New York State Senator Jessica Ramos was at the center of a heated debate on Tuesday as she pushed to put a proposed casino project in Long Island City, owned by developer Michael Cohen, in limbo.
Ramos, who represents the 13th District in Queens, raised concerns about Cohen’s involvement in the project, citing his controversial history and past legal troubles. She argued that allowing Cohen to move forward with his plans for a casino in the neighborhood would be a disservice to the community and could potentially lead to negative consequences for residents.
“I have serious reservations about Michael Cohen’s involvement in this project,” Ramos said during a press conference on Tuesday. “Given his track record of unethical behavior and criminal activity, I believe it would be irresponsible to approve this casino without further investigation.”
Cohen, a former lawyer and longtime associate of former President Donald Trump, has been embroiled in numerous legal issues over the years, including pleading guilty to tax evasion and campaign finance violations in 2018. He was also sentenced to three years in prison for his role in hush money payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump.
Despite these scandals, Cohen has been actively pursuing the casino project in Long Island City, which has been met with mixed reactions from residents and local officials. Proponents of the project argue that it would bring much-needed revenue to the area and create job opportunities for local residents.
However, opponents like Ramos have raised concerns about the potential social and economic impact of a casino in the neighborhood, particularly in terms of addiction and crime. They also question Cohen’s motives and whether he can be trusted to act in the best interest of the community.
In response to Ramos’ concerns, the New York State Gaming Commission announced that it would delay its decision on whether to approve Cohen’s casino project until further investigation could be conducted. The Commission stated that it would review all relevant information and take into consideration the concerns raised by the senator and other stakeholders before making a final decision.
Ramos welcomed the news of the delay, expressing hope that it would give the community a chance to voice their opinions and concerns about the project. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process and vowed to continue fighting for the best interests of her constituents.
As the debate over the Cohen casino project continues to unfold, the future of Long Island City hangs in the balance. Residents and local officials alike are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Gaming Commission’s investigation, hoping for a resolution that will benefit the community as a whole.
