ALBANY – They’re going all in.
The state Assembly approved a measure Tuesday clearing the way for billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen’s bid to build a casino adjoining Citi Field in Queens.
The 138 to 7 vote is the latest sign that Cohen’s once-stalled casino bet may have renewed life in Albany.
“This is the opportunity to bring real investment to our local economy, having the bold vision of turning 50 acres of asphalt into an entity that delivers real benefits.” Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queen), the bill’s sponsor said before voting.
“This about giving something back to residents that’s given more than they’ve received,” Hooks said.
The area Cohen is eying for the project is currently designated as parkland, requiring state legislation before the project can receive local city approvals.
The real fireworks over the bill are expected in the upper chamber of the state Legislature, where state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), who reps a majority of the land for the proposed casino, has so far used her sway over the local issue to block the measure.
Earlier this year, state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens), who also represents a sliver of the proposed casino site, introduced the legislation which has also started moving through committees ahead of a likely vote in the upper chamber.
Ramos herself has admitted that she may be unable to block Cohen’s multi-million-dollar lobbying and influence effort over the casino.
Cohen is going all-in at the same time other new casino developers are folding or pumping the breaks on projects.
Last month, Las Vegas Sands announced it was pulling its $4 billion bid for a casino near the Nassau Coliseum.
The Soloviev Group, which is partnering with Mohegan to try and build a casino adjoining Freedom Plaza in Midtown, Manhattan, recently announced it is offering stock options to local residents to try and get locals on board with the project.
In a statement, the group said it was setting aside up to 12% of its stock options for NYC residents.
