The proposed Metropolitan Park casino gambling project eyed for Willets Point, Queens, is moving forward.
A community advisory committee voted 6-0 on Tuesday morning to advance the proposal to a final round of scrutiny.
Metropolitan Park joins three other casino projects vying for three downstate casino licenses up for grabs — at Empire City inYonkers, at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, and at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
A state Gaming Facilities Location Board is expected to make a final call on the winners before year’s end.
Metropolitan Park is a joint venture between Mets Owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment. The sprawling complex near Citi Field would also include a public park and food hall, as well as millions of dollars in promised community benefits.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, a member of the advisory committee, said the development would be a boon for the borough. If granted final approval, the project is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and permanent jobs as well as $33.5 billion in tax revenue over the course of its 30-year license.
“ Projects like this are proof that there is no ceiling for the world’s borough,” Richards said. “We’re the heartbeat of the city now, not Manhattan, not Brooklyn, not any other borough.”
The project had faced opposition from local state Sen. Jessica Ramos, a Democrat, but her appointee to the community advisory committee, George Dixon, a local district leader, also voted for the project. Ramos issued a statement stating that she remains opposed.
“Gambling on a casino to be the economic saving grace for families to finally build generational wealth is unrealistic and unfair to the people who deserve better,” Ramos said.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett said the full approval of the committee “underscores the deep and broad community support behind Metropolitan Park.”
Four other casino projects were eliminated from contention, after other community panels weighed in. This includes the sole casino bid in Brooklyn, The Coney, which was voted down on Monday following a powerful grassroots movement opposing the bid, as well as all three projects sited for Manhattan.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Source link
