Steve Cohen’s Vision for a Major Entertainment Complex Near Citi Field
Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, is advancing his ambitious plan to build an $8 billion entertainment and casino complex near Citi Field in Queens. His proposal has quickly emerged as a leading contender in New York’s competitive race for three casino licenses in the downstate region.
Metropolitan Park Proposal Rises Amid Manhattan Bid Setbacks
Cohen, in partnership with Hard Rock International, is promoting the “Metropolitan Park” project as a transformative development for Queens. The plan envisions a casino, multiple hotels, restaurants, live entertainment venues, and extensive community spaces including a 25-acre public park. Supporters highlight the potential for tens of thousands of union jobs and a consistent revenue stream benefiting both the city and the state.
This project has gained momentum partly due to difficulties faced by competing Manhattan proposals. Two major plans—the Times Square casino bid supported by Caesars, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and SL Green, and another near Hudson Yards by Silverstein Properties—were rejected by local advisory boards after strong neighborhood resistance. With these options off the table, experts now view Cohen’s Queens development, alongside existing racetrack casinos in Queens and Yonkers Raceway, as front-runners.
Industry insiders believe that venues like Resorts World in Queens and MGM’s Empire City in Yonkers hold an advantage as they already operate slot parlors and are poised to expand into full casinos. Cohen’s proposal stands out as a bold newcomer, especially after overcoming zoning challenges in Albany earlier this year. State legislators recently approved rezoning of parking areas near Citi Field, enabling new commercial developments on land previously reserved for parking.
Potential to Transform Queens into a Year-Round Entertainment Destination
Though initially opposing the plan, State Senator Jessica Ramos changed her position when the bill passed with strong legislative support. Other local lawmakers such as Senator John Liu and Assemblymember Larinda Hooks have expressed their approval, emphasizing the jobs and infrastructure improvements the project could deliver…