Metropolitan Park makes its New York casino pitch, but will state officials play ball?

Summary

Steve Cohen and partner Hard Rock International presented the Metropolitan Park proposal to a local community advisory committee as they pursue one of three downstate New York casino licences.

The $8.1bn mixed-use plan would redevelop about 50 acres of parking lots beside Citi Field into a resort, Hard Rock entertainment venue, extensive public parkland and other amenities. Backers say the project has unusually broad local support, citing 1,000 meetings, 40,000 doors knocked and more than 20,000 signatures, plus approvals from six community boards, the borough president, city council and state legislature.

Hard Rock projects about 23,000 construction and permanent jobs and proposes community benefits including an extended loyalty programme and a Queens Music Museum. But the bid faces political and regulatory risks: state Senator Jessica Ramos opposed the plan and criticised the use of an alternate senator to push legislation (breaching usual member deference), and Hard Rock has been tainted by an AML investigation that led to a senior executive’s dismissal. Observers also note the potential political sensitivity of awarding multiple licences to Queens when Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx are also in the mix.

Key Points

• The proposal is an $8.1bn mixed-use casino and resort next to Citi Field on roughly 50 acres of parking land.
• Metropolitan Park is one of eight bidders competing for three downstate New York licences to be awarded this year.
• The project claims strong local outreach: 1,000+ meetings, 16 workshops, 40,000 doors canvassed and over 20,000 signatures.
• It secured approvals from six community boards, borough president, city council and state legislature, with an overall 88% approval vote tally.
• Hard Rock is the tribal casino partner; projected to create about 23,000 jobs and offer cultural/community amenities.
• Political complications include opposition from Senator Jessica Ramos and controversy over using another senator to advance legislation (member deference concerns).
• Regulatory risk from anti-money laundering questions: a Hard Rock executive was suspended and later fired amid an investigation.
• Uncertainty remains over whether state officials will award multiple licences to Queens, given existing racinos and speed-to-market considerations.

Context and relevance

The Met Park bid sits at the intersection of urban redevelopment, gaming expansion and intense state-level politics. It illustrates how major sports owners are increasingly pursuing real-estate and entertainment projects that integrate gambling, and how community outreach, political donations and regulatory histories can all sway licensing outcomes. For stakeholders in gaming, urban planning or New York politics, the bid is a high-profile test case of how powerful investors and tribal partners navigate local opposition and state scrutiny.

Why should I read this?

Want the short version? Mets owner Steve Cohen is trying to build a huge casino resort next to Citi Field, and it could reshape parts of Queens — but it isn’t a done deal. There are big promises on jobs and public space, heavy community outreach, political muscle and also real regulatory headaches. If you follow New York development, gaming licences or political manoeuvring, this one matters.