Citi Field Casino
Project Background
In Fall 2023, Queens Future, a firm of Mets owner Steve Cohen, proposed “Metropolitan Park”, a 78-acre hotel and casino complex for the publicly-owned parkland next to Citi Field. The proposal takes 65 acres of public parkland to build a 26-story, 18-acre building in the middle of a floodplain. Applicants have not made clear commitments around climate-resilient building criteria, stormwater management, or green infrastructure.
FED UP Coalition
Beginning with opposition to the Special Flushing Waterfront District in 2019, the Flushing for Equitable Development and Urban Planning coalition (FED UP) has built community power around campaigns that oppose abusive land use practices and advance land use equity.
For the Citi Field casino, FED-UP is united around three clear demands:
OPPOSE the Citi Field Casino
OPPOSE the privatization of public parkland
SUPPORT the alternative Phoenix Meadows Vision Plan
Learn more about FED-UP and how to get involved here.
Phoenix Meadows Vision Plan
Phoenix Meadows is a community-designed vision plan created by thread collective and the FED UP coalition. It imagines a future where Citi Field’s parkland is kept public and serves its neighbors as a space for community building and climate change resilience. Learn more about the plan and how to get involved here.
Myth vs. Fact
There’s a lot at stake in the underlying proposal—let’s get our facts straight!
Myth
The parkland around Citi Field was alienated to build Shea Stadium, so now the Mets can build whatever they want at that site.
Fact
Developers tried that argument for Willets West, a proposed mall for the Citi Field parking lot, and failed in the courts. In order to build on the site, the Mets will need approval from the state legislature to take away parkland.
Myth
A casino and entertainment center is just one option—Cohen is open to lots of other possibilities.
Fact
The 'Values' section on the project website is clear: Cohen wants to build a complex for restaurants, retail, and 'entertainment'. It has been widely reported that Cohen would include a casino if he can get the permit.
To stay up to date on what’s happening with the proposed casino, follow us on instagram or check out our coalition work at Queens For All.
Myth
The land around Citi Field is a parking lot—wouldn't it be better if it was an 'entertainment' complex?
Fact
The parking lot around Citi Field is currently protected public parkland. Let us repeat that. It is 50 acres of public parkland right near the water. If there is will and capital to transform the site into a usable community asset, then why not improve it without privatizing it?
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