New York City’s three casino projects promised upgrades to the city’s transport system amid fears that the new facilities will drastically increase traffic, pollution, and flooding risks in surrounding areas, according to the New York Post.
Key Takeaways
- The three approved casino proposals in Queens and the Bronx included transportation improvements in their plans.
- The planned updates come amid rising criticism from lawmakers and the public that the casinos would increase city traffic.
- The New York State Gaming Commission approved the licenses of the three casinos Dec. 15.
Despite ongoing support from Mayor Eric Adams, who believes the new casinos would bring additional revenue and jobs to the city, some critics, such as State Sen. Jessica Ramos, have been outspoken about the possible negative impacts that they could bring, especially regarding the potential influx of traffic to parts of the city.
To pacify concerns, the developers behind Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, located near Citi Field, have promised to invest $1.75 billion in community benefits, which include updates to public infrastructure and a “full-scale” redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point station, as well as additional bike lines, updated pathways for pedestrians, and multiple multi-story parking garages. On-site parking will also increase from 7,000 spots to 13,000.
Resorts World New York City in Queens has proposed a $100-million infrastructure plan that would include upgrades to the A-train stop at Howard Beach, as well as improvements to bus access, roadways, and the subway. Bally’s Bronx casino has also promised $75 million toward transit upgrades, including updated roads between Ferry Point Park and the Hutchinson River Parkway, new bus stops, bikeways, walkways, and 5,000 parking spaces.
The addition of three new casinos in New York City has been a lengthy process, with eight submissions being whittled down to three after the Manhattan and Brooklyn proposals were rejected and MGM Resorts International pulled out.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board presented the three remaining proposals Dec. 1, and they received their final approval from the New York State Gaming Commission on Dec. 15.
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New casinos could threaten Atlantic City
Concerns have also been growing from across the Hudson. Some Atlantic City executives believe that the new casinos in New York City will have a lasting impact on New Jersey’s gambling industry.
Jane Bokunewicz, head of Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at the Stockton University School of Business, told NJ.com the addition of new casino-resorts in the region would only add competitive pressure to Atlantic City casinos, definitely in the short term.
Atlantic City officials also acknowledged that, despite the Manhattan proposals being rejected, the Big Apple's status as a major tourist destination, which generates far larger crowds than New Jersey, would also impact the state’s nine casinos. In response, some officials have called for increased
investment in Atlantic City to prevent negative long-term impacts.
“Downstate New York casinos have been on the horizon for years,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “We recognize this expansion will have a negative impact over time on the Atlantic City market, which makes our mission even clearer. We must accelerate Atlantic City’s transformation into a leading year-round resort destination.”
