Date Published: November 26, 2024, 11:56h.
Last Updated: November 26, 2024, 11:56h.
A proposed casino hotel project in Queens, NY has received support from five local community boards, increasing its momentum.
Queens community boards 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 have voted in favor of the $8 billion Metropolitan Park project. This project, proposed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and tribal gaming giant Hard Rock International, is a sprawling entertainment and park complex.
The approvals from the boards are pivotal as they were reviewing the plan according to New York’s land review protocols.
Steve Cohen needs city approval for zoning changes to advance the Metropolitan Park project for the competition for New York City-area casino licenses.
Community Board 4 has rescheduled its meeting on zoning changes for Metropolitan Park to mid-December without providing a reason.
Importance of Queens Casino Approval
The recent approvals are crucial steps for the Queens casino plan, particularly in addressing land-use issues that have been prominent in several downstate casino proposals.
There is opposition to the Cohen/Hard Rock plan, but the community board approvals are positive steps for overcoming these challenges.
Along with other legislative hurdles, Cohen and Hard Rock need local advisory community approval for the project to move forward.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards will assess Metropolitan Park post the community board approvals. Mayor Eric Adams has shown support for the project, emphasizing the benefits it could bring.
Future of Queens Casino Project
The Cohen/Hard Rock plan envisions 25 acres of parkland, public amenities, and economic benefits for the area, showcasing job creation potential and local economic growth.
The project will now undergo reviews by the City Planning Commission and City Council, with Mayor Adams favoring the concept of a casino in one of the five boroughs.