Queens City Councilman Francisco Moya supports Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plan to build an $8 billion casino complex next to Citi Field, but he has no say in whether the plan succeeds or not. Another influential politician, state Sen. Jessica Ramos, disagrees.
Moya, who represents the communities surrounding Flushing Meadows Park and Willets Point, said in a statement Thursday that he “truly believes that Metropolitan Park is in the best interest of Queens and New York City,” and that Cohen mentioned the names of game centers, hotels, and hotels suggested by. music venue.
For Cohen’s casino project to succeed, the state Legislature would need to approve legislation that would repurpose the land around Citi Field, which had been designated as parkland due to the commercial use of the World’s Fair. Ramos disagrees.
“I will advance New York City Council’s home rule message to the state to allow New York City to seize this opportunity by allowing additional use of this land to promote sports, entertainment, and recreational parks.” We are doing our best to do so,” Moya said. .
Mr. Moya is an enthusiastic supporter of another project adjacent to the Cohen Casino, the New York City Football Club’s new professional soccer stadium.
He said the casino and entertainment complex “provides an economic engine that draws people to the region year-round, bringing the millions of people who visit Citi Field and the USTA Tennis Center, and all those who will soon visit the world. “It will create a class fan experience.” I’m coming to support NYCFC. ”
“If we miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the area surrounding Citi Field will remain underutilized for the foreseeable future. “We cannot allow that to happen. We look forward to supporting this historic project and making Metropolitan Park a reality.”
But while Sen. Ramos’ support is critical to passing legislation in Albany to move the project forward, he remains a high-stakes poker player, issuing a statement criticizing the Cohen team’s lobbying strategy. Announced. project.
“I question the strategy here. This press release, this last-minute press conference in front of City Hall for the third time, and the first paid recruitment drive at City Hall, these are the kinds of things that make a real, honest community come true.” “This is not the kind of open and transparent move you would expect from someone who claims to value their involvement,” Ramos said. in a statement texted to The Post.
The day before, Ramos posted a photo of himself on social media. Rapper Nas and The company is participating in a competitive bid for Genting Resorts World’s slot parlor to obtain a full casino license to offer table games and open a music venue.
Moya’s announcement of support came days after state regulators announced they would not decide on up to three new casino licenses in the New York City area until the end of 2025, a delay that critics say will hurt the local economy. they claim.
But casino industry officials said the slower schedule will give Mr. Cohen more time to consolidate his authority in Albany.
Mr. Cohen is said to maintain friendly relations with other big players in the casino sweepstakes, Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Cathy Hochul.
Other casino proposals include The Related Companies/Wynn proposal at Hudson Yards, SL Green/Caesars/Roc Nation at Times Square, So Equity Consortium at Coney Island, Bally’s at Ferry Point in the Bronx, and Nassau. -Includes Sands in the Coliseum Hub.
