Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris endorsed legislation that facilitates billionaire Steve Cohen's bid for an $8 billion casino complex near Citi Field by allowing commercial use of nearby parkland. The bill, already passed in the Assembly, could significantly impact local dynamics as Gianaris believes this step will help Cohen compete for one of the state's casino licenses. However, thereâs opposition within the Senate, particularly from Senator Jessica Ramos, who cited community backlash against the proposal as a central reason for her dissent.
Approval allows Cohen to roll the dice for a license.
I think it's important to recognize that we're not picking to put a casino on that site. We're just allowing them to apply with all the other potential candidates.
I outlined the outreach I did to my constituents: three town halls, a poll and an online survey.
My constituents are overwhelmingly against the casino and I will be voting no should the bill come to the floor for a vote.
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