Source: Bisnow

Date: 9.30.2025

Link: Steve Cohen’s Queens Casino Bid Unanimously Approved By Committee

Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, and Hard Rock International have received key local approval for their $8 billion proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field in Queens. The plan would transform a 50-acre parking lot into a destination featuring a casino, hotel, 25 acres of green space, a live music venue, restaurants, and a 450-unit affordable housing project.

The proposal was approved by all six members of the Community Advisory Committee, making it one of four bids still in the running for one of New York’s three downstate casino licenses. The next step is review by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board, which is expected to award licenses by year’s end.

To move the project forward, state lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year allowing the city-owned parkland to be used for non-park purposes. The development is expected to create over 23,000 union jobs and generate $33.5 billion in tax revenue.