To no one’s surprise, Queens Future tops list for hiring most lobbyists

Queens Future, an LLC formed as part of Mets owner Steve Cohen’s push to build a casino next to Citi Field, hired 14 different lobbying firms over the past year, more than any other client in the city, according to the New York City Clerk’s Office Lobbying Bureau’s Annual Report released on March 1. Among those firms are some of New York City’s consulting powerhouses, like Tusk Strategies and the MirRam Group, among others. In total, Queens Future spent $1.4 million on such efforts, the report says. 

It’s not exactly a surprise that Queens Future is at the top of the list, considering the billionaire’s dogged pursuit of one of three downstate full casino licenses the state is slated to award at the end of 2025. With about a dozen suitors vying for three licenses – and two expected to go to Empire City in Yonkers and to Resorts World in South Queens, since they already have partial licenses – the competition has been fierce. Notably, Bally’s, which is pursuing a license at its golf course in the Bronx (formerly known as Trump Links), clocks in at No. 2 on the list of most firms retained, and Genting, which owns Resorts World, is second in terms of compensation, with $990,000 spent in the past year. 

But Cohen has remained aggressive in his campaign for Metropolitan Park, his proposed entertainment complex next to Citi Field on what is legally parkland, that would be complete with a casino, 25 acres of outdoor space, a concert hall, hotel and Queens food hall – even in the face of roadblocks. Some 10 months after state Sen. Jessica Ramos announced she would not introduce the land use bill needed to clear the way for Cohen’s plan, the Mets owner and his team has continued its campaign, pushing for approvals from surrounding community boards. But without Ramos’ support, it seems unlikely the project could come to fruition. And Cohen’s camp does not seem to have completely given up on flipping Ramos either – the lawmaker was spotted meeting with Michael Sullivan, Cohen’s chief of staff, and Partnership for New York City CEO Kathy Wylde in November. 

Even if Ramos introduced the legislation and it became law, though, a license for Cohen would not be a sure thing; the decision ultimately rests with the state Gaming Commission and, more specifically, the Gaming Facility Location Board. The board has had some bumps in the road as of late as two of its five members reportedly resigned for reasons unclear. 

Karl Rickett, a spokesperson for Queens Future and Metropolitan Park, declined to comment.