Queens State Senator John Liu to support Hard Rock casino near Citi Field in New York
Queens State Senator John Liu has said he will support billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal for a Hard Rock casino near Citi Field, in New York, closer to reality.
The blueprint also outlines plans for a 25-acre public park, shops and restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, the restoration of the Mets-Willets Point subway station, and better roads and bike paths.
The Senator said he would introduce state Senate legislation to reclassify the 50 acres of car parking surrounding the Mets ballpark as commercial property instead of parkland to allow for the $8bn casino proposal if it was to secure one of three licences set for New York.
State Sen. John Liu said: “In the spirit of collaboration, I will introduce legislation to create a pathway that makes these community benefits possible. The Flushing community has long aspired to have greater access to our waterfront and the other side of Flushing Creek. The Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard bridges cater to vehicular traffic but deter pedestrians and cyclists. I understand that Flushing Skypark will not be easy to achieve, but if anyone can do it, it would be the Metropolitan Park team. The new Flushing Skypark will greatly enhance recreational and transportation options, and I am heartened by the sincere commitment of Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to making it happen.”
Mr Cohen added: “Metropolitan Park is committed to working to make Flushing Skypark a reality,” he said. “And if for any reason we cannot, then we will still follow through on our commitment to the community by dedicating $100 million to the betterment of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.” As an organization based in Willets Point, we shared the community’s concerns around connectivity, and recognized that the Skypark would be a great way to bring Queens together.”
Last month, the City Council greenlit the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and reinforced Metropolitan Park’s overwhelming community support with all six Community Boards, the Borough President, and now City Council voting in favour of the project.
“From the very beginning we have been focused on creating something the community can truly be proud of,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “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.”
“We are grateful to the Queens community for embracing Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “It is designed to be more than just a destination, 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.”
