New renderings of Metropolitan Park, the partnership between Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, give New Yorkers a look of what turning empty parking lots into 25 acres of new public park will actually feel like. The $8 billion privately funded project is now moving forward with ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) New York City’s process for public approval of the development. The design and the layout were informed over three years of community engagement by Cohen and his partners with local residents, small businesses, Mets fans, and Queens community leaders to transform the area.
Metropolitan Park is a once in a life-time opportunity to transform the 50 acres of asphalt around Citi Field into an economic engine that will create 23,000 competitive-paying union jobs. This reimagined space will bring together neighbors, fans, and visitors to enjoy 25 acres of new public park space, improved public transportation and climate infrastructure, live music, a Queens Food Hall and a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with bars, restaurants and a sportsbook.
“We are very proud to present New Yorkers with the visualization of what’s possible for a world-class city and its surrounding neighborhoods. We’d like to thank our partners for working with us to create something truly transformative. We take great pride and the utmost care in bringing forth something that will create much needed jobs and memories that will live on for generations to come,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves. When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy, but can be truly proud of,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
