The New York State Assembly has approved a measure allowing the development of a casino adjacent to Citi Field in Queens, backing a high-profile initiative from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. The bill passed on Tuesday with a lopsided 138-7 vote, representing a significant milestone for the proposal, which has encountered community resistance and political scrutiny since its inception.
Key Takeaways
- The New York Assembly has passed the bill enabling a Citi Field casino, advancing Steve Cohen’s development plans
- Senator Jessica Ramos still opposes the plan but faces pressure from increased lobbying activity
- Competing casino bids are evolving, including Soloviev Group’s stock-sharing plan for local engagement
The project would transform roughly 50 acres of land near the stadium into a large-scale entertainment and casino complex. Because of its current designation, the land cannot be repurposed without explicit state authorization.
The Assembly’s vote clears a critical legal hurdle, enabling the City of New York to pursue local zoning and land-use approvals if the Senate follows suit.
Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, who sponsored the bill, described the development as an opportunity for economic revitalization in the area.
She highlighted the potential for job creation, increased local revenue, and new public amenities as key reasons to reclassify the underutilized land. Hooks argued that residents in nearby neighborhoods deserve access to the investments that have historically gone elsewhere in the city.
While the bill's passage in the Assembly marks a notable step forward, its future in the State Senate remains uncertain. Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents much of the area where the land sits, has not supported the proposal and holds considerable sway over district-specific land-use issues. She has expressed concerns about the transparency of the process, the scale of the development, and its potential impact on surrounding communities.
Senate and assembly support may prove too strong
Despite her reservations, Sen. Ramos has conceded that sustained lobbying efforts from Cohen and his allies may ultimately carry the project forward. Cohen has spent millions on lobbying and public relations campaigns to build support among lawmakers and local organizations. The push reflects the intense competition for a limited number of downstate casino licenses New York is expected to issue.
In a related move, Sen. John Liu of Queens introduced a companion bill earlier this year to support the project. Liu, who represents a smaller portion of the affected area, has signaled more openness to the plan, and his bill is currently advancing through Senate committees. Observers expect the Senate to consider it during the ongoing legislative session.
The competitive landscape for downstate casino licenses is also evolving. Las Vegas Sands recently pulled its $4 billion proposal for a casino at the Nassau Coliseum, narrowing the field.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts has come out as a front runner for a casino license, with the Las Vegas resort gaining zoning approval from the New York City Planning Commission to redevelop Western Rail Yards.
