The City Council on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to approve zoning map changes that would allow a casino, hotel, concert venue and other amenities on what is now a parking lot at Citi Field.
The final vote was 41-2, with Queens Councilmembers Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone) being the only dissenters. Among Queens’ other members, Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans) was absent and Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) abstained.
Metropolitan Park was proposed New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. Other planned features include 25 acres of park space, a food hall and convention center on a 50-acre parcel of land.
The project also would include modernization of the No. 7 subway station at Mets-Willets Point; and infrastructure improvements to better link surrounding neighborhoods with Citi Field and the Flushing waterfront.
“The City Council heard the community loud and clear — they want Metropolitan Park,” said Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) in a press release issued by Queens Future, the name of the partnership. “This project is about more than building a sports and entertainment park. It’s about creating meaningful job opportunities with 100 percent union jobs, investing back into our community, and elevating our local economy to unprecedented heights.”
“From the very beginning we have been focused on creating something the community can truly be proud of,” Cohen said. “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.”
Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, also expressed his appreciation.
“It is designed to be more than just a destination,” he said. “It will be one of the most spectacular integrated resorts in the world featuring legendary entertainment, world class cuisine and amenities shaped by the very people who will get to enjoy it.”
The project is contingent on the group receiving one of the three downstate casino licenses that are expected to be awarded by the New York State Gaming Commission some time this year.
As the acreage is legally parkland, there also needs to be legislation in Albany to alienate the property so that it can be used for private purposes.
Legislative tradition would have state Sen. Jessica Ramos (Jackson Heights) introduce the bill in her house, but she has chosen not to do so.
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