Steve Cohen

To many, Cohen’s most important role is shepherding the tortured New York Mets fanbase to their first World Series celebration in nearly 40 years. That quest will have to wait at least another year.

But Cohen’s real estate acumen is taking shape feet away from the Mets’ home stadium, where Cohen is planning an $8 billion casino complex.

In September 2025, a community advisory committee unanimously advanced Metropolitan Park, a project that would transform 50 acres of parking lots next to Citi Field, to the next round of deliberation for one of three downstate gaming licenses up for grabs. 

The project includes plans for a Hard Rock hotel and a 5,650-person live music venue, along with bars, restaurants and 25 acres of green space. It was made possible by a land-use bill introduced despite opposition from the local senator, demonstrating Cohen and his team’s ability to work the political system.

The team also partnered with Slate Property Group to build 450 units of affordable housing on a parking lot at 54-19 100th Street, a few miles from the casino project. 

Before 2025 closed out, the state’s Gaming Commission conditionally approved granting casino licenses to three proposals, including Cohen’s, meaning it will be a busy 2026 both in and around Citi Field.