Steve Cohen's casino proposal advances to final round of competition

"Billionaire Steve Cohen's plan for an $8 billion casino complex is heading to the final round of the state's casino licensing competition. A community advisory committee voted unanimously to advance Metropolitan Park, a project that would transform 50 acres of parking lots next to Citi Field. The approval means that the proposal heads to the state's Gaming Facility Location Board for final consideration. The board is expected to select up to three projects by the end of the year for state casino licenses."

"CAC member George Dixon's affirmative vote came as a surprise, as he was appointed by local Sen. Jessica Ramos, who previously voiced opposition to the project. Afterward, Dixon said he thought the project would be good for the borough, clarifying that his vote did not reflect a change of heart on Ramos' part. Metropolitan Park is up against three other contenders in this final round: MGM Empire City in Yonkers; Queens Aqueduct Casino, operated by Resorts World; and Bally's in Throggs Neck. The remaining four proposals were eliminated by their respective community advisory committees."

"Cohen's proposal nearly didn't make it to this key vote. The parking lot next to Citi Field is technically parkland, and the team needed state lawmakers to approve park alienation legislation to move forward. Sen. Ramos refused to introduce such a bill, which could have killed the project if Sen. John Liu, who represents part of the project site, hadn't ultimately sponsored alienation legislation. The legislature signed off on the bill in May."

Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex proposed for 50 acres of parking next to Citi Field, advanced to the final state licensing round after a unanimous community advisory committee vote. The project would include a Hard Rock hotel, a 5,650-seat live music venue, bars, restaurants and 25 acres of green space including an elevated Flushing Skypark. The proposal overcame a political hurdle when Sen. John Liu sponsored park alienation legislation after Sen. Jessica Ramos declined to introduce it. A licensing decision is expected in December and construction could begin soon after.

Read at therealdeal.com