Queens Casino Plan Lifted by Liu Parkland Bill

Posted on: March 30, 2025, 05:25h. 

Last updated on: March 30, 2025, 05:25h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.
  • Cohen’s Queens casino pitch gets boost from parkland bill
  • Legislation is pivotal to hopes of bringing casino to Willets Point

A plan by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen to bring a casino hotel to the area near Citi Field received a major boost today when a state senator introduced legislation that, if passed, would alienate the parkland designation of Willets Point.

Queens casino
A rendering of part of Metropolitan Park. A New York state senator introduced crucial parkland alienation legislation that could advance the casino plan. (Image: Metropolitan Park)

Earlier today, State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) introduced a bill that seeks to strip the parking lots around the Mets home field of their parkland classification and apply commercial zoning classification to that space. That could be a boon for the Metropolitan Park effort — the $8 billion project pitched by Cohen that would feature dining, entertainment, green space, and a casino hotel operated by Hard Rock International.

The land on which Metropolitan Park would reside is designated as parkland, and that classification needs to be changed for commercial development to occur there. A similar scenario applies to other areas in which operators are hoping to develop casinos in New York.

Because the parking lot is legally parkland, they require state legislation that would allow a gaming facility to be built on that parkland in order to proceed with their application to the state gaming,” said Liu at a Sunday event where he unveiled the bill.

Passage of parkland alienation legislation is essential to Metropolitan Park’s future because if such a bill isn’t signed into a law, the project could face considerable obstacles in moving forward and, without the gaming component, the economics are significantly less attractive. That could imply that without Metropolitan Park, Willets Point could be destined for more years as no more than a parking lot.

Ramos Still Opposed to Queens Casino Plan

Liu’s represents Flushing, but just a sliver of the area that covers Citi Field. The bulk of that area is represented by State Sen. Jessica Ramos, a Democrat that has consistently said she will not introduced parkland alienation legislation.

Under New York law, bills to alter parkland classification can be introduced by any politician — not just those representing the areas in question. In that regard, Liu’s legislation is “kosher,” but Ramos remains opposed. The potential mayoral candidate told The New York Post she still doesn’t want a gaming venue in Corona, adding she’s “a definitive no on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes.”

Last year, an anonymous donor to Ramos commissioned a poll indicating that residents of the Willets Point area opposed the casino plan. Other polls, including some conducted by groups with ties to the casino backers, showed strong public support for the project.

In noting he has a close working relationship with Ramos, Liu said the feedback he’s received from constituents is broadly bullish on Metropolitan Park. He said there are detractors, but they’re outnumbered by those that want to see the project become a reality.

Some Momentum for Queens Casino Plan

It remains to be seen if an assembly member introduces companion legislation to the Liu bill and what becomes of the effort after that, but it is clear that Metropolitan Park has recently gained some tailwinds.

Last November, Queens community boards 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 voted in favor of the $8 billion Metropolitan Park project. In February, the City Planning Commission approved zoning changes needed to advance the plan.

Parties bidding for the three downstate casino licenses must submit formal applications to various local siting boards by June 27. After that, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board will make recommendations to the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), which has ultimate say on the winning sites. That process is expected to last through the end of 2025.