The measure overwhelmingly passed Tuesday with a 138-7 vote, representing a significant achievement for Cohen’s long-debated casino bid.

“This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits,” Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks, the bill’s sponsor, told fellow lawmakers before voting. “This is about giving something back to residents that’s given more than they’ve received.”

Mets owner Cohen first unveiled the project in 2023 with Hard Rock International Inc. It would transform the neglected Willets Point lot into Metropolitan Park, a sprawling hospitality and entertainment hub featuring a casino, hotel, and new green spaces. 

Senator Ramos Remains a Vocal Opponent

While the bill’s passage represents another positive development for Cohen, it could face more resistance in the Senate. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents the area where the project would be built, remains one of its most vocal opponents. She has voiced concerns about the project’s transparency and potential impact on surrounding communities.

In a statement Tuesday, Ramos reaffirmed her stance. “I will not introduce legislation to alienate parkland in Corona for the purposes of a casino,” she said.

“Whether people rallied for or against Metropolitan Park, I heard the same dreams for Corona. We want investment and opportunity, we are desperate for green space, and recreation for the whole family,” Ramos continued. 

“We disagree on the premise that we have to accept a casino in our backyard as the trade-off.”

The project may still become a reality without Ramos’s blessing. In an interview with the New York Post, Ramos acknowledged that possibility, saying, “I don’t know if I have the power to block that legislation.”

A companion bill introduced last month by state Sen. John Liu was widely seen as another win for Cohen.   

Mets Owner Proposal Is ‘More Than Just a Casino’

Because the area is designated parkland, it cannot be repurposed without explicit state legislation. Hence, Cohen, whose net worth is valued by Bloomberg Billionaires Index at $14.8 billion, and Hard Rock are among the bidders trying to secure one of three coveted licenses in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. Regulators have set a June 27 deadline for applications.

Cohen’s proposal includes a casino, a hotel, a convention center, a live music venue, a food hall, parking garages, and 25 acres of public park space.

The hedge fund titan, who has pledged over $100 million toward community improvements, estimates it will create approximately 23,000 union jobs.

“For decades, these 50 acres of asphalt have only been parking lots,” Karl Rickett, a Metropolitan Park spokesperson, told the Queens Eagle. “The overwhelming Assembly approval brings us one step closer to delivering 25 acres of actual public park space, 23,000 union jobs, new entertainment options, and over $1 billion in community benefits for Queens.”

Hoping to boost their chances of approval, Cohen and Hard Rock announced a separate development plan last month to build 450 affordable housing units near the proposed Metropolitan Park site. The project, in conjunction with State Property Group, would feature an outdoor play space, a children’s playground, and on-site parking. 

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A New York State Senate committee voted 4-3 in favor of a bill allowing the New York Mets’ billionaire owner, Cohen, to build on a 50-acre section of parking lot adjacent to the team’s ballpark.

Economic Footprint of the Cohen Proposed New York Casino Development

The bill, proposed by State Sen. John Liu, whose district covers part of the development area, would transform the neglected Willets Point lot into “Metropolitan Park,” a hospitality and entertainment hub featuring a casino, hotel, and new green spaces. Additionally, the project is expected to create 23,000 union jobs and provide public transit enhancements.

“For decades, these 50 acres of asphalt have only been parking lots,” Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Park project, said in a statement. “Today’s committee approval brings us one step closer to delivering 25 acres of actual public park space, 23,000 union jobs, new entertainment options, and over $1 billion in community benefits for Queens.”

Cohen is among approximately a dozen applicants vying to secure one of three downstate licenses to build full-scale casinos in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. The hedge fund titan, whose net worth is valued by Bloomberg Billionaires Index at $14.8 billion, has been pushing the project since 2023, when he revealed plans to partner with Hard Rock International Inc.

Cohen has pledged over $100 million in contributions toward revitalizing the area if his casino plan is approved. MGM’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting’s Resorts World New York in Queens are considered favorites to land two licenses, while Saks recently removed itself from the competition.

First, Cohen and Co. must overcome opposition from State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents the district encompassing the Metropolitan Park location. Ramos has repeatedly resisted efforts to move forward with the project.

“My position has not changed,” she told the New York Post last month. “I cannot support a casino in Corona and am a definitive no on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes.”

Applications for licensing are due by June 27. The New York Gaming Commission (NYGC) will award up to three licenses by the end of 2025.

Cohen Seeks to Boost Bid with Alternative Project

New York is one of the country’s top gaming jurisdictions. In 2024, the Empire State generated $2.1 billion in revenue from sports betting.

As Cohen seeks to gain a foothold in that market, he’s earned his share of supporters.

Liu took to the social media site X (formerly Twitter) last month to express his support for the project. He said he was “encouraged” by Cohen’s promise to spend $100 million to enhance Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

“In that spirit,” Liu said, “I’ll introduce legislation to make these benefits possible.”

Hoping to boost their bid, Cohen and Hard Rock recently announced a partnership with Slate Property Group to develop 450 affordable housing units about two miles from the Metropolitan Park site.

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