Flushing’s Metropolitan Park Casino Proposal Gets City Planning Commission Green Light
City Planning Commission Votes in Favor of Zoning Regulations
The City Planning Commission has voted in favor of modifications to zoning regulations for the planned $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino development adjacent to Citi Field in Flushing.
Proposed Development Details
The proposal, a planned development by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment, would convert a 50-acre parking lot west of Citi Field into an entertainment complex with a casino as its centerpiece. The proposal also calls for a 25-acre public park, shops and restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, the redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point subway station, and improved roads and bike paths.
City Planning Commission’s Vote
The City Planning Commission voted overwhelmingly in favor of the amendments, with a 9-1 vote, with one abstention. Commissioner Juan Osorio, who voted against the amendments, stated that he could not vote in favor of the proposal until the Department of Environmental Protection conducts a FEMA resiliency project for the 37th Avenue pump station to fully evaluate resiliency.
Metropolitan Park Spokesperson’s Reaction
Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett welcomed the commission’s approval, stating that the vote moves the project “one step closer to becoming a reality.” He said the project will create 23,000 union jobs for the local community and $1 billion in community benefits.
Zoning Amendments Next Steps
The zoning amendments will now go to the City Council and Mayor’s office as part of the ULURP process. State officials will award downstate gaming licenses to the three successful projects by the end of 2025.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Park casino proposal has received a significant milestone with the City Planning Commission’s approval. While this is a major step forward, the project still faces significant challenges, including the need to secure one of the three downstate casino licenses. The project’s proponents will need to continue to work to build support and momentum in the coming months.
FAQs
* What is the Metropolitan Park casino proposal?
+ The proposal is a planned $8 billion development by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment to convert a 50-acre parking lot west of Citi Field into an entertainment complex with a casino as its centerpiece.
* What are the details of the proposal?
+ The proposal includes a 25-acre public park, shops and restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, the redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point subway station, and improved roads and bike paths.
* What is the status of the proposal?
+ The City Planning Commission has voted in favor of modifications to zoning regulations, but the project still faces the need to secure one of the three downstate casino licenses.
* When will the zoning amendments go to the City Council and Mayor’s office?
+ The zoning amendments will go to the City Council and Mayor’s office as part of the ULURP process.
