In a bold move that is sure to ignite controversy and debate, a group of Queens politicians are pushing Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz to consider introducing legislation that would allow for the construction of a casino in the borough.
The proposal, which was put forward by a coalition of elected officials including State Senator Jessica Ramos and City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, aims to capitalize on the success of existing casinos in neighboring areas and generate much-needed revenue for Queens.
Assemblywoman Cruz, who represents the 39th district in Queens, has thus far been hesitant to publicly support the idea of a casino in the borough. However, pressure from her fellow politicians and the potential economic benefits of such a development may sway her decision.
Proponents of the casino argue that it would not only create thousands of new jobs for residents of Queens, but also boost tourism and bring in millions of dollars in revenue for the city. In addition, they point to successful casinos in nearby areas such as Atlantic City and Yonkers as evidence of the potential success of a Queens-based casino.
Opponents of the proposal, however, have voiced concerns about the negative impacts of gambling on the community, including addiction and crime. They argue that the costs associated with a casino would outweigh any potential benefits, and that Queens should focus on alternative means of economic development.
Despite the differing opinions on the issue, one thing is clear: the push for a casino in Queens is gaining momentum. Assemblywoman Cruz has yet to make a decision on whether she will introduce legislation to allow for a casino in the borough, but with pressure from her colleagues mounting, it may only be a matter of time before Queens residents see a new addition to their skyline.
