Queens Boards Approve $8B Citi Field Casino Plan

The proposal for Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion development spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, has cleared its first major hurdle. All five Queens borough community boards tasked with reviewing the plan have voted overwhelmingly in favor of transforming 50 acres of Citi Field’s parking lot into a casino, hotel, and entertainment complex.

The ambitious project aims to secure one of three coveted downstate casino licenses and establish a Hard Rock casino as its centerpiece. Plans also include a hotel, a music venue, and 25 acres of green space featuring athletic fields, bike paths, and improved access to Flushing Bay. Additional features would include a “Taste of Queens Food Hall,” a concert venue, and enhancements to nearby transit infrastructure.

The Developments

Michael Sullivan, Cohen’s chief of staff, led the charge in presenting the proposal to community boards, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and revitalize the area. Several prominent Queens residents, including former city councilmembers, spoke in favor of the project, highlighting its community and economic benefits.

However, opposition emerged from Guardians of Flushing Bay, an environmental nonprofit, which raised concerns about the impact on local ecosystems. Despite this, the boards aligned in favor of the project, with local publication Queens Daily Eagle reporting widespread support.

Approvals Still Needed
While the community board votes represent significant progress, the path ahead for Metropolitan Park remains challenging. The project requires approval from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who has voiced his support, and later from the city’s planning commission and city council.

A key obstacle is the necessity of a parkland alienation bill, as the development site falls within land currently designated as parkland. State Senator Jessica Ramos, whose district includes Citi Field, has so far refused to sponsor the bill, and Cohen has yet to find another lawmaker willing to do so. Without this legislation, the project cannot proceed.

Additionally, the proposal will face stiff competition from more than 10 other bids for the three available downstate casino licenses. The state’s gaming facility location board is expected to announce its decisions by the end of 2025.

Community Investment Commitments
Cohen has pledged $1 billion in community benefits should the project move forward. This includes $10 million each for a health clinic in East Elmhurst and a youth and senior center in Corona, as well as $5 million for addiction and mental health services in Flushing. The project also promises to support responsible gaming initiatives and enhance youth and senior services.

All five Queens community boards have voted overwhelmingly in favor of Steve Cohen’s $8 billion proposal to transform Citi Field’s parking lot into a casino, hotel, and entertainment complex

A Long-Term Vision

The Metropolitan Park proposal represents one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in Queens. If approved, it could transform a largely underutilized parking area into a thriving hub for entertainment, recreation, and green space.

However, the project’s success hinges on navigating legislative hurdles, overcoming opposition from environmental advocates, and winning out in the competitive casino licensing process. With final decisions on licenses not expected until late 2025, Cohen and his team have a long journey ahead.

Metropolitan Park, if realized, could reshape the Flushing Meadows Corona Park area while delivering significant economic and community benefits. For now, its future remains uncertain but increasingly plausible with each milestone reached.