Recently, planning of the project dubbed Metropolitan Park has been in the works, though before going into effect the plan needs to receive zoning approval and licensing from state government/agencies. In surprising efforts to accelerate this process, Queens-based organizations that are meant to represent the community are pushing for officials to enact the necessary rezoning for construction of a casino and other establishments.
The Coalition for Queens Advancement, which is made up of various community groups in Jackson Heights, is now pressuring state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents Western Queens, to propose parkland alienation legislation.
This project, spearheaded by NY Mets owner, Steve Cohen, is designed to allocate $8 billion toward building a casino, hotels, restaurants, arcades, and other entertainment venues.
“For 85 years, the area around Citi Field has been a complete parking lot. It’s just asphalt. We want this to change,” said Olga Reyes, who organized a coalition rally. “Why can’t our children have a place to go and have a green space? Why can’t we take them to a concert without traveling an hour and a half in traffic?”
According to the Coalition for Queens Advancement, the Metropolitan Park project is expected to bring $1 billion in jobs, economic development, and infrastructure improvement in Queens.
Although the decision to build a casino at Citi Field follows a separate plan than the legislation to allow development around the stadium, Cohen has said that both are needed for the casino.
Cohen is currently in competition with four other gaming companies to open Las Vegas-style casinos with live table card games in and around NYC.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ramos has speculated whether members of the Queens coalition are paid canvassers, saying most actual residents of the borough are not in favor of a casino.
“Steve Cohen is doing his job trying to win support for his casino bid, and I’m doing mine in Albany representing my constituents,” Ramos said in a public statement that was made in response to the rally.
However, some residents of Queens at the rally say differently. “We deserve to have this project, we deserve 24,000 union jobs,” said Aaliyah Scott, a Jackson Heights resident and student who spoke at the rally.
The six-member Community Advisory Committee, which is appointed by the mayor, governor, and local elected officials will select one, or none of the proposals to be eligible for the gaming licenses. The application then faces the Facility Location Board, which will make a recommendation to the state Gaming Commission that makes the final licensing decision.
