New York, October 21, 2026 – The “Metropolitan Park” casino resort, located next to the Citi Field in Queens, with an investment of over $8 billion, unveiled the latest design renderings on Tuesday. The New York City Public Design Commission held a public hearing on that day where over a hundred residents and community members from Queens gathered outside City Hall to testify, urging to reject the preliminary design proposal. After over three hours of public speeches, the commission unanimously agreed to postpone the vote, requesting the developers to provide additional information on rainwater management and public spaces.
The project, a collaboration between the owner of the New York Mets baseball team, Steve Cohen, and the Hard Rock Hotel Group, plans to construct a large casino, hotel, entertainment facilities, and public green spaces around the Citi Field in Willets Point. It is one of the three casino projects approved by the New York State last year in New York City and surrounding areas.
During the hearing, design firms SHoP Architects and Field Operations presented revised plans, including the addition of glass curtain walls, widening pedestrian walkways, and adjusting the location of bicycle lanes. The developers stated that the project is expected to create 23,000 union jobs, provide 25 acres of green space, and improve the surrounding infrastructure and the subway’s 7 train station.
However, opponents argue that the developers have not adequately explained the impact of the large-scale development on community traffic, drainage systems, and public spaces.
In the morning, the Queens Anti-Casino Alliance, along with several community organizations, held a rally on the steps of City Hall.
Jack Hu, a resident of Flushing and community organizer, urged the Public Design Commission to establish a more transparent review process in collaboration with residents, prioritizing the concerns of ordinary citizens over developers. He called on the commission to set a minimum standard for public participation, including providing at least a 90-day notice before hearings.
Annie Lo, a lawyer from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), pointed out that in 2025, their organization, along with the MinKwon Center, conducted exit polls at a polling station in Flushing, where 83.5% of respondents stated they were unable to comment on the casino plan or were unaware of the public participation process.
Helina Lo, a youth member of the MinKwon Center, expressed disappointment at the lack of in-depth responses from the commission to residents’ concerns about relocation and community harm during a community consultation hearing in 2025, even leading to emotional tears.
The opposition groups highlighted that some areas of Queens have been severely affected by flooding in recent years. They demanded the developers to publicly disclose comprehensive information on rainwater runoff, drainage systems, flood prevention measures, and consider supplementing an environmental impact study.
Cody Herrmann, the advocacy manager for Guardians of Flushing Bay, an organization focusing on the Flushing Bay environment, stated that the Public Design Commission should require the developers to submit more detailed documents explaining how the project complies with New York City’s Unified Stormwater Rule and what flood protection measures are being taken.
Opponents also questioned the use of opaque glass in the casino’s architecture, the placement of gates in public spaces, and pedestrian pathways, raising doubts about whether the promised public spaces will truly be accessible to residents.
Aber Kawas, the Democratic candidate for the 12th District State Senate, submitted a written statement read aloud by Jack Hu on the spot. She stated that during her interactions with Queens residents, she heard many expressing concerns about potential flood risks, environmental resilience, and the accessibility of public spaces.
After over three hours of public speeches, the Public Design Commission unanimously agreed to postpone the vote on the preliminary design of the Metropolitan Park. The members of the commission emphasized that their responsibility is not to decide whether to build the casino but to review whether the public spaces, architecture, and landscape design align with public interest.
The commission primarily requested the developers to further clarify their rainwater management plans. Anti-casino groups also indicated that the commission is concerned about issues such as public space access, gate installations, and exterior wall designs.
Deborah Marton, the chairperson of the Public Design Commission, expressed gratitude to the residents for their participation, stating that democracy thrives on public engagement.