JAN 03, 2025
The Queens skyline is set to transform as the Metropolitan Park development, an $8 billion mega-project, moves one step closer to reality. The proposal, spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen in partnership with Hard Rock Entertainment, seeks to turn the 50-acre asphalt parking lot west of Citi Field into a dynamic entertainment complex centered around a casino. This project promises more than just a casino—it envisions a new urban park, improved transit access, and vibrant economic opportunities.
But like any ambitious real estate development, Metropolitan Park is stirring both enthusiasm and controversy.
Metropolitan Park promises to reshape a largely underutilized parking lot into a mixed-use destination that blends entertainment, recreation, and commerce. At its core, the project includes:
Developers argue that the project will generate approximately 23,000 jobs, prioritize local hiring, and provide significant investment in Queens neighborhoods.
Despite strong backing from Queens Community Board 3, which approved the zoning changes 26-8, the project has faced vocal opposition. Opponents cite concerns over gambling addiction, the use of public parkland for private development, and the absence of affordable housing in the plan.
Critics, including State Senator Jessica Ramos, have expressed deep reservations, arguing that a casino could exacerbate existing social challenges in surrounding neighborhoods. Ramos emphasized the need for alternative economic development strategies, calling the casino "a short-sighted solution."
Community protests at CB3’s recent meeting underscored the tensions, with detractors rallying around slogans like "CasiNO" and advocating for affordable housing as a better use for the land.
From a real estate perspective, Metropolitan Park represents a unique opportunity to revitalize a dormant site into a revenue-generating anchor for Queens. The inclusion of a public park, local hiring commitments, and infrastructure improvements align with broader trends in sustainable and community-focused urban development.
However, the legal hurdles are significant. The project site, currently designated as public parkland, requires a parkland alienation bill in Albany—a legislative process fraught with political complexities. While Senator Ramos has declined to sponsor the bill, other legislators could potentially step in to move the project forward.
The Metropolitan Park project is part of a larger race for three downstate casino licenses approved by New York State. With competitors proposing developments in high-profile locations like Times Square and Hudson Yards, the stakes for this Queens project are high.
Proponents argue that Metropolitan Park would benefit the local economy by creating jobs and addressing long-standing infrastructure needs. Supporters like Larinda Hooks and Thomas Grech emphasize the dignity and opportunity it could bring to communities still recovering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the question remains: Is a casino the best use of this land? The debate is emblematic of larger issues in urban development—balancing economic growth with social responsibility and community needs.
As the project moves through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), it faces several layers of review by the Queens Borough President, City Planning Commission, City Council, and ultimately, the Mayor. Each step will test the developers’ ability to address community concerns while keeping their vision intact.
For now, the fate of the 50-acre site adjacent to Citi Field hangs in the balance. Whether Metropolitan Park becomes a reality or remains an ambitious proposal, its impact on the future of Queens and its real estate market will undoubtedly be significant.
Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project and the ongoing debate surrounding its development.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
