Queens lawmaker John Liu has stepped up in support of Steve Cohen’s casino vision near Citi Field, pushing a key land-use change that could reshape the area—and throw $100 million into local infrastructure upgrades.
The move adds major momentum to Cohen’s $8 billion entertainment complex plans, now with the added promise of a sleek new pedestrian bridge called the Flushing Skypark. Think Brooklyn’s Domino Park meets Manhattan’s High Line, but over water.
A Political Nudge Toward a Big Bet
Queens State Senator John Liu isn’t exactly known for jumping into flashy casino battles. So when he came out in support of reclassifying the 50 acres of parking lot around Citi Field, eyebrows went up.
This isn’t just a bureaucratic checkbox—those lots are technically parkland. And in New York, converting parkland into private development isn’t as easy as laying down new asphalt. It takes state legislation. Now, Liu says he’s ready to sponsor that bill.
The significance? It’s the first time a Queens legislator has publicly thrown their weight behind reclassifying the land. That’s big.
Steve Cohen’s $8 Billion Gamble
Steve Cohen, the hedge fund billionaire and owner of the Mets, isn’t just thinking about slot machines. His proposal—dubbed “Metropolitan Park”—is being pitched as a full-scale entertainment zone. Casinos, hotels, food halls, green space, music venues—basically, Vegas with a Citi Field view.
Cohen’s team, partnered with Hard Rock International, insists this isn’t just about blackjack and poker tables. They’ve been working the community circuit hard, promising jobs, economic lift, and less asphalt dead space.
Still, there’s been pushback. Some local residents and community groups are wary of a casino in their backyard. Crime, traffic, gentrification—usual suspects in the anti-casino chorus.
Liu, in an interview with the New York Daily News, acknowledged the concerns. But he emphasized the potential for revitalization and connectivity, especially if the infrastructure piece delivers.
Enter: The Flushing Skypark
To sweeten the deal, Cohen’s camp is offering more than just glitz and glamour. They’ve pledged $100 million toward building what they’re calling the “Flushing Skypark.”
It’s not just a fancy name. The Skypark would be a pedestrian and bike bridge stretching over Flushing Creek. The idea is to link downtown Flushing to Willets Point in a safer, greener, and more direct way.
One sentence: That’s a big deal for locals.
Here’s what the project includes:
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Elevated paths for cyclists and walkers
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Greenery and public seating areas
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Connections to existing parks and subway access
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Improved lighting and safety for nighttime use
It’s modeled loosely after the High Line in Manhattan, but with an East Queens twist—more transit connectivity, less tourist congestion.
Why Reclassifying Parkland Is Such a Headache
The 50 acres around Citi Field were designated as parkland decades ago. But they’re… well, not exactly park-like. It’s mostly just surface parking, not playgrounds and picnics. Still, because of their legal status, any development on that land needs to clear a high bar.
That’s where Liu’s bill comes in. If passed, it would remove that designation and officially mark the area as commercial property.
Here’s a look at how parkland reclassification works in New York:
| Step | Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Legislation | A bill must be passed by the NY State Senate and Assembly |
| 2 | “Alienation” Clause | Land must be declared unnecessary for park use |
| 3 | Mitigation Plan | Usually requires creating or funding replacement parkland |
| 4 | Governor’s Approval | Final sign-off from Albany |
No shortcuts here. Past efforts in other boroughs have taken years.
Local Sentiment: Mixed But Warming?
The plan is getting traction in some pockets of Queens—especially from business groups and construction unions. Jobs, foot traffic, and cleanup of long-neglected areas are all big pluses.
But not everyone’s sold.
Groups like the Guardians of Flushing Bay and the Flushing Anti-Displacement Alliance have criticized the proposal, citing fears of increased pollution, affordability issues, and over-commercialization.
Still, Liu’s public endorsement may help sway a few fence-sitters. He’s well-known in the district, and his track record carries weight.
There’s also the timing. New York is in the middle of a high-stakes process to award three downstate casino licenses. Cohen’s camp wants one of them—and being able to show community and legislative support could make or break their pitch.
What Comes Next?
So what’s the timeline?
It’s not instant. Liu’s bill still needs to be introduced formally and work its way through committee. Even with backing, land-use changes take time, especially with the environmental impact studies and potential litigation.
Meanwhile, Cohen and Hard Rock will continue lobbying both Albany and the public, hoping to paint their proposal as more than just another casino—more like a community revival project with a shiny façade.
The state’s Gaming Commission is expected to make decisions on downstate licenses sometime in 2025. Until then, it’s a waiting game—filled with public hearings, backroom negotiations, and more than a few press releases.
