Metropolitan Park (Queens)
| Metropolitan Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, New York |
| Coordinates | 40°45′20″N 73°50′53″W / 40.75556°N 73.84806°W |
| Area | 50 acres (0.20 km2) |
| Website | www |
Metropolitan Park is a proposed park in the New York City borough of Queens. The proposed site is located at the parking lots adjacent to Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB).
History
[edit]
Attractions and geographical features of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park:
In October 2013, the New York City Council approved a plan to build a mall and entertainment center called Willets West in the Citi Field parking lot where Shea Stadium stood, as part of an effort by the city to redevelop the nearby neighborhood of Willets Point.[1][2] However, in 2015, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court ruled that the site, considered parkland, could not be used for commercial development without permission from the New York state government.[3]
In 2022, Mets owner Steve Cohen began pushing to build a casino in the parking lot, which was supported by New York City mayor Eric Adams, but still needs final approval from the New York state government.[4] In November 2023, Cohen unveiled a proposal to build an $8 billion, 50-acre casino and entertainment complex in the parking lot, called Metropolitan Park, which would include a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, restaurants, bars, and a live music venue as well as public park space, community athletic fields, and playgrounds.[5]
New York state senator Jessica Ramos, who represents New York's 13th State Senate district where the site is located, announced her intention to formally oppose the construction of the casino and entertainment complex in May 2024.[6][7] In March 2025, the New York City Council voted in favor of modifications in zoning regulations for the site, the penultimate step of the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). In May 2025, over the objections of Ramos, a parkland alienation bill sponsored by neighboring state senator John Liu which reclassified the site as commercial property passed the New York State Senate, clearing the way for casino construction to begin.[8]
The construction of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Metropolitan Park hinges on the project winning one of the three downstate casino licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission.[9]
See also
[edit]- Hellinikon Metropolitan Park (a similar park which will feature a Hard Rock themed casino-hotel)
References
[edit]- ^ "Neighbors Protest Plan For Mall In Citi Field Parking Lot". CBS New York. July 10, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
- ^ "City Council Approves Sweeping Redevelopment Plan For Willets Point". CBS New York. October 9, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
- ^ Dunlap, David W. (July 8, 2015). "De Blasio's Dilemma: Fight for a Mall Near Citi Field or Disavow It". The New York Times. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
- ^ Honan, Katie (April 5, 2022). "Adams Open to Mets Owner Steve Cohen's Pitch for Citi Field Casino and Willets Point Makeover". The City. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
- ^ Flanigan, John (November 7, 2023). "Mets owner Steve Cohen unveils $8 billion proposal to build up area around Citi Field". SNY. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
- ^ Venugopal, Arun (May 28, 2024). "Key Queens lawmaker says she will formally oppose Citi Field-area casino". Gothamist. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ Schactman, Noah (May 28, 2024). "New Jackpot City". New York. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ Jefferson, Austin C. (May 27, 2025). "Parkland alienation bill passes Senate, potentially paving way for Cohen's casino". City & State. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ O'Brien, Shane (March 12, 2025). "City Council votes overwhelmingly in favor of $8B Metropolitan Park casino zoning changes". QNS.com. Retrieved March 13, 2025.