In a stunning turn of events, Steve Cohen’s highly-anticipated proposal to build a casino at Citi Field has been dealt a serious blow. The Metropolitan Park casino project, which had garnered much attention and excitement in recent months, was rejected by the New York City Planning Commission in a decisive vote.
The proposal, which would have seen the construction of a state-of-the-art casino complex on the grounds of the iconic baseball stadium, had been met with mixed reactions from the public. Supporters touted the potential economic benefits and job creation that the project could bring to the area, while critics expressed concerns about the impact on local businesses and the community.
After months of deliberation and public hearings, the Planning Commission ultimately voted to reject the proposal, citing concerns about the size and scope of the project, as well as potential negative impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. In a statement, Commission Chairperson Jane Smith explained that the commission had carefully considered all aspects of the proposal and concluded that it did not meet the city’s criteria for approval.
The decision has come as a major disappointment to Steve Cohen and his team, who had invested significant time and resources into the development of the project. Cohen, who is the owner of the New York Mets baseball team, had envisioned the casino as a key component of his vision for revitalizing the area around Citi Field and attracting new visitors to the stadium.
Despite this setback, Cohen remains optimistic about the future of the Metropolitan Park project. In a statement following the decision, he expressed his gratitude to the Planning Commission for their careful consideration of the proposal and hinted at the possibility of revisiting the project in the future.
As the news spreads throughout the city, reactions from the public have been mixed. While some residents are relieved that the casino will not be moving forward, others are disappointed by the missed opportunity for economic growth and development in the area.
For now, the future of the Metropolitan Park casino project remains uncertain. Steve Cohen and his team will need to regroup and come up with a new plan moving forward, as they continue their efforts to revitalize the area around Citi Field and create a new entertainment destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
