City Council has officially approved Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8 billion plan to develop a casino and entertainment district near Citi Field, advancing one of New York City’s most high-profile redevelopment efforts. The proposed project, called Metropolitan Park, will replace 50 acres of parking lot with a luxury casino operated by Hard Rock International, a hotel, restaurants, performance venues, and 25 acres of public green space. The Council’s 41–2 vote grants key zoning changes that enable the project to move closer to reality.
Despite this legislative win, Cohen’s team must still secure a state-issued casino license and overcome additional challenges, including converting the land’s parkland status through Albany legislation and winning approval from a community advisory committee. With strong political backing from local officials and broad community support, Metropolitan Park represents a bold vision for economic growth, job creation, and tourism in Queens—but faces a complex path before construction can begin.
Zoning Changes Approved, But More Hurdles Remain
With the Council’s blessing, Cohen and Hard Rock have secured the necessary zoning changes to advance the project. This includes the upzoning of Citi Field’s parking lot—currently designated for stadium use—to a new zoning category created specifically for casino development. The Council also approved the de-mapping of nearby streets, clearing the way for integrated site planning and improved traffic flow.
However, the approval marks only one step in a complex regulatory journey. The developers must still navigate a maze of local and state-level reviews before Metropolitan Park can break ground.
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Competing for a Coveted Casino License
While City Council support offers momentum, the real challenge lies ahead: securing one of the three downstate casino licenses. Cohen’s bid is one among a dozen proposals vying for approval in a hotly contested race. Competitors include projects proposed in Manhattan, the Bronx, Long Island, Yonkers, and South Queens.
Winning a license will require more than local backing—it demands clearance from state regulators, local lawmakers, and a community advisory committee. Despite the long odds, Cohen expressed optimism following the Council’s vote.
“From the very beginning, we have been focused on creating something the community can truly be proud of,” said Cohen. “It’s time the world’s greatest borough gets the investment it deserves.”
Political and Community Support Paved the Way
The Council’s approval was largely expected. Since Metropolitan Park entered the city’s formal land use review process in September, it has steadily garnered endorsements from community boards, borough officials, and local lawmakers.
All five Queens community boards tasked with evaluating the project gave it a thumbs-up last November. In December, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards formally endorsed it, adding his voice to the growing chorus in support of Cohen’s vision. Richards has also publicly supported converting Resorts World New York City, a racino located in South Queens, into a full-fledged casino—another top contender in the licensing race.
Last month, the City Planning Commission voted 9-1 in favor of the project, clearing the path for the Council’s final say. On Tuesday, the Council’s Land Use Committee unanimously backed the plan. Support from local Councilmember Francisco Moya further sealed its success, thanks to a longstanding tradition of councilmember deference—a practice where the full Council defers to the local member’s position on land use matters.
“This project is about more than building a new venue,” said Moya. “It’s about creating lasting job opportunities, transforming this area into a world-class destination, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights.”
Dissent Within Queens
Despite strong momentum, not all Queens representatives rallied behind the proposal.
Republican Councilmember Joann Ariola, recently elected as the City Council’s minority leader, voted against the plan. Ariola’s concerns centered not on Cohen’s project itself, but on its potential to undermine the prospects of Resorts World, located just outside her South Queens district.
“I don’t think there’s enough market share for two casinos in Queens,” Ariola said. “If two [casinos] are in Queens, only one will prevail.”
Ariola praised Resorts World’s established track record and its proposal for a $5 billion expansion—including a larger casino, hotels, a conference center, open public space, and a music venue—pending licensure from the state.
Councilmember Vickie Paladino, another Queens Republican, also voted against the plan, though she did not comment publicly. Councilmember Tiffany Cabán abstained, citing no formal reasoning.
The Parkland Puzzle: Albany Still Holds the Keys
Perhaps the most significant barrier Cohen faces now lies in Albany. Although the parking lot targeted for development is leased by the Mets for 80 years, the land is technically designated as parkland. Under New York State law, parkland can only be used for projects serving an explicit public good—casinos and private developments do not qualify.
To proceed, lawmakers must pass a “parkland alienation bill,” officially reclassifying the land to allow for development. This step is critical and politically fraught.
Assemblymember Larinda Hooks, a first-term lawmaker and vocal supporter of Metropolitan Park, has pledged to sponsor the bill. However, State Senator Jessica Ramos, who represents the area and has announced a 2025 mayoral bid, remains steadfast in her opposition. Ramos refused to introduce such a bill last year and has made no indication of changing her stance.
Her resistance could significantly delay or even derail the project.
Community Advisory Committee: Another Crucial Checkpoint
Even if Albany passes the alienation bill, Cohen and Hard Rock must still earn approval from a community advisory committee (CAC)—a panel made up of six key stakeholders: a representative from the Mayor’s Office, the Governor’s Office, the City Council, the State Assembly, the State Senate, and the Borough President.
To move forward, two-thirds of the committee must vote in favor of the proposal. With Ramos expected to vote against the plan, Cohen would need unanimous support from the remaining five members—a high bar, though not impossible.
Council’s Vote Marks a First Among Casino Proposals
The vote on Metropolitan Park marks the first time the City Council has weighed in on a downstate casino proposal requiring land use modifications. More votes are expected soon, including one on a controversial proposal by Wynn Resorts and Related Companies to build a casino in Hudson Yards.
That project, part of the massive Willets Point redevelopment near Citi Field, has already faced strong headwinds. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine criticized the plan last month, saying it fell short of meeting community needs.
The Road Ahead: State Decisions Will Define the Future
Even with local hurdles cleared, the biggest decision will come from the New York State Gaming Commission, which holds the ultimate authority to grant licenses. The commission is nearly a year behind schedule, with final decisions expected in late 2025.
If granted a license, Metropolitan Park would represent one of the most significant public-private developments in Queens history, potentially transforming the area into a tourism and entertainment epicenter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the City Council approve?
The New York City Council approved a zoning change that allows Mets owner Steve Cohen to move forward with his proposed $8 billion casino and entertainment complex—called Metropolitan Park—next to Citi Field in Queens.
Where will the casino be located?
The casino is planned for the parking lot next to Citi Field in Queens, which is currently designated as parkland.
Is the casino license guaranteed?
No. Cohen’s proposal is competing with several others across the New York metro area for one of three downstate casino licenses expected to be issued in late 2025.
What is parkland alienation and why is it important?
The casino site is legally considered public parkland, so New York State must pass a “parkland alienation bill” to allow development. Without this, the project cannot proceed—even with city approval.
Who is Hard Rock International, and what is their role?
Hard Rock International is a global entertainment and hospitality company. They are Cohen’s main partner and would operate the casino if the license is granted.
When could construction begin?
If all approvals are secured—including a casino license and state legislation—construction could begin in 2026, with the possibility of opening by 2029 or later.
Conclusion
The New York City Council’s approval of Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park casino project marks a major step forward in reshaping the area around Citi Field. While the vote clears key zoning hurdles, the project still faces critical challenges—including securing a state casino license, passing parkland alienation legislation, and gaining community advisory approval. If successful, Metropolitan Park promises to bring billions in investment, thousands of jobs, and a new entertainment destination to Queens.