New York’s Casino Proposal Keep Gaining Momentum

New York’s casino licensing process accelerated this week as two major projects — Metropolitan Park in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers — completed their second public hearings, setting the stage for decisive community votes before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Each project’s community advisory committee (CAC) will now determine whether the bids advance to state consideration. A two-thirds majority approval is required: four of six votes for Metropolitan Park and four of five for MGM. Only projects that secure CAC approval will be eligible for one of three full casino licences expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

 

• Community votes are pivotal: Both Metropolitan Park in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers must secure two-thirds approval from their local CACs before Sept. 30 to advance for state casino licence consideration.

• Metropolitan Park and MGM have contrasting strengths: Metropolitan Park leverages deep financial backing and political influence, while MGM Empire City benefits from its long-standing presence, existing gaming operations, and established community ties.

• Local concerns and divisions remain: Supporters cite economic development and job creation, while opponents highlight traffic, environmental impacts, cultural divides, and potential gambling-related harm.

 

Metropolitan Park: Big Money, Local Resistance

The $8 billion Metropolitan Park proposal, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, seeks to transform Citi Field’s parking lots into a mixed-use district featuring a casino, hotel, entertainment venue, and 25 acres of park space. Supporters emphasized economic opportunity and community investment. Former New York City comptroller Bill Thompson framed the project as a way to build “wealth in communities that too often have been left out,” while the Queens Chamber of Commerce praised its commitment to small businesses.

But opposition was vocal, particularly in the final portion of the hearing. Critics accused Cohen of manufacturing support through nonprofits and business alliances tied to his financial contributions. A cultural divide also emerged: both supporters and opponents included Asian-American residents, who make up about a quarter of Queens’ population. Signs in Mandarin and other languages were visible before organizers asked protesters to remove them. Some resistance also came from Mets fans themselves. Resident Pat Barrett, clad in team gear, testified that while Cohen has improved the franchise, a casino next to Citi Field “preys on addicts.”

The Metropolitan Park hearing was notable for its short duration — under two hours — and an abrupt ending that cut off a speaker mid-comment. The New York State Gaming Commission has not explained why. No vote date has yet been scheduled. North of the city, MGM Empire City presented its $2.3 billion plan to expand the Yonkers property, a video lottery terminal facility since 2006. MGM pledged a remodeled casino, a 5,100-seat entertainment venue, and a target launch date of July 2027. Supporters, including Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and numerous MGM employees, warned that the venue may not survive without a full casino licence. “If we don’t get this licence, our track would probably close,” Spano told the CAC.

The project’s history, however, cuts both ways. While its long-standing presence is seen as a stabilizing factor, opponents argued that past promises tied to previous expansions remain unfulfilled. Concerns centered on traffic congestion, water management, and the impact of large entertainment events in a residential area. Some also pointed to the relatively smaller investment compared with rival bids. At $2.3 billion, MGM’s plan represents the lowest capital commitment among the eight applicants.

The Yonkers CAC is scheduled to vote on Sept. 25.

 

This isn’t about a new sports and entertainment district. It’s about building wealth in communities that too often have been left out.

 

What’s Next

Both Metropolitan Park and MGM Empire City are considered strong contenders for licences, albeit for different reasons. MGM has the advantage of being an existing gaming facility with established revenue streams and community ties, while Metropolitan Park brings deep financial resources and political connections. The CAC votes in the coming weeks will determine whether these projects reach the state level, where competition among eight applicants for three licences is expected to intensify.