Queens, New York – In a surprising turn of events, City Councilman Francisco Moya has announced that Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and New York State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz have joined together to oppose the proposed casino at Citi Field backed by embattled former Mets owner Steve Cohen and his business partner David Ramos.
The proposed casino at the home of the New York Mets has been met with mixed reactions from local officials and community members. While some see it as a potential boon for the struggling stadium and surrounding neighborhood, others have expressed concerns about the impact on local businesses and the potential for increased crime and gambling addiction.
Councilman Moya has been a vocal critic of the casino proposal from the beginning, citing the negative impact it could have on the community. “We cannot allow Citi Field to become a gambling den that preys on vulnerable individuals and undermines the progress we have made in Queens,” Moya said in a statement.
Borough President Richards echoed Moya’s sentiments, stressing the need to protect Queens residents from the potential negative effects of a casino in their backyard. “We must prioritize the well-being and safety of our community over the profits of wealthy investors,” Richards said.
Assemblywoman Cruz also voiced her opposition to the casino, highlighting the need to focus on revitalizing the Queens community in a more sustainable way. “We need to invest in job creation and economic development that benefits all residents, not just a privileged few,” Cruz stated.
The backlash against the casino proposal comes as Cohen and Ramos face mounting legal troubles, with the Securities and Exchange Commission investigating allegations of insider trading and fraud related to their previous business dealings. Despite these challenges, the two have remained steadfast in their support for the Citi Field casino.
In response to the opposition from Moya, Richards, and Cruz, Ramos released a statement expressing disappointment. “We believe that a casino at Citi Field could bring much-needed revenue and excitement to the area, but we respect the concerns of the community and will continue to engage in discussions with local officials,” Ramos said.
As the debate over the proposed casino at Citi Field rages on, it remains to be seen whether Cohen and Ramos will be able to overcome the mounting opposition and see their vision come to fruition. For now, the fate of the casino hangs in the balance, with residents of Queens and local officials closely watching and waiting to see how the situation unfolds.
