Gaming companies continue unveiling their plans for a New York City casino resort as the state is expected to award a casino license by 2025. One of those plans from New York Mets owner Steve Choen received some poor reviews from locals recently.
Cohen plans on partnering with the Hard Rock International gaming company on a potential $8 billion casino development surrounding Citi Field. That has drawn opposition from residents, however, according to a recent poll by State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D).
“Of those she had polled, 61% said they would not want to see a full casino anywhere in Queens, and 75% said they would not want one in their neighborhood,” The City reports.
The planned resort known as Metropolitan Park would include a 25-acre park, a live music venue, hotels, and a food hall featuring local eateries – all surrounding a casino resort and the stadium.
Ramos has been gauging support among constituents before making a decision on whether to support the plan. However, in town halls and now in the poll, she says that support has been hard to find. She also noted that the project’s website barely even mentions the word “casino” as the development team tries to build support for the project.
“I was always dubious about how they buried the word ‘casino’ in their scripts, in their written propaganda — I really was desperate to be transparent and hear from my neighbors directly,” Ramos said.
The poll was conducted from March 5-10 and asked 432 registered voters in her district what they thought of the casino and park plan. The survey also showed that 84% instead favored the Phoenix Meadows park project proposed for some of the same land Cohen hopes to build the Metropolitan Park development.
Currently, New York online betting is live with multiple sports betting operators. NY online casinos are not legal and players can play at sweepstakes gaming sites.
Also read our February, 2024 related news piece:
A look at issues facing the NY City Casino.
