Introduction to the Controversy
Around 200 people attended an “anti-casino” town hall in Flushing on Sunday, Oct. 19, to protest against the planned Metropolitan Park casino development adjacent to Citi Field and criticize state Sen. John Liu for introducing legislation in the state Senate that helped the development reach the final stage of a lengthy process to secure a downstate gaming license.
Background on the Legislation
Liu introduced parkland alienation legislation in April to reclassify a Citi Field parking lot—currently designated as public parkland—into commercial property to facilitate the Metropolitan Park development. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, whose district represents the majority of the area where the development would be located, had long refused to introduce such legislation before Liu, who represents a smaller area of the site, eventually introduced the legislation in a major win for the Metropolitan Park development.
The Development Proposal
The $8 billion proposal from Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International also features a Hard Rock resort and casino, a key revenue-generating component of the project. The proposal aims to transform 50 acres of asphalt parking lot into a sprawling entertainment complex featuring a 25-acre public park, new shops and restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, and a full-scale redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point subway station, along with improvements to roads and bike paths.
Community Reaction and Support
The project received significant city support as zoning and map text amendments necessary for the development made their way through the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). All six relevant community boards voted in favor of the amendments, with the City Council voting 41-2 in favor in March. The project also received unanimous support from a Community Advisory Committee last month, with Ramos appointee George Dixon also voting in favor of the project.
Opposition to the Development
Opponents to the proposed development, however, gathered at the Muslim Center of New York at 137-58 Geranium Ave. on Oct. 19 to voice their concerns about the planned casino and to demand an apology from Liu for introducing legislation to help facilitate its progress. The town hall, hosted by the Muslim Center of NY, Flushing Workers Center and the FED UP Coalition, heard from residents who expressed concerns about the potential development and called for elected officials to “strike down” the casino.
Concerns and Criticisms
Ramos, who repeatedly declined to introduce the parkland alienation legislation in the state legislature, told attendees that there is still an opportunity to prevent a casino from being developed in the area. Former state Sen. Tony Avella said the approval of Metropolitan Park would result in the loss of 25 acres of public parkland “forever.” Jack Hu, a lifelong Flushing resident, blasted Liu over his support for the project, accused Liu of working on behalf of the interests of Cohen and other billionaires by supporting the development.
Ramos speaks at Sunday’s town hall. Photo via Flushing Workers Center.
Response from Supporters
In response, Liu said he appreciated the passion of protesters but said the Metropolitan Park development has received support at every level as it made its way through the city and state. Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett also pointed to the near-universal success that Metropolitan Park has enjoyed in the City Council, the state legislature, community boards and the CAC.
Economic Concerns
Jackson Heights resident Alexis Kaloyanides pointed to the example of gambling in Atlantic City as evidence that the introduction of a casino does not automatically guarantee economic success. She said Atlantic City is a “wasteland” of empty storefronts with a poverty rate higher than that of Queens.
Photo via Flushing Workers Center.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Metropolitan Park development and the introduction of a casino in the area continues to spark heated debates among community members, elected officials, and business leaders. While supporters of the project highlight its potential economic benefits and job creation, opponents raise concerns about the loss of public parkland, the potential negative impacts on local businesses, and the precedent it may set for future developments.
FAQs
Q: What is the Metropolitan Park development proposal?
A: The proposal aims to transform 50 acres of asphalt parking lot into a sprawling entertainment complex featuring a 25-acre public park, new shops and restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, and a full-scale redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point subway station.
Q: Why are community members opposing the development?
A: Community members are opposing the development due to concerns about the loss of public parkland, the potential negative impacts on local businesses, and the precedent it may set for future developments.
Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The project has received significant city support and is currently in the final stage of securing a downstate gaming license.
Q: What can community members do to get involved?
A: Community members can attend upcoming rallies and town halls, contact their elected officials, and stay informed about the latest developments in the project. Organizers of Sunday’s protest signalled their intent to hold a Community Rally Against the Casino outside Queens Public Library’s Flushing location at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16.
