Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, and Hard Rock International have advanced their ambitious Metropolitan Park project, recently submitting an additional application to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board just before the October 14 deadline. This $8 billion endeavor aims to transform the parking areas around Citi Field into one of New York’s premier entertainment destinations.
The Metropolitan Park project is expected to significantly impact the local economy, with projections indicating over $33 billion in tax revenue over the next 30 years. The development is estimated to create approximately 17,000 direct construction jobs and 25,000 indirect positions, ultimately sustaining 6,000 permanent jobs once operational. When secondary employment is included, the long-term job creation could reach more than 40,000 positions.
Covering a span of 50 acres, the proposed project will feature a 25-acre public park, a Hard Rock hotel and casino, a ‘Taste of Queens’ food hall celebrating local vendors, retail stores, and enhancements to transportation and infrastructure, including a redesigned Willets Point subway station and new pedestrian and cycling paths. Financially, the developers have pledged to pay a $500 million license fee upfront and propose a tax structure of 25% on slot machine revenues and 10% on table game profits. In its third year of operation, the casino is projected to generate roughly $3.9 billion annually, contributing about $850 million in taxes to state and city coffers each year.
Hard Rock International has expressed its commitment to establishing a “world-class destination” and is ready to commence construction immediately, pending a license approval anticipated in December. The plans outline an extensive gaming floor featuring 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, 30 poker tables, and an 18,000-square-foot sportsbook, positioning it as one of the largest gaming venues in the region.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the project, with the development team conducting 16 public workshops and engaging with tens of thousands of residents over the past four years. The project has garnered backing from all six local community boards during the city’s review process, and it received full support from the Community Advisory Committee last month.
The project overcame significant legal hurdles earlier this year when the City Council and state legislature agreed to reclassify the parking lot land, previously designated as parkland, for commercial use. With MGM Resorts withdrawing from the race for a downstate casino license, the contenders now include Metropolitan Park, Resorts World in South Ozone Park, and Bally’s in the Bronx. The Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to announce the successful bids by the end of the year.
Despite the overwhelming support, some skeptics question the potential consequences of such large-scale development. Concerns about increased traffic congestion, potential displacement, and the social impact of expanded gambling facilities have been raised. Some residents worry that the influx of visitors might strain local resources and alter the community’s character. “The promise of jobs and revenue is enticing, but it’s essential to weigh these against possible disruptions to everyday life,” one local commented.
Advocates for the project argue that the economic benefits and job creation far outweigh the potential drawbacks. They point to the long-term gains for the area, including enhanced infrastructure and increased tourism. Proponents assert that the project will put Queens on the map as a major entertainment hub, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
As the license decision approaches in December, the project’s stakeholders remain hopeful that their vision for Metropolitan Park will come to fruition, setting a new standard for entertainment complexes in New York. The outcome of this decision could not only reshape Queens but also influence future developments in the region, reflecting broader trends in urban redevelopment and gambling expansion. The anticipation surrounding the announcement highlights the high stakes involved in this transformative project, which promises to redefine the economic landscape of Queens for decades to come.
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