Operator News
US – New York Mets’ owner’s bid for casino runs into trouble
By Phil - 22 May 2023
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s bid to develop a casino and entertainment complex in the car park next to Citi Field ballpark has been challenged by Senator Jessica Ramos, who has temporarily blocked the bid.
She said: “I had a very productive town hall on Friday which is going to be the first of many conversations I have with my neighbours. My neighbors and I are not currently in a place where it would be appropriate to introduce parkland alienation legislation.”
Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry had previously introduced legislation in March that would allow Mr. Cohen to redevelop the overflow parking into a casino.
A spokesperson for Mr Cohen said:“We have been working closely with Senator Ramos from the beginning and her input has been an important part of our approach. We will continue to partner with her and our neighbors in Queens as we incorporate their feedback and have an open dialogue with the community and a transparent process on how best to reimagine the 50 acres of asphalt around Citi Field,” the spokesperson said.
“Based on the input we have received across 15 listening sessions, hundreds of meetings and over 20,000 door-to-door conversations, we believe that both Mets fans and the surrounding community will like what they see when we unveil a vision anchored in new public green space, thousands of new and permanent jobs and entertainment that brings people to the area every single day of the year.”
