Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened the first fully integrated Hard Rock resort in Canada with a hotel, casino, and concert venue all in one place.Hard...
Queens Boards support Hard Rock’s debut plan
Five Queens community boards have approved the proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park project, which plans to transform Citi Field’s parking lot into a casino, hotel, and entertainment complex together with green space parks.
The project is a partnership between Cohen and Hard Rock International to secure one of three New York casino licenses. It plans to have a Hard Rock casino, a 25-acre public park, athletic fields, bike paths, a concert venue, a food hall, and improved transit options.
Supporters, including former council members, emphasize the economic boost the project could bring. Critics, like Guardians of Flushing Bay, have raised environmental concerns. At a packed meeting on November 21, Community Board 3 joined four others in approving zoning changes for the development.
New casino faces challenges
Despite different advantages, the project faces many challenges. Before the debut, the project must be formally approved by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Afterward, it will move to New York’s City Planning Commission and City Council. A state parkland alienation bill is also necessary, as the parking lot is designated parkland. State Senator Jessica Ramos has declined to sponsor the bill, leaving Cohen searching for support.
Competition is another hurdle, as 11 proposals are vying for the three casino licenses. The final decisions won’t come until late 2025.
Hard Rock International has suspended Alex Pariente, its corporate senior vice president of casino and hotel operations, following serious concerns about company policy...
