A whole new world of entertainment and sports is set to arrive in New York. The man leading this venture is none other than Daddy Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets. Cohen’s ambitious proposal involves transforming a 50-acre parking lot into a state-of-the-art casino and entertainment complex. Just what the doctor order. A quick ride on the 7 train east towards Queens even outside of baseball season.
The Grand Plan
Cohen, in collaboration with Hard Rock International, plans to construct an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex adjacent to the Mets home ballpark of Citi Field.
With nearly a dozen competitors vying for the same prize, Cohen’s race to acquire one of the three eminent state licenses to build a full-scale casino in downstate New York is on.
Metropolitan Park: A Vision for the Future
Given the name “Metropolitan Park,” his revolutionary space aims to serve as a hub for fans, neighbors, and tourists. Offering new public park space, world-class entertainment, and authentic global cuisine from local restaurateurs. The park is set to be a year-round destination, not just for the people of Queens and the New York region, but for international tourists as well. This city already doesn’t sleep. If there is a casino open at 4am, some of us may never go home over the weekends.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” says Steve Cohen. He believes that owning the Mets is a civic responsibility that extends beyond the walls of the ballpark. I mean if the MLB is not going to do any teams a favor in terms of popularity or growing the game, it’s best for Steve Cohen to get his hands on this gaming license.
A Community-Driven Vision
What sets Metropolitan Park apart is its community-driven vision. Cohen and his team have been actively engaging with community groups, elected officials, Mets fans, and locals to crowdsource the vision that gives life to the upcoming sports and entertainment park. The project has seen over 15 community workshops, hundreds of meetings with local leaders, and over 20,000 door-to-door conversations, leading to overwhelming support for the project.
What does Metropolitan Park Promise?
Metropolitan Park promises an investment of $8 billion, which will generate nearly 15,000 high-paying permanent jobs and construction jobs. The proposal includes 20 acres of new park space, 5 acres of community athletic fields and playgrounds, and climate-ready infrastructure including solar, green roofs, and flood mitigation. The futuristic complex is set to house a Hard Rock hotel, live music venue, and gaming facilities. Simply an incredible add if we can mitigate the traffic.
The area surrounding Citi Field has been nothing more than parking lots since the 1937 World’s Fair. This project aims to transform these vacant lots into a unique recreational and entertainment destination, bringing millions of people and their wallets to the heart of Queens every year.
The Right Partners
To bring Metropolitan Park to life, Cohen has assembled the right team. Hard Rock International, with its global recognition for delivering top-notch hospitality, live music experiences, and casino and sportsbook gaming, is the cornerstone of the project. SHoP Architects, a New York-based global design leader, along with Field Operations, a leading-edge landscape architecture and urban design practice, form the creative team behind the project. McKissack, the oldest minority/women-owned professional design and construction firm in the United States, is also part of the team.
The Hurdles
While the vision is grand, there are still many hurdles to overcome. The land designated for the new facility is legally considered parkland. To allow commercial development there, Cohen would need to secure the approval of the New York state legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul. Hard to say no to Cohen after giving approval for the Buffalo Bills reconstruction. The casino plan also requires approval from state gaming regulators.
The Anticipation Builds
Steve Cohen’s vision for Metropolitan Park is a testament to his commitment to the community and fans. If realized, this project promises to bring a world-class entertainment experience to Queens and the greater New York area, setting a new standard for sports and entertainment parks worldwide.
With its community-driven vision and big-name partners, Metropolitan Park is an ambitious project that promises to transform the face of Queens and the New York entertainment scene.
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