Hochul Could Rescue Donor Cohen’s Queens Casino Bid
In a situation where having influential connections might be advantageous, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's push for a casino hotel in Queens could be saved by Gov. Kathy Hochul — a Democrat who benefits from the billionaire's significant financial contributions.
The New York Post reported earlier today, referencing unnamed sources indicating that Hochul's 2025 budget may contain a clause permitting parkland to be developed for gaming facilities. Earlier this year, the Queens casino project, referred to as Metropolitan Park, encountered what many thought was a decisive setback when State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) declined to sponsor a bill that would remove Willets Point's parkland status. She advocates for the Citi Field area and has opposed the district hosting a casino.
New York Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon), who has consistently advocated for speeding up the downstate casino initiative, introduced a bill in the lower chamber aimed at removing Willets Point’s parkland classification, but no similar legislation was produced in the State Senate.
Although he backs Hochul's expansion of parkland uses in her budget plan, Ramos disagrees. She informed The Post that it would be an "unfortunate" action by the governor. Ramos is thought to be contemplating a bid for mayor of New York City.
Cohen Courting New York Democrats
Cohen and Hard Rock International are proposing an $8 billion initiative called Metropolitan Park, which, if given the go-ahead, would feature entertainment facilities, green areas, and local dining options.
In the pursuit of securing one of the three downstate casino licenses, Cohen has significantly contributed to New York Democrats in recent years. State election documents indicate that he and his spouse Alexandra donated $136,700 to Hochul’s campaign in 2021. According to Gothamist, from January 1, 2023, to July 11, 2024, Cohen contributed $235,000 to the New York State Democratic Committee.
The Post revealed that earlier this year, Cohen and his spouse welcomed Hochul in a lavish suite at Citi Field for a Mets game, provoking criticism from certain New York political watchers who argued that it might indicate the governor's support for the Queens casino proposal.
Hochul's budget for 2025 is anticipated to be unveiled in January, which may feature an expansion of the Uniform Land-Use Reform Process (ULURP). Cohen and Hard Rock might also encourage a different politician apart from Ramos to advocate for a bill that would amend Pretlow’s legislation regarding the classification of Willets Point. This suggests that Queens casino supporters have alternatives and Ramos cannot indefinitely obstruct the initiative.
Hochul's Action Might Benefit Additional Casino Projects
Although Hochul's introduction of a budget that includes an expansion of the ULURP might appear to favor Cohen, this action could also support other downstate casino initiatives, such as Bally’s project in the Bronx and the development proposed by Related Cos./Wynn Resorts on Manhattan's Westside.
At the golf course previously referred to as Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, Bally’s encounters a parkland classification problem akin to what is being addressed in Queens. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-The Bronx), who represents the district encompassing Ferry Point, stated in May that he will not introduce a bill to change the classification of that land.
On the Westside, Related and Wynn suggested a $12 billion project, but it's facing opposition from the High Line and other organizations aiming to protect the famous park of the same name.
