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Metropolitan Park, the proposed $8.1 billion casino and entertainment complex led by Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, announced Oct. 15 a $10 million investment in a new Jackson Heights community center for the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.
The investment served as seed funding for the center’s $33.8 million cost. Federal, state and city governments are covering the rest. The announcement bills the facility as Jackson Heights’ first community center and counts the investment toward more than $1 billion in community benefits the project has promised.
Sean Caffery of Hard Rock International spoke on behalf of Hard Rock Casino, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Jim Allen. He said they were proud to help “turn a long-held community vision into reality” and that the investment “can make a difference” for New York families for generations.
Michael Sullivan of Metropolitan Park said the project’s commitment to Queens “doesn’t stop at the boundaries of our site.” He called Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst some of the city’s most vibrant communities and said neighbors told the team they need a new community center to meet the area’s growing needs.
Who is funding the $33.8M center
Metropolitan Park’s $10 million covers nearly 30% of the cost and is the project’s only private funding, according to the announcement’s figures. It will help the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens open a new site in Jackson Heights.
Public funding makes up the remaining $23.8 million, about 70% of the total. Gov. Kathy Hochul committed the largest public share: $10 million in state money. Council Member Shekar Krishnan and the New York City Council secured $9.3 million.
Federal and state lawmakers secured another $4.5 million:
- $2 million from US Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand
- $1 million from Rep. Grace Meng
- Three state lawmakers added $1.5 million
- Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas secured $1 million
- Assembly Members Steven Raga and Catalina Cruz secured $250,000 each
Metropolitan Park’s Citi Field project faces design delay
Metropolitan Park would transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lots into a year-round sports and entertainment destination. The plan calls for a Hard Rock Hotel with a casino and sportsbook, a live music venue, a Taste of Queens Food Hall, restaurants, bars, and meeting and event space.
The developers say the project would create 25 acres of public green space and 23,000 union jobs. They also promise a revamped, Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible 7-line train station.
Metropolitan Park was one of three projects awarded downstate casino licenses in New York in December 2025. It has since hit a snag in design review. The New York City Public Design Commission unanimously tabled a vote on a public-facing portion of the development on Oct. 20 after opponents raised environmental concerns.
Construction is under way, and project representatives say design refinements continue, according to reporting by queenseagle.
About Hard Rock International
Hard Rock International operates more than 300 venues in nearly 80 countries, including hotels, casinos, cafes and live music venues. It owns some properties; others operate under licensing or management agreements. Its digital division, Hard Rock Digital, offers sports betting and real-money online casino gaming.
