A Queens lawmaker will push legislation that would give billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen the legal right to move forward with a planned $8 billion casino complex next to Citi Field.
State Sen. John Liu announced Sunday he’s going to bat for the project with a bill that would legally convert the lots around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use — a move necessary to keep hope alive that the ambitious Metropolitan Park project would win one of three highly coveted downstate casino licenses.
“The Flushing community has long aspired to have greater access to our waterfront and the
other side of Flushing Creek,” Liu, whose district borders the site of the casino complex, said Cohen-Hard Rock International’s agreement to help develop Flushing Skypark, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would connect downtown Flushing to neighborhood separated by the Flushing Creek.
“The Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard bridges cater to vehicular traffic but deter pedestrians and cyclists,” Liu added. “The new Flushing Skypark will greatly enhance recreational and transportation options, and I am heartened by the sincere commitment of Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to making it happen.”
Liu announced his support for the proposed gaming/entertainment complex after Cohen and Hard Rock committed to secure regulatory approvals and all public and private funding needed for Flushing Skypark, connecting downtown Flushing from 39th Avenue and College Point Boulevard to Willets Point with a design inspired by Manhattan’s iconic High Line.
He also applauded Cohen-Hard Rock’s commitment to putting up $100 million for capital improvements to the infrastructure of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which would benefit Queens residents, even if Skypark isn’t completed.
“In the spirit of collaboration I will introduce legislation to create a pathway that makes these community benefits possible,” said Liu, the former city comptroller.
Mets owner Cohen praised Liu as a “champion of infrastructure.”
“As an organization based in Willets Point, we shared the community’s concerns around connectivity, and recognized that the Skypark would be a great way to bring Queens together,” Cohen said.
“Metropolitan Park is committed to working to make Flushing Skypark a reality. And if for any reason we cannot, then we will still follow through on our commitment to the community by dedicating $100 million to the betterment of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.”
But the influx of Cohen cash is contingent on the casino project getting a license from the state.
Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen said if the Metropolitan Park project comes to fruition it would create “thousands of jobs and unparalleled experiences” for the community and guests.
The community benefit measures will be enshrined in a legally binding contract with the Waterfront Alliance, a regional community organization and alliance of more than 1,100 organizations.
The Metropolitan Park project also includes a hotel and music venue.
Liu’s backing of the casino project is a boost for Cohen and Hard Rock after opposition from state Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district includes the Flushing Meadows-Corona casino site.
It is unclear whether the state Senate will pass it over her objections and Ramos had refused to advance the bill in the prior two legislative sessions.
The Senate typically defers to the local legislator regarding a project important to his or her district.
The proposal has garnered support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, Councilman Francisco Moya, and even the local community boards.
Casino bidders must submit their applications to local siting boards by June 27. The state Gaming Commission will award up to three casino licenses by the end of December.
Other bidders with chips on the table vying for a state casino license include:
- the The Wynn NYC-Related Companies’ in Hudson Yards;
- Las Vegas Sands project at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum hub in Uniondale;
- the SL Green/Caesar’s Entertainment/Jay-Z Roc Nation $4 billion proposal in Times Square;
- the Stefan Soloviev and Mohegan Sun project along the East River;
- and the Silverstein Properties/Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment plan for a casino at West 41st Street and 11th Avenue north of the Jacob Javits Center.
Two existing slots parlors or “racinos” — Genting Resorts World at Aqueduct race track and MGM Empire City at Yonkers race track — are applying for a gaming license to offer live table games.
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