The Metropolitan Park casino plan has been approved by the Queens community boards.

On this project, Cohen has teamed up with Hard Rock International. A Hard Rock casino would be the focal point of the new development, and they are vying for one of three licenses in the downstate.

The five community boards in New York were obligated to vote on the casino approval procedure. Reason being, the proposed development will encroach upon the zoning of certain neighbourhoods already included in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is a portion of the Metropolitan Park site.

The chief of staff for Cohen, Michael Sullivan, addressed each neighbourhood board. In addition to current and previous councilmembers, prominent locals have spoken out in support of Metropolitan Park during board sessions. The environmental group Guardians of Flushing Bay voiced their opposition to the project over multiple board sessions.

The initiative has received overwhelming approval from all five community boards, according to the Queens Daily Eagle.

Metropolitan Park faces a long road ahead
The approvals are a step in the right direction for Cohen's proposal, but there's still a ways to go for Metropolitan Park. The plan must be greenlit by Donovan Richards, the president of the Queens borough, who has already voiced his support for it. The New York City Council and City Planning Commission must also give their stamp of approval. It will require approval from a local community advisory committee in Queens next year.

The passing of a parkland alienation bill to construct on land that is still designated as parkland presents the greatest obstacle. Citi Field is located in the district of state senator Jessica Ramos, but she has declined to introduce legislation. Another legislator has introduced the bill, but Cohen has not been successful in getting it introduced. Using existing parkland for a commercial project requires a bill to be passed by the state.

Last but not least, out of ten proposals competing for the three licenses, the proposal must be authorised. The licenses are anticipated to be decided upon by the state's gaming facility location board by the end of 2025.

A hotel, a Hard Rock casino, and a concert hall would be part of the development, which would also feature 25 acres of parkland, sports fields, bike lanes, and access to Flushing Bay. As part of the project, there will be an improved public transportation system, a performance hall called "Taste of Queens Food Hall," and other amenities.

In addition to pledging $10 million to a health clinic in East Elmhurst, $10 million to a youth and senior centre in Corona, and $5 million to addiction and mental health services in Flushing, Cohen has also promised a community benefits package as part of the project that will help promote responsible gaming and enhance services for seniors and young people. If the idea is approved, the Mets owner has promised $1 billion in community support.