City officials declare that the city will not permit a casino development within its boundaries.

In recent months, prominent progressive figures within the Democratic Party, including New York City’s incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have declared that “New York City is not for sale,” emphasizing their commitment to combatting oligarchic influences. However, residents of Queens are raising concerns, feeling that local officials have compromised their interests by approving the transfer of public parkland for a casino complex associated with billionaire Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets. This project, controversially named “Metropolitan Park,” has sparked significant public outcry.

As the Gaming Facility Location Board and Gaming Commission approach a decision regarding the allocation of up to three casino licenses by year-end, Cohen’s campaign has reportedly exceeded million, employing 18 lobbying firms—a figure that far surpasses any competing bids from the downstate region. His strategy reportedly involves a blend of public relations efforts, charitable donations, and hired consultants to cultivate an appearance of community support for the casino initiative.

Local leadership has also drawn scrutiny. Councilmember-elect Shanel Thomas-Henry and fellow board member Tammy Rose have faced criticism for their financial ties to Cohen, having received payment as consultants while simultaneously endorsing the project at official meetings. Furthermore, Assemblymember Larinda Hooks, chair of a community advisory committee that supported the casino, has also been linked to fundraising efforts hosted by Cohen.

Despite claims of community backing, dissenting voices have emerged strongly. A recent rally in Flushing attracted nearly a thousand protesters against the casino, while another march in Corona drew hundreds. Community organizations report overwhelming opposition, with polls indicating that 70 to 75 percent of local residents reject the notion of a casino in their vicinity. Responses to local town halls reflect deep-rooted concerns regarding the project, with many emphasizing the detrimental impact a casino could have on neighborhood dynamics, particularly in a region where over 80 percent of residents are renters.

Notably, some elected officials, including state Senator Jessica Ramos, have opposed Cohen’s proposal. However, many others, including the city’s progressive leaders, have been criticized for their inaction or ambiguous stances. Mamdani notably missed a critical vote allowing the casino proposal to progress, while Ocasio-Cortez has expressed personal disapproval but refrained from decisively intervening at the grassroots level.

Concerns extend to potential socio-economic ramifications, as studies suggest that casinos often extract wealth from local communities rather than stimulate economic growth. Critics of the project argue that the promise of jobs and enhanced amenities may not outweigh the long-term costs borne by Queens’ working-class residents.

As Cohen seeks to maneuver public sentiment and policymakers, the sentiment among local residents highlights a growing frustration with how local governance handles community interests. Many feel that the push for a casino—backed by a wealthy individual with a controversial history—could transform cherished public spaces into commercial ventures, raising crucial questions about equity and representation in urban development.

The narrative unfolding around Cohen’s casino proposal serves as a potent reminder of the challenges facing democracy at the local level. Residents of Queens assert that public land should be preserved for public use rather than repurposed for private profit, emphasizing a need for more substantial and meaningful civic engagement from their elected representatives.