Majority of Queens Residents Backing Citi Field Casino Development

Summary:

• The poll shows most of Queens’ residents are in favor of a casino development in Citi Field
• The survey was commissioned by a firm linked to Steve Cohen who is behind the casino project
• The strong community support gives Cohen’s bid an edge over other NYC casino proposals

There’s strong public support for a proposed casino development near Citi Field in Queens, according to a new survey carried out on behalf of New Green Willets, a lobbying firm founded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen who is behind the casino bid.

78% of Queens Residents Support Citi Field Casino Project

The poll, conducted by Schoen Cooperman Research, shows that 78% of Queens’ residents were in favor of the project, with 65% becoming more sold to the idea after learning that it would feature a live music venue, conference spaces and a US casino.

The survey had 600 respondents and was conducted from April 7-14, 2023. A memo on the survey was released on May 1 and did not include a geographical breakdown of the communities covered by the poll.

The survey’s results don’t come as a surprise as there were earlier indications that the borough is supportive of the plan. Back in March, New York Assembly member Jeffrion Aubry whose district covers Citi Field, submitted a Bill that would pave the way for the development of the casino.

In January, Cohen hosted a public “visioning session” to gather inputs from residents on future developments around Citi Field.

The session was attended by around 450 people and while some expressed opposition to a casino development in the area citing concerns over traffic congestion and a potential rise in crime and problem gambling, many supported the plan as it would generate jobs and boost the local economy. The local community board also has not publicly opposed the casino bid.

The picture is very much different in Manhattan where community boards have declared their opposition to several casino proposals. In particular, the local community board covering Times Square does not support Caesars and SL Green’s joint casino venture in the area.

Competition Intensifies

Cohen is looking to win one of the three gaming licenses on offer in downstate New York. Analysts expect two of the licenses to go to MGM Resorts which operates the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, and Genting New York LLC which runs the Resorts World Casino New York City in southeast Queens.

Cohen is competing for the third license with at least nine developers who have also announced proposals to build a casino in multiple locations including Bronx, Manhattan, Coney Island in Brooklyn, and Nassau County on Long Island.