Published on: November 18, 2025, 07:56h.
Updated on: November 18, 2025, 07:56h.
- New York City has approved a plan to redevelop its 50-acre parking facility in Queens.
- Hard Rock, alongside billionaire Steve Cohen, is set to build a casino resort on this city-owned land.
- The developers are required to obtain a casino license from state authorities.
On Monday, the Hard Rock New York City casino project took a significant step forward when city officials formalized an agreement with Hard Rock and its financier, billionaire Steve Cohen, for a proposed $8 billion resort at Willets Point.
Recently, Casino.org reported that a Manhattan Supreme Court judge has granted a temporary restraining order based on a petition from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The organization responsible for the US Open asserted that Cohen’s Metropolitan Park casino development might breach the terms of its lease.
The USTA holds a lease with the city valid until 2092, permitting the use of the 50-acre parking lot adjacent to Cohen’s Citi Field. Although the lot is city-owned, Cohen’s agreement allows for its transformation into a Las Vegas-style casino resort.
Justice Nancy Bannon from the Manhattan Supreme Court directed the city to refrain from finalizing any deals with Cohen and Hard Rock, collectively known as Queens Future, until the complaint is addressed or the city proves compliance with USTA rights and lease obligations.
City attorneys have concluded that the district’s agreement with Queens Future does not violate the USTA lease terms.
USTA to Retain Access to Casino Parking
Following the agreement with Queens Future for the redevelopment of the city-owned parking lot, granted they receive one of the three downstate New York gaming licenses from the Gaming Facility Location Board, an official from Mayor Eric Adams’ office confirmed that the USTA’s lease rights would be protected and the casino agreement is “in alignment with a recent order and upholds USTA’s rights.”
The USTA also expressed support for the news, stating that the city adjusted the casino agreement prior to finalization.
“We appreciate the court’s engagement with our concerns and the City’s cooperation in updating the lease with Queens Future, which now includes necessary protections during the US Open’s three-week duration,” the USTA commented. “We anticipate the casino becoming our new neighbor in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.”
Queens Future echoed similar sentiments.
“We have successfully entered into our pre-development agreement with the city, facilitating the transformation of Metropolitan Park into a prestigious sports and entertainment hub in the heart of Queens. This is a significant advancement for the local community and sports enthusiasts,” the statement said.
Parking Solutions for Casino
Concept designs for Cohen and Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park include plans for three extensive parking facilities.
One proposed structure is to be situated in the parking area south of Lot G along Seaver Way at Roosevelt Avenue, which would serve as a convenient location for USTA visitors during the US Open due to its proximity to the tennis complex.
Another option is the parking structure planned for the southwest corner of the existing 50-acre lot, currently designated as Lot E. This site could enhance accessibility to Arthur Ashe through new pedestrian pathways along Shea Road.
While Metropolitan Park has not disclosed the specific number of parking spaces proposed for the garages, the casino’s agreement with the city remains confidential at this time.