New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has released further details of his plans to obtain a downstate New York City casino license and build an $8bn casino complex next to Citi Field. Cohen first announced his intentions earlier this year and began attempting to leverage 50 acres of parking lot land for his casino dream.
Hard Rock International and SHoP Architects would build the new gaming complex, currently called Metropolitan Park, which would include new athletic fields, a renovated mass transit station, 20 acres of public park space and a food hall.
Others vying for a casino license have promised similarly enticing public amenities, such as: the Soloviev Group’s plan for affordable housing and a public light display; Bally’s bus service in the east Bronx area; Sands’ sponsorship of local children’s sports; and Wynn Resorts’ affordable apartments, park and office tower. Caesars Palace and Roc Nation also recently held a free eight-hour buffet for locals in the area where they intend to build.
Cohen has stated that Metropolitan Park would create 15,000 permanent and construction jobs, and has now hired several lobbying firms to increase positive perception and gather feedback and support in neighborhoods near Citi Field.
State legislature, however, would be required to pass a bill allowing the casino project to annex the currently state-owned parkland on which the parking lot sits. The bill, introduced in 2022’s legislative session, has not yet been considered for a vote.
Originally, it looked as if the state of New York would be working to make a decision on which three proposals would be awarded licenses in early 2024; however, an official deadline for potential casino bids has not been set, which will undoubtedly increase the time it takes the state to choose its three new NYC casino bid winners.
