Steve Cohen’s Casino Ambitions Gain Momentum Despite Mets’ Struggles
In a surprising turn of events, billionaire Steve Cohen’s ambitious $8 billion casino project near Citi Field has cleared its first major hurdle, even as his New York Mets failed to reach the postseason. The state local siting board delivered a unanimous 6-0 vote of confidence on Tuesday, allowing Cohen’s “Metropolitan Park” casino proposal, developed in partnership with Hard Rock International, to advance to the next phase of consideration. This development represents a significant win for Cohen, who has been working diligently to expand his influence beyond baseball since purchasing the Mets in 2020. “While the Mets didn’t make the playoffs, I consider this a home run,” declared Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who served on the casino community advisory committee and has become one of the project’s most vocal supporters.
The Metropolitan Park proposal now moves forward to be reviewed by the state gaming facility location board, with the New York Gaming Commission expected to award up to three coveted state casino licenses by the end of the year. Cohen’s project faces competition from three other contenders: Bally’s bid at former President Trump’s golf course property in The Bronx, and the two existing race track slots parlors at Aqueduct and Yonkers. Notably, several potential casino bids in Manhattan were abandoned due to significant community opposition, which has thus far not materialized to the same degree in Queens. The Cohen-Hard Rock vision extends beyond just gambling, incorporating plans for concert venues, hotel accommodations, and various entertainment amenities that would complement the new soccer stadium already under construction nearby.
“The world’s borough is the talk of the town. We’re the heartbeat of the city,” Richards enthusiastically proclaimed, highlighting the potential economic renaissance the casino could bring to Queens. The Metropolitan Park development team expressed gratitude for the unanimous support, with spokesman Karl Rickett stating, “The Community Advisory Committee’s unanimous approval underscores the deep and broad community support behind Metropolitan Park. We are grateful for the opportunity to move forward in this process and be one step closer to making Metropolitan Park’s community-first vision a reality.” This community-centered approach appears to be resonating with local stakeholders, many of whom see the project as a catalyst for job creation, increased tourism, and neighborhood revitalization in an area that has long sought major economic development.
What makes Tuesday’s vote particularly noteworthy is that it overcame previous opposition from local State Senator Jessica Ramos, who had consistently voiced concerns about the casino proposal. However, in a surprising development, even Ramos’s appointee on the siting board voted in favor of advancing the project, suggesting either a shift in political winds or the effectiveness of Cohen and Hard Rock’s community outreach efforts. The Metropolitan Park team has emphasized job creation, with promises of thousands of construction jobs and permanent positions, along with commitments to prioritize local hiring and provide comprehensive training programs for Queens residents. Additionally, they’ve pledged significant investments in infrastructure improvements and community programs designed to address potential negative impacts associated with casino development.
The financial implications of this project extend beyond Queens, as state tax revenue generated from casino operations will help fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), providing a crucial new revenue stream for New York City’s struggling public transportation system. This connection to public infrastructure funding has helped the project gain support from transportation advocates and labor unions, creating a broader coalition of supporters than typically seen for casino developments. Cohen’s vision for Metropolitan Park represents one of the largest private investments in Queens history, potentially transforming the area around Citi Field into a year-round entertainment destination rather than a location primarily visited during baseball season. The development would effectively create a sports and entertainment complex that could rival Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, giving outer borough residents a premier venue closer to home.
While significant hurdles remain before ground can be broken, Tuesday’s unanimous vote represents a crucial first step in Cohen’s efforts to expand his New York footprint beyond baseball. For a man whose net worth exceeds $17 billion, this casino project represents not just a business venture but a legacy-defining opportunity to reshape a significant portion of New York City. Should Metropolitan Park ultimately receive one of the coveted casino licenses, it would cement Cohen’s status as one of the most influential figures in New York’s business and entertainment landscape. With the Mets’ disappointing season behind him, Cohen can now focus his considerable resources and influence on winning a different kind of game – one played not on a baseball diamond, but in the complex arena of New York real estate development and politics, where the stakes may be even higher than in Major League Baseball.
