In a surprising turn of events, New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez announced today that he would not be supporting the proposed casino near Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.
The proposed casino, which was set to be developed by the Ramos Group, has been met with mixed reactions from residents and politicians alike. Many saw the potential economic benefits of the casino, including job creation and increased tourism, while others were concerned about the negative impact it could have on the surrounding community.
Councilman Rodriguez, who represents the district where the casino would have been located, cited the concerns of his constituents as the main reason for his decision to oppose the project. “After listening to the concerns of the residents in my district, I have come to the conclusion that the potential negative impacts of this casino outweigh the potential benefits,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
The decision comes as a blow to the Ramos Group, which had been working tirelessly to secure support for the project. The group had touted the casino as a means of revitalizing the area around Citi Field and bringing much-needed revenue to Queens.
Despite the setback, the Ramos Group remains hopeful that they can sway other members of the City Council to support the project. “We are disappointed by Councilman Rodriguez’s decision, but we will continue to make the case for the casino and the positive impact it could have on the community,” said spokesperson Maria Sanchez.
However, with one less vote in their favor, the odds of the casino being approved have certainly been diminished. The City Council is set to vote on the project next month, and it remains to be seen whether the Ramos Group can garner enough support to push the casino through.
In the meantime, residents and politicians on both sides of the issue continue to debate the merits of the proposed casino. While some see it as a potential boon for the area, others remain wary of the potential consequences. The fate of the casino near Citi Field hangs in the balance, and only time will tell whether it will ultimately come to fruition.
