The wealthy owner of the New York Mets is now able to turn almost 50 acres of property into the $8 billion entertainment and casino project known as Metropolitan Park thanks to legislation adopted by the New York State Assembly.
With a 138-7 vote on Tuesday, the bill was carried with overwhelming support, marking a major victory for Cohen’s long-discussed casino proposal.
Before voting, Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, the bill’s author, addressed her fellow members, “This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits.” “The goal is to return something to the residents who have given more than they have received.”
Cohen, the owner of the Mets, first announced the proposal with Hard Rock International Inc. in 2023. The abandoned Willets Point property would be turned into Metropolitan Park, a vast center of hospitality and entertainment with a hotel, casino, and more green areas.
Senator Ramos Remains a Vocal Opponent
Although Cohen is pleased that the bill was passed, there may be more opposition to it in the Senate. One of its most outspoken opponents is still state senator Jessica Ramos, who represents the region where the project would be constructed. She has expressed worries about the project’s openness and possible effects on the local population.
Ramos reiterated her position Tuesday in a statement. She declared, “I will not propose legislation to alienate Corona parkland for the construction of a casino.”
“I heard the same ambitions for Corona regardless of whether people protested in support of or opposition to Metropolitan Park. We are in dire need of green space, family-friendly entertainment, and investment and opportunities,” Ramos added.
“We disagree because we have to accept the trade-off of having a casino in our backyard.”
Even without Ramos’s approval, the project may still be realized. Ramos admitted that possibility in an interview with the New York Post, stating, “I don’t know if I have the power to block that legislation.”
Many viewed a parallel bill that state senator John Liu filed last month as another victory for Cohen.
Mets Owner Proposal Is ‘More Than Just a Casino’
Without specific state legislation, the area cannot be used for any other purpose because it is designated parkland. Thus, Hard Rock and Cohen, whose net worth is $14.8 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, are among the bidders vying for one of three highly sought-after licenses in Westchester County, Long Island, and New York City. The deadline for applications has been set by regulators at June 27.
A casino, hotel, convention center, dining hall, live music venue, parking garages, and 25 acres of public park space are all part of Cohen’s plan.
According to the hedge fund tycoon, which has committed more than $100 million to community development, it will generate about 23,000 union jobs.
“These 50 acres of asphalt have been nothing more than parking lots for decades,” Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett told the Queens Eagle. “We are one step closer to delivering over $1 billion in community benefits for Queens, 23,000 union jobs, new entertainment options, and 25 acres of actual public park space thanks to the overwhelming Assembly approval.”
Last month, Cohen and Hard Rock unveiled a separate development proposal to construct 450 affordable housing units close to the planned Metropolitan Park location in an attempt to increase their prospects of approval. In collaboration with State Property Group, the project would include on-site parking, a children’s playground, and an outdoor play area.
