New York Mets‘ owner, Steve Cohen, revealed an ambitious and transformative plan on Tuesday that could inject a staggering $8 billion into the development of a sprawling sports, entertainment, and casino complex. This grand vision for Metropolitan Park, spanning approximately 50 acres around the ballpark, is poised to breathe new life into the surrounding area.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” declared Cohen, emphasizing the need to meet the expectations of fans and the community. “Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy but can be truly proud of.”
To bring this grand vision to life, Cohen has enlisted the expertise of two powerhouse design firms: SHoP Architects, known for their work on landmarks like the Barclays Center and The Brooklyn Tower, and Field Operations, celebrated for their contributions to The High Line and South Street Seaport.
The proposal presents a comprehensive plan that encompasses public parks, gardens, and athletic spaces, as well as a hotel with an array of dining options, conference facilities, a casino, and sportsbook (pending Gaming Commission approval). Additionally, it introduces a live music venue and a food hall featuring local Queens vendors and affordable dining choices. The project also includes plans for enhancing connections to the waterfront and establishing new bike networks.
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed their commitment to infusing the spirit of music into the project while embracing the unique culture and character of Queens. “Metropolitan Park captures the energy and vision of bringing people together for memorable shared experiences,” he stated, echoing the company’s core values of inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
Amenities in the proposed Metropolitan Park
The $8 billion proposal outlines an impressive array of amenities, headlined by a Hard Rock-operated entertainment complex that includes a hotel, a live music venue, a variety of restaurants, and a casino. Moreover, it allocates 20 acres of public space, featuring a Queens-themed food hall, a revitalized transit station, and much more.
While Cohen’s vision is undoubtedly bold, it faces some significant regulatory hurdles. Acquiring one of the three downstate casino licenses is a prerequisite, and state authorization is needed to build on the Citi Field parking lot, which is both city-owned and state-regulated. This parking lot, dating back to the creation of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in 1939, technically falls under parkland, necessitating state approval for construction. While a bill in the State Assembly aims to address this issue, no corresponding legislation has yet been introduced in the Senate.
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The proposed Metropolitan Park also happens to be situated across from the Willets Point development, where the city’s first professional soccer stadium for the New York City Football Club is set to rise and is currently undergoing public review. Notably, Cohen has not yet agreed to permit NYCFC to use Mets parking lots, as he seeks to leverage the land in support of his casino venture.
If the necessary casino license is secured and Cohen’s grand plan comes to fruition, the estimated $8 billion investment could have a profound and far-reaching impact on the local economy, potentially generating a staggering $130 billion over the next 30 years. The proposal not only promises to reshape the Queens landscape but also stands as a testament to the transformative potential of visionary developments.
