The proposed $8 billion casino and entertainment complex known as Metropolitan Park, spearheaded by Mets owner Steve Cohen, has received a boost from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. In a statement, Richards highlighted the multi-faceted nature of the project, "It's not just about the casino. The casino is really a small part of this," while conceding, "This is not a perfect plan. There's no such thing as a perfect plan," as reported by CBS New York. The plan includes not only the casino but also athletic facilities, a Hard Rock Hotel, and a significant investment in community benefits.
The proposal had previously hit a roadblock with State Senator Jessica Ramos voicing her strong opposition to the casino component, which she views as a predatory economic scheme. Despite this, Richards' advisory endorsement brings the plan closer to reality, with a spokesperson for Metropolitan Park claiming, "Metropolitan Park enjoys overwhelming community support, as demonstrated by receiving recommendations from six out of six local community boards, the backing of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and the vocal support of the enormous majority of those who attended the public hearings. The vision for Metropolitan Park delivers on what local Queens residents say they want, including over 23,000 good-paying union jobs, a new 25 acre public park, and more than $1 billion in community benefits," according to the same CBS New York report.
Meanwhile, Queens Eagle details that the Borough President's approval is contingent on written commitments to local community benefits that were promised during the city’s land use review process. "As borough president, I will work tirelessly to see that these commitments come to fruition and ensure the applicant team will deliver on every element of their promises to the surrounding community," Richards stated, as referenced in the Queens Eagle. Important elements of the proposal include 25-acres of park areas, community facility spaces, and a new subway station, as well as a $163 million community fund.
However, the plan remains contentious with local opinion divided. While the Borough President's public hearing saw more supporters in the room, letters received by his office told a different story; with the bulk written in opposition to the project, citing concerns around gambling addiction and loss of public parkland. The decision now rests on several milestones, including a review by the City Planning Commission and the City Council, and a potential parkland alienation bill or series of approvals required for Cohen's vision to become a reality. Furthermore, approval from a local community advisory committee, comprised of representatives from city and state leaders and the borough president, is crucial and will require a two-thirds vote in support of Metropolitan Park, according to a Queens Eagle report.
The final say in whether or not the Willets Point area will see this transformation lies with the state’s Gaming Commission, which is expected to dispatch its decision on the three coveted downstate casino licenses by the end of 2025.
