Mets owner Steve Cohen eyes NYC casino involvement

Potential Citi Field Casino
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While he has yet to be attached to a formal bid, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen continues to do his diligence about getting involved in a downstate New York City casino.

Cohen’s latest effort is a community meeting on Jan. 7 where residents of Queens are invited to attend and voice what they want from the area surrounding the Mets home stadium, Citi Field.

“For months, we have been listening to the local community who keeps telling us there is more they want from the area. Everyone agrees that the status quo isn’t acceptable,” said Cohen. “We are committed to putting forward a vision for the area that will create a shared space that people not only want to come to and enjoy, but can be proud of.”

There are 50 acres of developable land surrounding the stadium. Cohen would like to develop it into something, be it a casino or not. There have been rumors that Cohen will partner with Hard Rock to submit a bid.

The Gaming Facility Location Board will open the request for proposals period on Jan. 6. At that point, announced and unannounced projects can officially submit their proposals for review.

Several other casino projects and groups have announced their plans for a proposal, including:

Other groups are eager to get involved in the process as well, including the minority-owned Bet On Games group.