October 1, 2025

Mets Owner’s $8 Billion Casino Project Gains Approval

News Summary

The $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino project proposed by Mets owner Steve Cohen has received unanimous backing from the Community Advisory Committee. The ambitious plan aims to reshape a 50-acre parking lot around Citi Field into a vibrant sports and entertainment complex. With the committee’s 6-0 vote, the project now heads to the state Gaming Commission for further consideration. The project promises to create jobs, improve community health services, and enhance local public spaces, amidst a competitive race for new casino licenses in New York.

New York – A groundbreaking $8 billion casino project proposed by Mets owner Steve Cohen has received unanimous approval from the Community Advisory Committee, paving the way for its advancement to the state Gaming Commission. The project, officially named “Metropolitan Park,” aims to transform a 50-acre parking lot around Citi Field into a comprehensive sports and entertainment complex.

The Committee voted 6-0 in favor of the proposal, which now sets the stage for the state Gaming Commission to consider the project when awarding up to three casino licenses in December. This marked a significant win for Cohen, as it is one of the few remaining proposals that have passed local scrutiny. Other plans, including three from Manhattan and one from Brooklyn’s Coney Island, were rejected earlier this month.

Details of the Metropolitan Park Project

The Metropolitan Park project is designed to feature a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, a Queens Food Hall, and live music venues. The development is expected to generate 23,000 union jobs and create 25 acres of new public park space, exceeding the combined area of well-known green spaces like Bryant Park, the High Line, and Union Square Park.

In addition to enhancing recreational spaces, the project includes improvements to local transit facilities and a commitment to develop off-site affordable housing in Corona, Queens, with 450 units planned. Moreover, the project team has pledged $25 million for community health initiatives focused on addiction and mental health services and an investment of $163 million through a Community Impact Fund to benefit borough-wide nonprofits.

Community and Legislative Support

The City Council had previously voted in favor of zoning changes required for the project, passing by a vote of 41-2. In preparation for the Gaming Commission’s decision, all six community boards in the project area have also endorsed the proposal. The six-member Community Advisory Committee, comprised of local government representatives and other stakeholders, played an integral role in steering the proposal through the approval process, which faced multiple challenges but ultimately received legislative support.

Context on Casino Proposals

The approval of Metropolitan Park comes at a pivotal time as competition for casino licenses heats up. The state Gaming Facility Location Board, composed of four members, is tasked with reviewing the remaining proposals, which have been narrowed down from earlier submissions. The rejection of the Manhattan proposals—including notable locations in Times Square and Hudson Yards, as well as an application for “The Coney” in Coney Island—highlights a changing landscape for casino development in New York.

This project is positioned as a major investment in the region, aiming not only to bolster the local economy through job creation and public space enhancement but also to address pressing community needs through financial commitments to health services and nonprofit support.

Looking Ahead

As the Gaming Commission prepares to make its decisions, stakeholders and community members will be closely monitoring the trajectory of the Metropolitan Park project. With widespread local support and a comprehensive plan laid out, the proposal is poised to make a significant impact on the economic and social fabric of the area surrounding Citi Field.