The state Senate’s leading Democrats are set to approve a law on Tuesday, allowing billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen to pursue a bid for an $8 billion casino complex near Citifield.
“I support that,” remarked Michael Janalis, the Senate Deputy Prime Minister representing Astoria and parts of West Queens in Long Island.
This legislation, which received state legislature approval last week, aims to redevelop vacant lots around Citifield, which are currently designated for commercial use.
Janalis’s backing of the bill indicates a strong possibility for its passage in the Senate.
Without approval for land use, Cohen and his gaming partner Hardlock wouldn’t be able to submit a proposal for any of the up to three casino licenses anticipated to be awarded by the state gaming board by year’s end.
Once approved, Cohen will be in a position to seek a license.
“It’s crucial to note that we’re not specifically allocating a casino to that site yet, ensuring we can apply alongside other potential applicants,” Janalis commented after the Senate Democrats’ discussion on the bill.
Interestingly, Janalis earned the nickname “Amazon Slayer” for successfully blocking the company’s attempts to establish a vast East Coast headquarters in parts of Long Island City, which lies within his district.
He described the closed-door meeting as “very productive,” although he acknowledged uncertainty about whether there are enough Democratic votes to bring the casino land use bills to a vote.
Queens Senator Jessica Ramos, representing the Flushing and Corona areas with many proposed casino developments, expressed her opposition to the bill to her fellow Democrats.
“I shared the outreach I conducted with my constituents, which included three city halls, a poll, and an online survey,” Ramos stated. “My constituents overwhelmingly oppose the casino, and if the bill reaches the floor for a vote, I intend to vote no.”
In contrast, another Queens Senator, John Liu, who covers a small part of the casino site, agreed to introduce and advocate for the land use measures, claiming that many in his district support the “Met Park” casino project.
Senate Race, Games, and Betting Committee Chairman Joe Adabo announced he would set aside Ramos’s concerns and oppose the bill, although he speculated it would still pass.
Meanwhile, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano urged the state to promptly grant full casino licenses at MGM Empire City Casino and Resorts World Aqueduct after Wynn and its affiliates withdrew their bids for a $12 billion casino in Hudson Yards.
Both racetrack slot venues are eager for licenses to provide live table games.
“Two Racinos are prepared to pay the state’s $1 billion application fee today, and they can begin generating significant new tax revenue almost immediately,” Spano added.
The state gaming board is expected to award up to three casino licenses, charging a $500 million licensing fee for each, by December 31st, following their review of proposals from the state gaming facility location board.
