Photograph by Oliver Foerstner for Adobe Stock
According to news reports, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has unveiled an $8 billion plan for a casino, a hotel and a music venue at Citi Field in Queens. Cohen has partnered with Hard Rock International on the proposal.
The complex would be built on a 50-acre parking lot in Queens next to the baseball stadium, reported Bloomberg. State gaming authorities would have to approve the plan, and, according to the N.Y. Post, the acreage is designated as parkland, so the state legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul would have to pass a law allowing commercial development there.
The proposal is one of several vying for three casino licenses for New York City, Long Island and Westchester that were authorized earlier this year.
In addition, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans last November to build a stadium adjacent to Citi Field for Major League Soccer's New York City team, owned by the parent company of England's Manchester City.
"The fans want something to do before the game, after the game," Cohen told the Associated Press last month.
The N.Y. Post's report added that Cohen’s plan looks to generate $130 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years, creating more than 10,000 permanent and construction jobs. The complex would include 20 acres of new park space and 5 acres of community athletic fields, bike paths and playgrounds.