Four bidders remain in the hunt for New York’s three downtown commercial casino licences after Metropolitan Park was approved by its Community Advisory Committees (CAC) on Tuesday.

Metropolitan Park received unanimous approval by its CAC, becoming the fourth and final applicant to advance to the final step in the approval process. It would be the second venue to be located in Queens, alongside the existing Resorts World New York City venue.

The project has been proposed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, in partnership with Hard Rock International, McKissack & McKissack, and Siebert Williams Shank & Co.

Metropolitan Park is a shovel-ready proposal that will transform 50 acres of underused asphalt next to Citi Field into an entertainment district, anchored by 25 acres of new public park space and athletic fields.

Taking up just 10 per cent of the project’s size, the integrated resort will feature 286,208 sq. ft of gaming space, including 5,000 slots, 375 live dealer tables, 30 poker tables and an 18,381 sq. ft sportsbook. Other amenities would include a 5,650 capacity live entertainment venue and a 1,000 room hotel.

The project promises to deliver approximately $1 billion in benefits for Queens through public and transit improvements, together with a $163 million impact fund and $50 million for local health, youth, and senior service initiatives. It will also create 17,100 direct construction jobs and 6,081 direct permanent jobs, including 2,077 part-time jobs.

Metropolitan Park is projected to generate $33.5 billion in new tax revenue over the proposed 30-year license period, with over $850 million in tax revenues generated from $3.9 billion in revenue by year three.

Metropolitan Park will fight it out with three other applicants in the casino bidding process – Bally’s Bronx, Resorts World New York City in Queens, and MGM Empire City in Yonkers.

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is tasked with overseeing the evaluation process for the downstate casino licences, and recommending up to three facilities for licensure by year-end.

As part of this process, the New York State Gaming Commission yesterday appointed Cindy Rubi Estrada to the Board.

A longtime resident of The Bronx, Estrada has been a small business owner since the age of 19 and currently serves as executive director at the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“I thank Cindy Estrada for lending her expertise and taking on this true public service,” said Commission chair Brian O’Dwyer. “The Gaming Facility Location Board’s important work has far-reaching implications for the entire state, and I am grateful for their service.”

Estrada joins Vicki Been, Terryl Brown, Marion Phillips, III, and Greg Reimers on the Gaming Facility Location Board.