Liu Defends Metropolitan Park Legislation as Queens Casino Project Advances

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State Sen. John Liu defended his support for legislation advancing Queens’ Metropolitan Park casino project at a Nov. 2 Community Board 11 meeting, pointing to promised community benefits despite his opposition to casinos.

According to QNS, construction is underway on the $8 billion development tied to Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International. A group of Queens residents is seeking to halt the project in state court.

Liu explains his support for the parkland legislation

Questioned about why he had changed his position on the casino, Liu responded: “I never changed my mind.” He said he previously opposed casinos, citing concerns that included their effects on surrounding Asian communities.

In March 2025, Liu introduced legislation to alienate more than 50 acres of Citi Field parking lot land for the development. The parcel is legally parkland belonging to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks advanced the companion bill.

Most of the parking lot sits in the district of state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who opposed the legislation.

Liu framed his decision around the state’s creation of three downstate casino licenses and other nearby casino developments. He cited Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park and Bally’s proposal in the Bronx as part of that landscape.

“If I had my druthers, there wouldn’t be any casinos,” Liu said.

He also argued that, had the license not gone to the Cohen–Hard Rock consortium, the site likely would have remained a parking lot because the Mets hold a lease lasting more than 80 years.

Transit improvements and park space among promised benefits

Liu pointed to a promise to modernize the elevated No. 7 subway station at Mets-Willets Point as one of the community benefits behind his support.

Beyond its casino component, Metropolitan Park is slated to include a concert venue, hotel and food hall. Plans also call for a combined 25 acres of park space on both sides of Roosevelt Avenue.

Developers have pledged infrastructure improvements connecting surrounding neighborhoods to the Flushing waterfront.

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Source: As reported by QNS.