NY Senator Supports Citi Field Casino with $100M Pledge and Flushing Skypark Development

Billionaire Mets Owner Cohen Partners with Hard Rock for Queens Casino Project

New York State Senator John Liu announced his support for an ambitious casino plan near Citi Field, spearheaded by billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen.

At a press conference on Sunday, Liu revealed his intention to introduce state legislation to reclassify the 50 acres of asphalt parking lots surrounding the Mets’ ballpark as commercial property, paving the way for Cohen’s proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park project.

This reclassification would facilitate the establishment of a sprawling casino and entertainment complex, significantly transforming the area. Liu emphasized the project’s potential, stating, “I understand that Flushing Skypark will not be easy to achieve, but if anyone can do it, it would be the Metropolitan Park team.”

Flushing Skypark: Connecting Communities

A notable feature of Cohen’s vision is the Flushing Skypark, a high-rise pedestrian and bicycle bridge designed to enhance connectivity between downtown Flushing and Willets Point. Cohen, alongside Hard Rock International, has expressed a commitment to not only bring this project to fruition but also to secure all necessary public and private funding.

Flushing Skypark will be a game changer. I’m encouraged by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock’s commitment to making it happen or paying $100M to fix up Flushing Meadows Corona Park it they can’t. In that spirit, I’ll introduce legislation to make these benefits possible. pic.twitter.com/lWQTyNIhd3

— John C. Liu (@LiuNewYork) March 30, 2025

Cohen remarked, “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. Metropolitan Park is committed to working to make Flushing Skypark a reality.”

The developers have entered a legally binding agreement with the nonprofit Waterfront Alliance that guarantees if the Flushing Skypark does not materialize, they will pay $100 million for infrastructure improvements to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, distributed in $10 million annual installments over the next decade.

Community Investment and Opposition

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards praised the proposal, calling it a “grand slam for Northwest Queens.” He highlighted that the project could bring about 23,000 union jobs, infusing essential investment into historically underserved neighborhoods such as Corona and Flushing.

However, despite Liu’s support serving as a effective political endorsement, the proposal faces substantial opposition. State Senator Jessica Ramos, whose district includes Citi Field, has consistently opposed the casino development. “My position has not changed,” she stated. “I cannot support a casino in Corona and am a definitive no on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes.”

Liu’s district borders Citi Field but does not encompass it entirely. Nonetheless, part of the Metropolitan Park development lies within his jurisdiction, complicating the political landscape further.

The Race for Downstate Casino Licenses

As New York City anticipates the awarding of three downstate casino licenses by the end of 2025, Cohen and Hard Rock International’s proposal is one among several contenders, competing with plans for casinos in Coney Island, Hudson Yards, and Times Square. The impending decision from the state Gaming Facility Location Board will significantly impact the casino landscape in New York.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding the Citi Field casino proposal, as supporters and opponents alike prepare for potential breakthroughs or setbacks in this highly anticipated project.