Stephen Cohen’s $8 billion casino project in Queens, NY, known as Metropolitan Park, has cleared another hurdle on its way to full legalization. The proposal aims to transform Citi Field’s parking lots into a modern casino and entertainment complex. It received unanimous approval from the local Community Advisory Committee (CAC) in October, which is one of the final steps before state licensing.

The CAC is composed of six members, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and other local representatives. The committee voted 6-0 in favor of the casino plan. This approval places Metropolitan Park among four other contenders for the three available downstate casino licenses in New York. The other finalists are Bally’s proposed Bronx resort, Resorts World’s expansion in Queens, and MGM Empire City’s upgrade in Yonkers.

The state’s gaming regulators will make their final decisions in December. In the meantime, interest in casinos has grown across the state. The development of online gambling has further fueled interest. Many players who can’t yet visit brick-and-mortar casinos are turning to online platforms that offer instant access to games. Learning how instant withdrawal casinos operate without verification shows how technology enables users to enjoy secure payouts without painful sign-up processes. These platforms appeal to players who value privacy and speed, qualities that are mirrored by modern physical casino developments like Metropolitan Park.

The Queens project is backed by Mets owner Cohen and Hard Rock International. It proposes 300,000 square feet of gaming space across the 78-acre development, including 5,000 slot machines and 375 table games. It will include a luxury hotel, event venues, bars and restaurants, and a convention center.

Beyond these offerings, the proposal has set aside 25 acres for public parkland, 450 affordable housing units, and $1.75 billion that’s earmarked for infrastructure improvements in the area.

Project spokesperson Karl Ricket said of the development: “The Community Advisory Committee’s unanimous approval underscores the deep and broad community support behind Metropolitan Park. We are grateful for the opportunity to move forward in this process and be one step closer to making Metropolitan Park’s community-first vision a reality.”

The New York City Council has already approved the rezoning earlier this year, with a 41-2 vote. Another important legislative milestone occurred when the New York State Senate passed a bill to “alienate” the 50 acres of parking lot land from its parkland designation. This cleared the way for casino construction.

Queens Borough President Donovan J. Richards Jr. and other supporters of the casinos believe the latest approval is a win for the borough. “While the Mets may not make the playoffs, we can consider this a home run for Citi Field and for Queens. We are the heartbeat of the city now. Not Manhattan, not Brooklyn, not any other borough,” Richards said.

This political support and the promise of 15,000 construction jobs have set Metropolitan Park up as one of the strongest bids for a downstate license. Should it be approved by the end of 2025, construction will begin early in 2026, with completion set for 2030.