Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to propose legislation in the 2025 state budget that would facilitate Steve Cohen’s casino plans near Citi Field by expanding the permissible uses for city parkland, potentially allowing for a gambling complex. This move comes after Senator Jessica Ramos previously blocked Cohen’s plans, which are centered around his vision for an $8 billion casino complex called Metropolitan Park in the Citi Field parking lots. Cohen’s Point 72 Asset Management holds a long-term ground lease on the site. The optics of Hochul’s proposal may be controversial due to past donations from Cohen and his wife to her gubernatorial campaign. This legislation could also assist other bidders in the downstate casino race, such as Bally’s in the Bronx.
Governor Kathy Hochul
