefore, support for these projects is plentiful but certainly not universal.

In the case of Cohen and Hard Rock’s Citi Field resort, one local state senator, Jessica Ramos, has voiced her displeasure frequently about the project and has actively campaigned against it. “It’s really about my neighborhood,” Ramos said. “No, we as taxpayers cannot afford for our seniors gambling away their pension or social security money because then we have to pony up [funds] to make sure they are taken care of,” she added.

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