New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen Loses Key Support for Casino at Citi Field

Article by : Erik Gibbs May 30, 2024

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State Sen. Jessica Ramos has officially announced her opposition to a proposed casino and entertainment complex in her Queens district after months of signaling her concerns. This decision followed an extensive process of engaging with her constituents to understand their perspectives on the project.

To gauge the community’s sentiment regarding the casino project, Sen. Ramos conducted three town halls, a poll, a survey, and numerous one-on-one conversations with residents. The results of these efforts revealed a clear majority opposing the casino.

A poll commissioned by Ramos found that 61% of respondents were against having a full casino in Queens. When asked about a casino specifically in their neighborhood, opposition rose to 75%. The feedback indicated a strong preference for more parkland and family-friendly spaces instead of a casino.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is spearheading the proposed casino and entertainment complex, Metropolitan Park.

The ambitious project aims to transform the area around Citi Field into a vibrant hub of activity with gaming facilities, hotels, restaurants, and various entertainment venues. According to project spokesperson Karl Rickett, the initiative has garnered substantial support from elected officials, unions, and segments of the local community.

Despite the claims of widespread support, Sen. Ramos has asserted that her consultations with residents paint a different picture.

She emphasized that the majority of her constituents do not favor the introduction of a casino. Ramos acknowledged that those who did express support often did so reluctantly, primarily in consideration of the potential ancillary benefits the project might bring.

Sen. Ramos has faced considerable pressure from proponents of the casino project, including political allies and some community members. Supporters argue that the project could bring vital economic benefits, particularly through the creation of jobs.

For instance, a rally on May 13 featured community members like student Aaliyah Scott advocating for the 24,000 union jobs the project promised.

On May 20, prominent local officials, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry, and Council member Francisco Moya, penned a letter urging Ramos to support the project.

These officials, along with Ramos, are part of the six-member Community Advisory Committee. They highlighted the potential for transforming underutilized parking lots around Citi Field into a dynamic sports and entertainment park.

While Sen. Ramos acknowledged the economic arguments in favor of the project, she maintained that the casino is not the best option for Queens.

She expressed concern over attempts by project supporters to bypass her opposition by seeking another state senator to introduce the necessary legislation, a move she criticized for undermining legislative traditions that defer to the judgment of the local elected official.

The economic situation in Queens is a significant factor in the debate over the casino project. Borough President Richards highlighted the severe economic hardships faced by many residents, particularly the impoverished. He stressed that for some, the casino project represents a much-needed economic lifeline amid widespread financial struggles.