Debates over new casinos in New York have been heating up ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline, with a public hearing on Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park bid producing strong opinions.
The hearing, held at Queens Borough Hall, heard developers outline an $8-billion plan to create a casino and entertainment complex adjacent to Citi Field, which Cohen and his partner, Hard Rock, said will bring both jobs and community benefits, such as improvements to local train stations.
Key Takeaways
- A hearing on Steve Cohen’s Citi Field plan produced a heated debate.
- State senator says Cohen’s proposal has a better shot than other bids.
- The Times Square plan is opposed by two-thirds of residents.
Of the 79 speakers, 53 expressed support for the proposal, citing economic growth and tourism. One notable contribution came from a former City Council member, Costa Constantinides, who said that rejecting the plan would be a missed opportunity to improve infrastructure.
Opponents, including environmental advocates and local residents, warned of gambling addiction, displacement, and unenforceable promises. Attorney with the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Annie Lowe, warned that no community benefits could offset the harm a casino would cause.
Supporters and opponents held up signs, chanted, and cheered throughout the hearing.
The Community Advisory Committee must submit its recommendation by Sept. 30, and the state Gaming Commission is expected to decide on three downstate licenses by the end of the year.
Cohen’s bid has 'good shot,' says senator
While the public debates Cohen’s plan, a local lawmaker said it is a likely contender while criticizing plans for a casino on Manhattan’s East Side.
Political observers suggest the Citi Field proposal may be among the strongest bids. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who opposes casinos in New York City, said Cohen’s bid "has a very good shot."
Two licenses are widely expected to go to existing racinos at Yonkers Raceway and Aqueduct in Queens. That would leave one license for several new projects, including bids in Coney Island, Times Square, Manhattan’s East Side, and Citi Field.
Hoylman-Sigal, however, was particularly critical of the Manhattan casino proposals, citing concerns about crime, congestion, and addiction.
“If you want to exacerbate the problem of quality of life in a neighborhood, drop a casino in the middle of that,” he told a local news channel.
Poll shows public opposition to Times Square plan
Meanwhile, a proposal for a casino in Times Square, backed by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, gambling company Caesars, and investment trust SL Green, faces resistance. A new poll by Tulchin Research found that two-thirds of residents oppose the plan, with half saying they are strongly opposed and only 24% expressing support.
Residents cited concerns about crime, traffic, and declining quality of life. Despite pledges of $250 million in community benefits, critics, including the Broadway League, remain unmoved.
The Community Advisory Committee seems likely to recommend against the bid later this month.
