The New York Mets owner, Steve Cohen, has big plans for an entertainment district worth $8 billion around Citi Field in Queens. He sees this project as a way to enhance the local community, not just as a business opportunity. Cohen believes his role with the Mets goes beyond baseball—he’s committed to bringing a World Series title back to New York.
His vision, called Metropolitan Park, will blend public parks, restaurants, bars, and a hotel, all positioned around Citi Field. This ambitious plan draws inspiration from Atlanta’s popular development, The Battery Atlanta, which has become a successful model for similar projects.
The Battery Atlanta boasts a significant retail area within its 2.25 million square feet of mixed-use space. Since its completion, it has generated impressive revenue, reaching over $49 million annually. However, Cohen aims to take it a step further with an emphasis on community spaces rather than offices and corporate suites.
One standout feature of Cohen’s plan is the focus on community benefits. The proposed development will include over 25 acres of public parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, and tailgating areas for Mets fans. Unlike The Battery, which lacks convenient transit access, Cohen’s project will improve public transport options, parking, and bicycle routes to connect with the surrounding neighborhoods.
What’s more, Cohen is dedicated to funding this massive undertaking entirely with private money. He won’t be asking for public funding, which is uncommon in sports-related developments, where taxpayers often foot a large part of the bill. Over the last 35 years, North American franchises have seen over $30 billion spent on stadiums using public funds.
In contrast to this trend, Cohen’s project would be a private investment. This is important given recent high-profile stadium constructions, such as the $850 million in state subsidies for the new Buffalo Bills stadium and similar funding for other venues across the country.
Cohen’s project is already starting the approval process. The Mets have displayed scale models of Metropolitan Park at events and have gained support from local community boards in Queens. This marks an exciting development for fans and the community alike, as they could soon have a vibrant entertainment hub to enjoy.
With the Mets’ recent successes and big-name acquisitions, like Juan Soto, momentum is building for this project. Cohen’s vision might just lead Queens into a new era of community engagement and entertainment.
