Check Out Metropolitan Park’s Proposed New Renderings

From the moment Steven Cohen purchased the New York Mets in 2020, he has had a vision for the city of Queens to make the surrounding area of Citi Field more attractive. In November 2023, Cohen and Queens leaders unveiled the proposed Metropolitan Park, which would turn 50 acres of asphalt into a recreational and entertainment park.

The new renderings of Metropolitan Park show public park space along the third base side of Citi Field, a remodel of Mets-Willets Point with local food vendors, and a Hard Rock casino/entertainment district located behind the 20-acres of public park space.

The big draw for Cohen would be the casino, though he is seeking to win one of three new casino licenses for downstate New York, and two of them are expected to go to already existing racinos.

That means Cohen faces potential casinos in Times Square, Hudson Yards, and Coney Island, among many others. And that’s not the only issue the proposed Metropolitan Park faces. The Citi Field parking lot is technically considered parkland, and any development on the site would require a “parkland alienation” bill to be introduced. In May, Senator Jessica Ramos said she would not introduce the parkland alienation bill after hearing concerns from her constituents over the proposed casino.

Metropolitan Park would include a live entertainment venue and a “Taste of Queens” food hall featuring local vendors, as well as community event space. It’s also expected to have community athletic fields, playgrounds and gardens.

One project that has been given the okay near Citi Field is the new soccer stadium behind the right field entrance, which is currently on track to be completed and host games in 2027. It will be New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium that will include premium hospitality and the “Supporters Porch”, which is a 9,000 square foot area to accommodate fans before and after the games with a bar, multiple food options, and a 400 square foot LED display.

Metropolitan Park would hope to transform the area around Citi Field, which has historically been an eye sore, into a more attractive place for baseball fans, locals, and tourists.

Check out the Metropolitan Park website for more info on the proposed project.

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