NYC Banks on Three Planned Casinos to Deliver Transit Upgrades
City officials say $1.75 billion in community-benefit investments and major transit improvements could accompany three proposed casinos along a 17-mile Queens–The Bronx corridor, even as critics cite traffic and environmental concerns.
New York City is counting on three proposed casinos opening within 17 miles of one another in Queens and The Bronx to spur a wave of transportation improvements designed to ease upcoming traffic and transit pressures. The projects—Resorts World NYC near Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, Bally’s at Ferry Point in The Bronx, and Hard Rock International’s Metropolitan Park at the Citi Field area in Flushing—are framed by a pledge of substantial infrastructure investments intended to accompany the gaming developments. Mets owner Steve Cohen’s group and Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park project have promised $1.75 billion in “community benefits,” aimed at boosting nearby public infrastructure, a sum described by backers as far larger than other high-profile local commitments, including a record MLB contract valued at hundreds of millions.
The trio of proposals would sit along a 17-mile stretch running adjacent to sections of the Whitestone and Van Wyck expressways. Each plan includes a concert hall, a hotel, and food-and-drink venues, with formal approval from the state Gaming Commission granted on Monday. The projects are intended to deliver more than entertainment; supporters say the upgrades could transform surrounding transit access and road networks to accommodate tens of thousands of new jobs and billions in state and city revenue.
In one centerpiece of the package, Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park near Citi Field proposes a full-scale transformation of the Mets-Willets Point 7-line subway station and a significant expansion of on-site parking—from roughly 7,000 spaces today to more than 13,000, along with new bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to connect to surrounding neighborhoods. Resorts World NYC, meanwhile, is pitching $100 million in infrastructure improvements that would upgrade the A-train stop at Howard Beach, enhance roadways, and add 7,000 new or improved parking spaces as part of its expansion around Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park. Bally’s at Ferry Point in The Bronx says its plan includes road and path improvements within Ferry Point Park and along the Hutchinson River Parkway, two new MTA bus stops, new bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, and roughly 5,000 parking spaces. Resorts World officials said the projects would build on enhanced roadway, subway, and bus access as well as proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport to position the site as a major integrated resort.
The state Gaming Commission’s approval of the three casino proposals comes as city officials emphasize the potential to alleviate future congestion while delivering thousands of jobs and revenue. City leaders have framed the developments as a potential economic and transit boost for a city facing evolving transportation needs amid growing population and tourism demand.
Critics, including State Sen. Jessica Ramos and other opponents, warn that extending casino development along the Whitestone and Van Wyck corridors could raise traffic, pollution, and flood risks. Supporters, including Mayor Eric Adams, contend that the projects could be a win-win if the promised investments in transit, public services to address problem gambling, and other resources are realized. Adams’ office stressed that the city must receive a fair share of casino revenue and the promised investments to accompany the projects.
City officials and developers point to the projected scale of the megaprojects as a potential catalyst for broader neighborhood improvements beyond the casino properties themselves. They cite the prospect of thousands of construction and long-term jobs, increased business activity, and a multibillion-dollar infusion into city coffers.
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As the three proposals proceed, planners and lawmakers will continue monitoring traffic, flood risk, and the adequacy of transit upgrades to meet anticipated demand. The casinos’ openings, when they occur, will hinge on a mix of state and local approvals, environmental reviews, and ongoing negotiations over funding and governance of the transit investments tied to the projects.
The deployments along a 17-mile corridor reflect a broader trend of tying major entertainment developments to substantial infrastructure commitments. While the precise opening timelines remain to be determined, officials say the investments could help New York City manage the transportation surge associated with large-scale hospitality and entertainment complexes and potentially set a model for future public-private partnerships in urban transit enhancement.
In declaring a path forward, city and state leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring that the transit and road improvements keep pace with project development. They noted that the proposed upgrades would be designed to reduce bottlenecks at critical nodes and improve access to a region already served by multiple mass-transit modes. The outcomes will depend on whether the pledged investments translate into timely construction, well-maintained infrastructure, and robust planning around traffic mitigation and environmental safeguards.
As the regulators review the plans, proponents say the three-casino package represents a rare chance to align major economic development with meaningful transit modernization, potentially delivering both jobs and better mobility for residents and visitors alike. The city’s focus remains on delivering a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits for communities while addressing concerns about congestion, pollution, and public safety.
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