Sen. Jessica Ramos blocks Mets owner's Citi Field reconstruction
Sen. Jessica Ramos has temporarily stopped Steve Cohen's plans for a casino resort construction close to the Mets' ballpark as a result of the recent casino licence proposal by Mets owner Steve Cohen, which halted the development of a soccer stadium near Citi Field in Queens. According to the New York Post, Ramos declared that she wouldn't propose a measure about such a business endeavour during the last week of the parliamentary session.
"I had a very productive town hall on Friday, which is going to be the first of many conversations I have with my neighbours," Ramos allegedly stated. "Me and my neighbours are not in a position where it would be appropriate to introduce parkland alienation legislation at this time."
Undisputed Asset:
The source claims that the representative's assertion relates to the fact that since 1939, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park has been regarded legally as including the area around Citi Field. However, legislation allowing billionaire Steve Cohen to convert the parking spaces surrounding Citi Field into a casino and entertainment complex was proposed by Queens assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry in March. Ramos, the local senator, has now spoken out against the legislation that Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Senate are trying to pass.
Meeting against the development of casinos:
According to reports, Sen. Jessica Ramos argues that the land categorization is incorrect for the redevelopment Cohen desired in the very beginning of his ambitions. According to the cited source, Ramos calculated that "65 percent" of those present at the meeting rejected the Mets owner's plans. With the legislative session coming to a conclusion in June, Cohen is presently vying for one of the three New York City casino licences.
Cohen Assures Access to Public Green Space
According to a statement made by a Cohen's spokeswoman, "We have been working closely with Senator Ramos from the outset and her feedback has been a key element of our strategy. As we take into account their suggestions, have an open discussion with the community, and follow a transparent procedure, we will continue to work in partnership with her and our Queens neighbours.
A spokesperson for the team continued, "Based on the feedback we have received across 15 listening sessions, hundreds of meetings, and over 20,000 door-to-door conversations, we believe that both the Mets fans and the local community will like what they see when we unveil a vision anchored in new public green space, thousands of new and permanent jobs, and entertainment that draws people to the area every single day of the year.
Opponents to casino development:
People protested against the building of a casino by Las Vegas Sands at the Nassau Hub on Long Island at the same time, but the county assembly is anticipated to accept the agreement after the state licence approval, which is anticipated on May 29, 2023, according to the New York Post. People during the gathering allegedly expressed their opposition to turning major Stewart Avenue into a version of the Las Vegas Strip. The protesters opposed the construction of casinos and cited Nassau County's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Three pending casino licences:
Brooklyn's Community Board recently voted a resolution condemning the plan to build a casino near the Coney Island boardwalk while the industry leader in gaming, Bally's, is also considering building a casino in the Bronx. In any case, the State of New York will grant three casino licences, together with the fees and taxes that come with them, for use in paying for the funding of the MTA.
It appears that the conflict between legacy and financial gain must be resolved by finding a compromise between the opposing goals.
