NYC Council approves zoning changes for proposed $8 billion casino project near Citi Field

The New York City Council has voted to approve zoning changes for the proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino and entertainment complex planned next to Citi Field in Flushing. In a decisive 41-2 vote on Tuesday, the Council backed the proposal from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment.

The plan would convert a 50-acre parking lot west of Citi Field into an entertainment district anchored by a casino. The project also encompasses a 25-acre public park, shops, restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, upgrades to the Mets-Willets Point subway station, and improved roads and bike paths.

Although the proposed site is currently an asphalt parking lot, it’s legally designated as city parkland. As a result, zoning text and city map amendments were required for the project to move forward.

The City Council’s vote followed unanimous approvals earlier from both its Land Use Committee (9-0) and the Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee (6-0). This vote represents the penultimate step in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) process, with the proposal now heading for mayoral review.

Five local community boards bordering Flushing Meadows-Corona Park have already given their support for the project. However, CB4, the only other district considered adjacent to the site, postponed its vote until after the required 60-day review period outlined in the ULURP. 

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also issued a conditional approval of the project in December. While Richards and the community boards' reviews are advisory, the City Council's decision is final unless the mayor chooses to veto it.

“This project is about more than building a sports and entertainment park,” said 
Council Member Francisco Moya, who represents the district where Metropolitan Park would be located. “It’s about creating meaningful job opportunities with 100% union jobs, investing back into our community, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights.”

Cohen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing community benefits. “Metropolitan Park will deliver 25 acres of vibrant public park space, 23,000 well-paying union jobs, and much-needed transit upgrades. It’s time the world’s greatest borough gets the investment it deserves," he said.

Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen also praised the community’s support, noting that 83% of participating community board members voted in favor.

Despite the approval, the casino won’t move forward unless Metropolitan Park secures one of three downstate casino licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. Two licenses are expected to go to existing racinos, leaving fierce competition for the final license. Other proposals include casino projects in Times Square, Hudson Yards, Coney Island, and the Bronx.

The state is expected to award the licenses by the end of 2025. If Cohen and Hard Rock do not win a license, the project will not proceed.