Metropolitan Park Wins Key Vote in New York State Assembly

^{The New York State Assembly in Albany last week voted to let go of control of some parkland, clearing an obstacle billionaire Steve Cohen faced for his proposed Metropolitan Park casino. (Photo: Hans Pennink / AP)}

The New York State Assembly voted Tuesday to alienate the parkland on which New York Mets Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International want to build a casino adjacent to Citi Field, clearly yet another hurdle for the once embattled Metropolitan Park proposal.

The assembly passed the bill in an overwhelming 138-7 vote, leaving only a potentially more contentious state senate vote in the way of allowing commercial development of the parking lot next to the baseball stadium.

Assembly Win Sets Up Senate Showdown

Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queens) sponsored the bill, citing the economic benefits the development could bring to the surrounding community.

“This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits,” Hooks said before the vote. “This is about giving something back to residents that’s given more than they’ve received.”

The positive vote sets up a showdown in the state senate. Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) has long opposed the Metropolitan Park proposal, and sought to block it by refusing to sponsor a parkland alienation bill in the senate. These bills have historically only been introduced by members who represent the areas that are under consideration for alienation, seemingly allowing Ramos to block the project.

However, state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens) also represents a district in which a small portion of the project site would be located. Liu has introduced the parkland alienation bill, and Ramos has acknowledged that she may not be able to stop it from passing.

The Metropolitan Park complex would include a casino and hotel along with 25 acres of public parkland. The proposal also promises upgrades to the Willets Point subway station near Citi Field, as well as a $163 million community impact fund. Cohen has made it clear that he has no plans to build any of the other amenities unless he can earn a casino license, however.

Metropolitan Park Among Top Contenders for Three Licenses 

That’s far from a sure thing. While Metropolitan Park has seen more local support than much of its competition, it is still just one of approximately 10 major bids for only three licenses available in the downstate New York area, including New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island.

That has led Cohen and other prospective developers scramble to get their affairs in order and offer the best possible proposal ahead of the June 27 deadline for submitting applications for those licenses. 

While Metropolitan Park looks to be one of the stronger bis to build an entirely new casino, it may well be far behind the two existing racinos – Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway and Resorts World New York City – as those facilities will have little trouble quickly upgrading from electronic gaming venues to full casinos.

If New York gaming officials do go down that path, then the location of Resorts World New York City could be a problem for Metropolitan Park. The Resorts World facility is located in Jamaica, less than 10 miles from Citi Field, and placing two casinos so close together could be seen as redundant. 

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board will make recommendations on the downstate casino licenses by December 1, with the state gaming commission expected to make its final decisions by the end of the year.