The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), which runs the U.S. Open, has filed a lawsuit against the Adams administration over a proposed casino in Queens. The USTA opposes the plan to build a casino at Willets Point, near their tennis complex and Citi Field. In Manhattan State Supreme Court, the USTA argues the city has not adequately protected its lease rights against possible disruptions from the planned Metropolitan Park casino, Gothamist reported.
The dispute involves a city-owned parking lot leased to the Mets, which is also used by the USTA during the U.S. Open. NY1 reports that a state supreme court judge has temporarily blocked the city from making new agreements regarding the lot. The USTA cites a “superiority clause” in their lease that gives them priority use during the tournament.
Brendan McIntyre, a USTA spokesperson, highlighted the U.S. Open’s $1.25 billion annual impact on the local economy. He said the USTA is not opposed to the casino project but wants the city to honor its commitments to fans, park visitors, and Queens residents, as per Gothamist. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Park project disagreed with the court’s decision and said they are considering their options.
Despite the lawsuit, the Metropolitan Park project remains one of three proposals competing for up to three downstate casino licenses expected to be awarded by the end of the year. A state-appointed board is set to appraise the sites. Advocates for the project say the casino would bring $1.75 billion in new infrastructure and complement existing venues to form a sports and entertainment district. Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for Steve Cohen, told Gothamist that the project is designed to work with Citi Field, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and the upcoming NYCFC soccer stadium.
