Post-Approval, Queens Casino Developments Enter Next Stage
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
Mfarghaly@queensledger.com
New York City’s newly approved downstate casino licenses are entering their final implementation phase, with two Queens projects — Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and Resorts World New York City in Jamaica — moving from years of planning into early construction and hiring.
After the state Gaming Facility Location Board cleared the proposals in December and the Gaming Commission granted final approval, developers are shifting focus from licensing to execution. Officials have framed the projects as cornerstones of a broader economic strategy expected to generate billions in tax revenue, expand tourism and create tens of thousands of union jobs over the next decade.
The $8.1 billion Metropolitan Park development, backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, is slated to transform 50 acres of parking lots around Citi Field into a year-round sports and entertainment district. The project includes a hotel and casino complex, a live music venue, public parkland and infrastructure upgrades centered around Willets Point.
“Metropolitan Park’s approval is a win for Queens, the local community, and our neighbors who have supported us along the way. Construction is expected to begin soon with the project to be completed in 2030. As it has been from the beginning, our top priority remains delivering what we promised for the local community, and being open and honest as we build the next great sports and entertainment destination for New York,” said Karl Rickett, a Metropolitan Park spokesperson.
Developers say early site work is expected to begin in the coming months, with full construction ramping up after final permitting. The plan calls for 25 acres of new public park space, a rebuilt and ADA-accessible Mets–Willets Point 7 train station, roadway upgrades and a $163 million community impact trust to fund nonprofit groups serving Queens. Project leaders estimate 23,000 permanent and construction union jobs, alongside a Queens-focused hiring initiative and new lending programs for minority- and women-owned businesses.
“Since the day I bought the team, the community and Mets fans have made it clear to me that we can and should do better with the area around the ballpark,” said Steve Cohen, Owner of the New York Mets. “Now, we are going to be able to deliver the sports and entertainment district that our fans have been asking for.”
Meanwhile, Resorts World New York City is preparing to expand its footprint at the Aqueduct Racetrack complex after securing approval for a $5 billion overhaul that could make the property one of the largest gaming and hospitality destinations in the country. The Jamaica-based casino, which opened in 2011 as the city’s first legal gaming facility, is expected to begin generating new revenue quickly as expansion planning accelerates.
The proposal includes a 350,000-square-foot casino floor, a 1,600-room Crockfords hotel, a 7,000-seat arena and more than 10 acres of public green space, along with 3,000 units of affordable, union-built housing. Community investments include a $50 million Genting Innovation Center housing education and wellness programs.
“Resorts World New York City continues to expand its workforce in Queens and is actively hiring across a range of positions. Our focus remains on creating thousands of good-paying jobs right here in the community where we’ve been operating for 15 years. For current opportunities, residents can visit https://rwnewyork.com/careers/,” said Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development, Resorts World New York City.
Developers say hiring is already underway as the company prepares for the next construction phase. Resorts World officials have emphasized workforce development, tourism growth and proximity to JFK Airport as central pillars of the expansion strategy, positioning the complex as an international gateway entertainment hub.
Both projects are expected to undergo additional city permitting and environmental steps as construction timelines advance. State officials project that the three newly approved downstate casinos will collectively deliver billions in tax revenue over the next decade, funding transit improvements and other public priorities while reshaping large sections of Queens’ waterfront and industrial corridors.
If completed on schedule, Metropolitan Park is targeting a 2030 opening, while Resorts World’s expansion is expected to roll out in phases, beginning as early as this year. Together, the developments mark the most significant expansion of legal casino gambling in New York City history and a defining redevelopment push for Queens.
