The ambitious proposal for Metropolitan Park, spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, envisions a monumental $8 billion (£6.36 billion/€7.62 billion) transformation of the 50-acre parking lot adjacent to Citi Field into a vibrant casino, hotel, and entertainment complex, all while incorporating expansive green spaces for the community. Remarkably, the initiative has secured the unanimous approval of all five community boards in Queens tasked with reviewing the plans, marking a significant milestone in the project’s journey.
Cohen has forged a partnership with Hard Rock International to bring this vision to life. They are in pursuit of one of the three coveted downstate casino licenses, positioning a Hard Rock casino as the focal point of the new development, which aims to enhance the area’s entertainment landscape.
As per New York’s casino approval protocol, the proposal necessitated a vote from five community boards due to its location within the designated communities bordering Flushing Meadows Corona Park, a part of the land earmarked for the Metropolitan Park project. This requirement underscores the importance of community input in shaping developments that affect local residents.
Michael Sullivan, serving as Cohen’s chief of staff, made the case for the project through detailed presentations before each community board. Various prominent locals, including former council members, passionately endorsed the Metropolitan Park initiative during board meetings. However, the proposal faced criticism from Guardians of Flushing Bay, an environmental nonprofit organization, which voiced concerns and opposition at multiple board discussions.
In a notable turn of events, all five community boards have cast their votes in overwhelming support of the project, as reported by the Queens Daily Eagle.
Long road ahead for Metropolitan Park
While this series of approvals signifies a positive step forward for Cohen’s ambitious plans, the Metropolitan Park project still faces numerous hurdles before it can come to fruition. The proposal requires the endorsement of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who has previously expressed public support for the initiative. Additional levels of approval from New York’s city planning commission and city council are also essential. Furthermore, a local community advisory committee in Queens is scheduled to review the project next year.
Perhaps the most formidable obstacle lies in the necessity for a parkland alienation bill, which would permit development on land still classified as parkland. State Senator Jessica Ramos, whose district encompasses Citi Field, has been reluctant to introduce such a bill, leaving Cohen with the challenging task of having another lawmaker take it up. Gaining legislative approval to utilize current parkland for commercial purposes is a mandated requirement at the state level.
Additionally, the proposal must contend with over 10 competing projects all vying for one of the three available casino licenses. The state’s gaming facility location board is anticipated to render its decision regarding the licenses by the conclusion of 2025.
The proposed project promises an array of features including a state-of-the-art Hard Rock casino, a luxurious hotel, a captivating music venue, and 25 acres dedicated to green space, athletic fields, bike paths, and enhanced access to the picturesque Flushing Bay. Furthermore, the development plans include a “Taste of Queens Food Hall,” a concert venue, and significant upgrades to local transit facilities, all designed to create a thriving hub for activity.
In line with his commitment to the community, Cohen has pledged to include a comprehensive community benefits package as part of the project. This package will incorporate support for responsible gaming alongside enhancements to youth and senior services. Notably, he has committed $10 million for a health clinic in East Elmhurst, another $10 million towards a youth and senior center in Corona, and $5 million towards addiction and mental health services in Flushing. In total, the Mets owner has vowed to invest $1 billion in community support contingent on the project’s approval.
What are the key benefits of the Metropolitan Park project for the local community?
**Interview with Michael Sullivan, Chief of Staff for Steve Cohen**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Michael. The approval from all five community boards for the Metropolitan Park project is a significant milestone. Can you tell us what this approval means for the project?
**Michael Sullivan:** Absolutely! The unanimous support from the community boards signifies a crucial step forward in our vision to transform the 50-acre parking lot next to Citi Field into a vibrant entertainment complex. It shows that the community trusts our commitment to integrating green spaces while enhancing local accessibility to entertainment options.
**Interviewer:** The partnership with Hard Rock International is central to this project. How will their involvement shape the overall experience at Metropolitan Park?
**Michael Sullivan:** Partnering with Hard Rock International allows us to leverage their vast experience in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The plan is to establish a premier casino as a focal point, along with a hotel and various entertainment options. This collaboration will not only provide a unique experience for visitors but also create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
**Interviewer:** There have been some criticisms, particularly from environmental groups like Guardians of Flushing Bay. How do you plan to address these concerns?
**Michael Sullivan:** We take environmental concerns very seriously and have been in ongoing discussions with various stakeholders, including local environmental organizations. Our plan includes incorporating significant green spaces and maintaining accessibility for community members. We believe that through collaboration, we can create a project that respects the environment while meeting community needs.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, what are the next steps for the project, especially in securing further approvals?
**Michael Sullivan:** Securing the endorsement of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is next, and we’re optimistic as he has publicly supported the initiative. Following that, we need to navigate approvals through the city planning commission and city council. Additionally, we have to establish a parkland alienation bill to allow development on the designated parkland, which is crucial for the project’s progression.
**Interviewer:** With all these hurdles ahead, what gives you confidence that the project will succeed?
**Michael Sullivan:** The overwhelming support from the community boards and the enthusiasm we’ve seen from local leaders gives us great confidence. We believe that this project not only enhances the entertainment landscape of Queens but also embodies our commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. As we continue discussions and refine the project, we’re hopeful about its future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michael, for sharing these insights. We look forward to seeing how the Metropolitan Park project develops.
**Michael Sullivan:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about what lies ahead.
