In a shocking turn of events, New York Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins has officially rejected the proposed $8 billion casino project near Citi Field in Queens. The project, which was set to be developed by a consortium of international gaming companies, had been in the works for several years and was expected to bring in significant revenue for the state.
The decision to reject the project came as a surprise to many, as it had received strong support from Mayor Eric Adams and other local politicians. However, Senator Stewart-Cousins cited concerns about the impact the casino would have on the surrounding community as the primary reason for her decision.
“This proposed casino project would have brought in billions of dollars in revenue, but at what cost? We cannot ignore the potential negative effects that such a large-scale development could have on the residents of Queens,” Stewart-Cousins said in a statement.
The proposed casino, which would have included a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment venues, was expected to create thousands of jobs and attract millions of tourists to the area. However, opponents of the project argued that it would lead to an increase in crime, traffic congestion, and other social issues.
Local residents and community groups have been vocal in their opposition to the project, organizing protests and lobbying lawmakers to reject it. Many argued that the casino would have a detrimental impact on the quality of life in the area, particularly for low-income and minority residents.
Despite the setback, supporters of the casino project remain optimistic that they can still move forward with their plans. They have indicated that they will continue to work with local officials and community members to address their concerns and find a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
For now, the future of the proposed casino near Citi Field remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the developers will seek alternative locations for the project or if they will attempt to appeal Senator Stewart-Cousins’ decision. In the meantime, residents of Queens can rest easy knowing that their voices were heard and that their concerns were taken into consideration in this important decision.