UPDATE: The highly anticipated Metropolitan Park project, led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen in partnership with Hard Rock International, has just taken a significant leap forward. The team submitted an additional application to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board ahead of the October 14 deadline, reinforcing their ambitious vision for an $8 billion entertainment complex around Citi Field.
This transformative project is projected to generate over $33 billion in tax revenue over the next 30 years, offering a crucial economic boost to Queens. The Metropolitan Park plan promises to create approximately 17,000 direct construction jobs and an additional 25,000 indirect positions. Once operational, it is expected to sustain 6,000 permanent jobs, contributing to a total employment impact of more than 40,000 positions when secondary jobs are included.
Spanning 50 acres, the Metropolitan Park will feature a 25-acre public park, a Hard Rock hotel and casino, and a vibrant food hall called “Taste of Queens” that will highlight local vendors. The project also includes significant upgrades to transportation infrastructure, such as a redesigned Willets Point subway station, new walkways, and bike paths.
From a financial standpoint, the project aims to pay a $500 million license fee immediately, alongside proposing a 25% tax on slot machine earnings and 10% on table game profits. Once fully operational, it is estimated that the casino could generate around $3.9 billion annually, translating to approximately $850 million in taxes for the city and state each year.
With a decision on the casino license expected in December, Hard Rock International emphasizes its readiness to commence construction immediately after receiving approval. The proposed gaming complex will include 5,000 slot machines, 375 table games, 30 poker tables, and an expansive 18,000-square-foot sportsbook, making it one of the largest gaming venues in the region.
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of the project, with the development team conducting 16 public workshops over the last four years and engaging with tens of thousands of local residents. All six community boards in the vicinity have endorsed the project, and last month, the Community Advisory Committee gave its full support.
Earlier this year, the project overcame significant legal hurdles when the City Council and state legislature voted to reclassify the parking lot land from parkland to commercial development. This change paves the way for the casino plan to proceed.
As the competition for the downstate casino license heats up, only three candidates remain: Metropolitan Park, Resorts World in South Ozone Park, and Bally’s in the Bronx. The Gaming Facility Location Board is set to announce the winning bids by the end of the year, making this a critical moment for the future of New York’s entertainment landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
