Billionaire Steve Cohen’s vision of developing a site adjacent to his New York Mets’ Citi Field into a casino resort and entertainment complex is facing opposition from an alternative proposal.

Local community groups are coming together to support an idea to turn the area into 65 acres of parkland called Phoenix Meadows. It is still in its early planning stages, so it will need backing from local lawmakers and funding.

The area currently has a public park designation despite being vacant, which Cohen is trying to change to allow for the development of a casino resort. Three downstate commercial casino licenses are up for grabs in New York; Cohen is fighting for one of them.

concerns about increased traffic, crime, and addiction

According to the community groups, the Phoenix Meadows plan would boost the quality of life of the residents and also help the local economy. Locals have concerns about increased traffic, crime, and addiction if a Hard Rock casino comes to the Flushing Meadows area.

Local Senator Jessica Ramos, who holds a lot of power in the project approval process, remains on the fence. The Queens politician held three town hall meetings about the matter and is reportedly close to making her final decision about supporting the casino plan or not.