Senate approves Parkland bill, potentially clearing path for Cohen's casino construction

In a significant move, the New York State Senate has approved a "parkland alienation" bill, bringing Steve Cohen's $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino bid a step closer to reality. The proposed entertainment complex would be built on what is currently classified as public parkland, next to Citi Field.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. John Liu and freshman Assembly Member Larinda Hooks, passed the Assembly in March. If signed by the governor, Kathy Hochul, the bill would allow Cohen to build a casino on the property, provided he also receives one of the three downstate casino licenses that the state Gaming Commission is set to award later this year.

However, the bill's passage was not without opposition. State Sens. Jessica Ramos, Liz Krueger, Jabari Brisport, Cordell Cleare, and Joseph Addabbo voted against the bill, as did neighboring lawmaker state Sen. Jessica Ramos. Ramos had previously refused to introduce a parkland alienation bill, citing concerns about the casino's potential negative impact on the local economy and residents' access to greenspace.

Ramos expressed her disappointment with the bill's passage, stating that the proposed casino is not the kind of development that her community deserves. She also cited concerns about casinos preying on addiction and potentially displacing communities.

State Sen. John Liu, sponsor of the bill, referred to it as a matter of fairness, enabling the Metropolitan Park casino bid to compete for a downstate casino license. He does not see the abandonment of member deference affecting his and state Sen. Jessica Ramos' relationship going forward.

The passage of the parkland alienation bill marks a potential shift away from the state Legislature's traditional practice of deferring land-use decisions to members whose districts are directly affected. This could set a new precedent among lawmakers, with some trepidation, but Liu sees it as a necessary step for fair competition.

The battle for the three downstate casino licenses is now underway, and those eyeing Flushing, where the Metropolitan Park is located, may feel lucky. The passage of the bill paves the way for transforming asphalt lots into a development that could create 23,000 union jobs and $1 billion in community investment, according to Steve Cohen.

However, the fate of the bill now lies with Governor Kathy Hochul, who will determine whether the proposed entertainment complex will become a reality or not. The community and the lawmakers will watch with bated breath as the decision unfolds.

Senate approves Parkland bill, potentially clearing path for Cohen's casino construction