Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioThe New York casino licensing process continued this week as Metropolitan Park, the Queens-based project backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, received its first Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearing.
The team presenting the project included
- Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Steve Cohen’s chief of staff
- Sean Caffery from Hard Rock
- Gregg Pasquarelli from SHop Architects
- Albert Odjidja from McKissack & McKissack
- Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, former city council member
The developers outlined their vision for the $8 billion Metropolitan Park bid, emphasizing community outreach and feedback, as well as creating over 23,000 jobs and investing a billion dollars in the community.
The August 4 hearing was the second-to-last inaugural CAC meeting, with only Bally’s Bronx proposal remaining out of the eight casino applicants.
Each CAC must hold at least two more public hearings and conduct a final vote by September 30. For Metropolitan Park to pass this stage of the licensing process, it must receive at least four affirmative votes out of the six-member CAC.
If it does, it will advance to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which will review all applications and award three casino licenses by the end of the year.
Community Engagement and Support
Ferreras-Copeland presented a community and stakeholder engagement summary to the committee. She emphasized that the developers, led by Cohen, have spent the last four years engaging with the Queens community.
According to Ferreras-Copeland, the team has:
- Held over 1,000 meetings with local leaders
- Hosted 16 community pop-up events with a total of 1,800 attendees
- Knocked on 40,000 doors
- Collected 20,000 signatures in support of the project
She said community feedback showed that residents want to stay in the area but seek more economic opportunities and open recreational space. In one outreach campaign, residents were asked whether to preserve the existing 50 acres of asphalt or “build something great.” About 96% chose to build.
In response, the developers plan to dedicate 25 acres to the public park, with the remaining 25 acres to be devoted to a casino and entertainment complex.
Ferreras-Copeland also highlighted that Metropolitan Park has received approval from all six community boards and local leaders, such as the borough president and the city council.
When asked by CAC members about the level of community support, Sullivan said that the project has more support than any other.
He cited data that claims that the project has received 88% approval from local leaders and 87% approval from canvassed residents.
Jobs, Equity, and Economic Mobility
Caffery estimates that the project will generate over 23,000 jobs: 6,081 permanent and 17,100 construction.
To support that workforce, the team has secured partnerships with nine labor unions. These include the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and the Building and Construction Trades. To ensure hiring focus is on the local community, the developers have partnered with over 20 local organizations.
Odjidja emphasized commitment to local talent and minorities, with a goal of at least 30% of all hires targeted at MWBE (Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise). According to the presentation, McKissack is the oldest minority/women-owned design and construction firm in the US.
Cafferey also highlighted that Hard Rock will roll out career advancement and mentorship programs to support long-term employee growth, along with a 17,000-square-foot childcare facility.
According to Hard Rock, the average full-time salary, including benefits, will be $140,000.
To further integrate with the community, Hard Rock plans to launch a “Queens Future Passport”. This will be a community initiative tied to the company’s Unity loyalty program. Members would use loyalty points at over 100 Queens restaurants and small businesses.
A Billion-Dollar Commitment to Queens
The presenters also touted a $1 billion investment in the community. At its heart will be a 25-acre public park and five acres of sports fields, intended for public use.
The team will also completely transform the nearby MTA station. The enhancements aim to improve the guest experience from the moment they arrive. Planned upgrades improved lighting, full ADA compliance, and family accessibility features.
The project will also include a “Taste of Queens” food hall, offering affordable dining options for both visitors and residents. The building will also feature a community space.
Furthermore, the developers pledged a $163 million community improvement fund to be distributed over the neighboring communities. They will also set aside an additional $25 million for various neighborhood projects, such as:
- Funding health centers
- Providing scholarships
- Upgrading Little League fields and other public amenities
The project will also include an affordable housing component, something that’s become an essential factor in the process.
The team will invest in the Queens Wood Housing development in nearby Corona, approximately a mile from Citi Field. The plan includes at least 450 new housing units, all of which will be designated affordable housing.
CAC Questions and Concerns Focus on Jobs, Traffic
Unlike the Coney CAC meeting, where committee member Marissa Solomon challenged the accuracy of some of the developer’s claims, the Metropolitan CAC meeting featured more measured inquiries.
Committee member George Dixon, appointed by state Sen. Jessica Ramos, asked about the various neighborhood investments, including a support facility for children. In response, Sullivan noted that these investments are contingent on the project receiving a license.
CAC member and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards asked how the team will ensure and track the prioritization of local hiring. Odjidja responded by saying McKissack has a track record of exceeding local hiring requirements and will prioritize Queens residents.
Assembly Member Larinda Hooks raised concerns about traffic. In response, Sullivan cited planned investments in a pedestrian bridge and improvements to the highway ramp.
Other questions included flood resilience, climate, and parking, to which the developers provided detailed answers.
