WILLETS POINT, Queens (PIX11) — Plans for a casino to be built at Citi Field have taken a notable step forward, with the introduction of new legislation in Albany. It would allow a gaming facility to be built on part of the ballpark’s parking lot, if Mets owner Steve Cohen is granted one of three downstate New York casino licenses that are set to be granted later this year.
Environmental and parkland advocates are skeptical of the legislation, which was introduced in the statehouse on Wednesday. However, its sponsor says that his proposal adds public space and benefits the community.
At the core of the legislation is the fact that New York state considers the Citi Field parking lot to be parkland. In order for even part of it to be turned into a casino requires what’s called “parkland alienation.” Essentially, it’s the reduction of parks space.
In the specific case of Citi Field’s parking lot, any reduction in its parking lot — which is legally considered parkland — would require other parkland to be established somewhere else, according to the new legislation. It was first reported by The City. His bill would require that at least 20 acres of parkland be created elsewhere if part of the Citi Field parking lot was allowed to be a gaming facility.
More specifically, said Aubry, a right of way that would be operated by New York City’s parks department would be created that would connect the World’s Fair Marina, north of the ballpark, with the U.S. Tennis Center, in Flushing Meadows, to the ballpark’s south.
“This application would create that kind of access,” Aubry said, “because I felt it would be an advantage for the people who use both [the marina and tennis center].”
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