Queens Casino Might Secure Victory Without Needing Ramos' Assistance
Published on: April 20, 2025, 06:20h.
Last Updated on: April 20, 2025, 06:20h.
Todd Shriber @etfgodfather | Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers, and Acquisitions State senator may struggle to halt Queens parkland conversion* Metropolitan Park could forge ahead despite her resistance* *She's in the running for NYC mayoral election
State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), a longtime opponent of a proposed casino hotel in her borough, has admitted her power might be limited in blocking a bill that could pave the way for the Metropolitan Park project.
In an interview with The New York Post, Ramos confessed, "I don't think I have the juice to block that legislation."
At the end of March, State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) proposed a bill aiming to strip the parking lots surrounding the New York Mets' home field of their parkland status. The bill would rezone the area for commercial purposes, a vital move for the $8 billion Metropolitan Park plan, a joint venture by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.
Metropolitan Park's Parkland Dilemma
Both Metropolitan Park and another New York City-area casino proposal face parkland classification obstacles. These designations must be removed for the projects to proceed.
Under New York law, parkland classification changes rely on the legislative process. However, the introduction of the bill need not originate from the district's representative. In this case, while Liu represents Flushing, only a small portion of his district includes Citi Field.
Ramos acknowledged Liu's bill would affect his district, stating, "It does impact his district. It's not like it was introduced by someone from a different geography."
She clarified her disagreement with Liu's stance on the project, saying, "I disagree with him. I think he's wrong."
Liu acknowledged a friendly working relationship with Ramos but emphasized that local support, contrary to some of Ramos' claims, exists for the Metropolitan Park project.
Tailwinds Propel Metropolitan Park
Ramos's admission of limited influence on the parkland alienation bill adds to a series of favorable developments for Metropolitan Park. Following Liu's bill presentation, Cohen and Hard Rock announced a partnership with New York real estate developer Slate Property Group, LLC. This new alliance introduces an affordable housing component to the gaming venue plan, a feature not present in the original proposal.
The inclusion of affordable residences, located two miles from the proposed Metropolitan Park site, might positively impact the Cohen/Hard Rock bid.
Furthermore, recent NYC mayoral polls show approval for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who's voiced support for Las Vegas-style gaming venues in the city. Such sentiment could boost the gaming industry's aspirations within the city.
In conclusion:
- The Metropolitan Park project, fueled by a proposed casino, surmounted city-level approvals[1][2].
- Sen. John Liu's bill aims to rezone the parkland, an essential step for casino licensing eligibility and further development[3].
- Ramos' opposition to the bill creates uncertainty regarding its passage, as her support is uncertain and carries significant sway in the state Senate[1][3].
- If the bill becomes law, construction could start as early as January 2026, with completion targeted for 2030[3][2].
Consequently, Liu's bill introduces new momentum, but it can't guarantee progress, as overcoming political opposition and community concerns remains a significant hurdle[1][3].
- Despite Jessica Ramos' disagreement with John Liu's stance, Liu proposed a bill to rezone the parkland surrounding the New York Mets' home field in Queens, crucial for the $8 billion Metropolitan Park plan.
- The Mid-Atlantic regional news has been covering the Metropolitan Park project, involving commercial gaming, and the political implications of the parkland dilemma.
- Todd Shriber, known as the ETF godfather, has been following the business and finance aspects of the Metropolitan Park project, including mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
- In the running for the NYC mayoral election, Jessica Ramos acknowledged her power might be limited in blocking the bill that could lead to the conversion of Metropolitan Park, despite her opposition to commercial gaming.
- The Regional News section of ETE Gaming & Finance Report mentioned the disagreement between Ramos and Liu, focusing on the zoning issues and its potential impact on the casino-and-gambling industry in the general news context.
- The Etfgodfather's Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers, and Acquisitions publication examined the political landscape surrounding Metropolitan Park, as well as the recent news about the new alliance with Slate Property Group, LLC, introducing an affordable housing component to the gaming venue plan.
- With favorable developments for Metropolitan Park, including polls showing approval for Las Vegas-style gaming venues in NYC, the casino-and-gambling sector eagerly awaits the outcome of John Liu's bill, which could potentially pave the way for the Metropolitan Park project.
