Mayor Adams, Mets owner Steve Cohen huddle over soccer stadium, parking dispute with casino bid in the wings
Mayor Eric Adams and Mets owner Steve Cohen recently held a conference call with Queens lawmaker Francisco Moya to discuss the fate of a project to build a soccer stadium and housing complex in Willets Point near Citi Field. At the center of the dispute is parking for the soccer stadium, as well as a separate interest from Cohen in building a casino next to the ballpark. While the two projects are intertwined, state Sen. Jessica Ramos recently refused to introduce legislation sought by Cohen’s team that would repurpose the lots around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use for a casino or other entertainment venue. Moya, who represents the area and is an Adams ally, also does not currently support the Cohen legislation or potential casino bid. The meeting between Cohen, Adams, and Moya featured a “cordial yet spirited discussion,” according to the Adams administration, and centered on the parking issue and infrastructure improvements needed at Willets Point. The mayor fully intends to deliver 2,500 new affordable homes, a privately financed soccer stadium, and 16,000 jobs to Willets Point on time.
FAQs
What was the purpose of the conference call between Mayor Eric Adams and Mets owner Steve Cohen?
The call centered on a dispute over parking for a project to build a soccer stadium and housing complex in Willets Point near Citi Field. The two projects are also intertwined, as Cohen is interested in building a casino next to the ballpark.
Who participated in the call?
Queens lawmaker Francisco Moya also participated in the call with Cohen and Adams.
What is the dispute about?
The dispute is over parking for the soccer stadium and infrastructure improvements needed at Willets Point.
What is the timeline for the project?
Mayor Adams fully intends to deliver 2,500 new affordable homes, a privately financed soccer stadium, and 16,000 jobs to Willets Point on time.
Is there agreement about parking for the soccer stadium?
There is currently no agreement about parking for the soccer stadium. Proponents are relying on Cohen and the Mets to allow soccer fans to use the Citi Field lots to park during their games, as the current plan does not provide additional parking for the stadium.
What was the result of the conference call?
The conference call featured a “cordial yet spirited discussion,” according to the Adams administration. While the dispute over parking and the separate interest in a casino next to Citi Field continue, the mayor remains committed to the planned project.
Adams and Steve Cohen Meet to Discuss Soccer Stadium Parking Dispute, While Casino Bid Awaits.
Mayor Eric Adams and Mets owner Steve Cohen engaged in a heated discussion with Queens lawmaker Francisco Moya to resolve a dispute about a proposed soccer stadium and housing complex in Willets Points near Citi Field. The talks, which took place via conference call, revolved around a familiar problem for New Yorkers: parking issues at the proposed soccer stadium. Sources familiar with the discussion disclosed that the two projects are intertwined and Cohen recently suffered a setback when New York state Senator Jessica Ramos refused to introduce state legislation that would re-purpose the area around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use in order to build a casino or other entertainment venue. In addition to discussing the parking issues, the conversation also focused on infrastructure improvements needed at Willets Point. Cohen is eyeing a separate bid for a casino next to Citi Field, which is strongly opposed by Moya and is not currently supported by the Adams administration.