Residents of Queens will have the opportunity to provide their input on Metropolitan Park, a proposed entertainment complex and casino located near Citi Field. Borough President Donovan Richards is hosting a public hearing on Thursday to discuss the development, which is said to bring $8 billion in private investment and 23,000 union jobs to the area. New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has championed the project as an economic boost with a mix of gaming, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
While some, like Tom Grech from the Queens Chamber of Commerce, support the project, others, including State Senator Jessica Ramos, have raised concerns. Ramos believes that a casino could hinder economic benefits and harm local businesses.
Despite opposition, support for Metropolitan Park has been growing, with five out of five Queens community boards voting in favor of the project. However, Ramos’ approval is necessary for the parkland near Citi Field to be designated for commercial use. Supporters of the project argue that Queens, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, stands to benefit from the development.
Proposals for the casino siting process are due in June of next year, with final decisions expected by the end of 2025. The future of Metropolitan Park will ultimately be decided through a combination of public input, legislative approval, and economic considerations.
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