Key facts
- An $8 billion casino and entertainment project, Metropolitan Park, is planned for parking lots next to Citi Field in Queens.
- Community members, particularly from the Chinese immigrant population, fear displacement of thousands of renters and closure of small businesses.
- Concerns include the potential for increased gambling addiction, with studies indicating higher rates among Chinese immigrant communities.
- The project is backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.
- Metropolitan Park claims over $1 billion in community benefits, including funding for responsible gaming and addiction services.
- A poll shows 61% of likely Democratic voters in the district oppose the project.
Residents and community advocates in Flushing, Queens, are voicing strong opposition to an $8 billion casino and entertainment development, Metropolitan Park, citing fears of displacement, increased gambling addiction, and negative impacts on local businesses. The project, a collaboration between New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, aims to transform parking lots near Citi Field into a casino, hotel, restaurants, and public park.
Concerns are particularly acute within the Chinese immigrant community, which studies suggest has higher rates of problem gambling due to cultural factors, immigration-related stress, and targeted casino marketing. Residents like Jack Hu describe the project as 'predatory,' fearing it will extract wealth from vulnerable populations and exacerbate existing gambling issues, as exemplified by his father's addiction after immigrating to the U.S.
Metropolitan Park's spokesperson stated that the project is committed to being a good neighbor and includes over $1 billion in community benefits, such as a community impact fund and specific services for responsible gaming and mental health. Memorandums of understanding have been signed with local organizations to provide culturally sensitive addiction services. The project also claims a comprehensive environmental impact study found no direct displacement of existing businesses or residents, a finding accepted by the city planning commission.
However, a report by the Urban Institute suggests the development could displace nearly 16,000 renters who already spend over half their income on housing. Business owners are also skeptical about tourist patronage of local establishments, pointing to limited spillover from nearby venues like Citi Field and the US Open. Furthermore, recent U.S. sanctions against China have already increased the cost of imported goods for many businesses, raising concerns that rising commercial rents due to the casino could lead to further displacement.
A poll commissioned by Democratic congressional candidate Chuck Park found that 61% of likely Democratic voters in New York's sixth congressional district oppose the project, with only 20% in support. Park also reported hearing widespread opposition during his campaign, from socially conservative immigrants concerned about crime and quality of life, to progressive activists who view it as a giveaway of public land to a billionaire.
The project secured one of New York's three downstate casino licenses in December 2025. Developers assert that extensive community engagement, including over 30 public meetings and approvals from multiple community boards and city council, demonstrates transparency and that community input has been central. They project the casino will create over 23,000 jobs and generate over $100 million in annual local spending.
State senator John Liu's introduction of Senate Bill S7121A, the 'parkland alienation' bill, which allows local governments to sell or repurpose public parkland, is seen by critics as a crucial step that enabled Cohen's project. In exchange for this legislation, Cohen reportedly pledged to build a bridge similar to Manhattan's High Line.