The three planned NYC casinos opening 17 miles apart in Queens and The Bronx could bring a jackpot of transportation upgrades.
Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock’s “Metropolitan Park” project near Citi Field in Flushing has pledged to invest $1.75 billion on “community benefits,” including boosting nearby public infrastructure – more than double what the billionaire is shelling out for slugger Juan Soto’s MLB record $765 contract.
The planned improvements include a full-scale transformation of the Mets-Willets Point 7-line subway station, new bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, and multi-story parking garages.
The casino is being built along what is part of Citi Field’s parking lot, but the developers promise to increase on-site parking for the future sports and entertainment hub from its current 7,000 spaces to more than 13,000.
Resorts World New York City — which wants to expand its slots parlor and offer table games next to Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, Queens — is proposing $100 million in infrastructure improvements.
This includes upgrading the A-train stop at Howard Beach, extensive roadway improvements and creating 7,000 new or improved parking spaces.
“We plan to build on … improved roadway, subway, bus access and proximity to JFK International Airport to be fitting of the largest integrated resort in the United States,” said Meghan Taylor, senior vice president of governmental affairs for Resorts World.
Bally’s, which wants to open a casino on President Trump’s former golf course at Ferry Point in The Bronx, says it will invest $75 million on transit improvements.
This includes improving roads and paths within Ferry Point Park and the Hutchinson River Parkway, creating two new MTA bus stops, new bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, and 5,000 parking spaces.
The three casino proposals — located along a 17-mile stretch running adjacent to sections of the Whitestone and Van Wyck expressways — received final approval from the state Gaming Commission on Monday.
Each is planning to build a concert hall, a hotel and offer bars and restaurants.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) and other critics predicted the casino projects will increase traffic, pollution, and flooding risks, but supporters like Mayor Eric Adams are banking on them being a jackpot for the New Yorkers by bringing tens of thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars to the city’s coffers.
“New Yorkers were given a chance to weigh in, and our city was able to make sure casinos were a win-win for everyone,” said Adams spokeswoman Anna Correa.
“But our work is not finished — the city must receive its fair share of casino revenue and promised investments in public transit, services to prevent addiction, and other resources.”
