This seems to be a Hail Mary of a play but the Flushing Residents. I don't think this is going to work but I am pretty impressed with the folks not giving up.
From Nationaltoday.com
Opponents of the planned Metropolitan Park casino in Flushing, Queens have filed a lawsuit against the New York State Gaming Commission, alleging the commission unlawfully issued the casino license. The petitioners, representing themselves, are seeking to overturn the license and block any development on the site, citing concerns over gambling addiction, alienation of public land, the moral character of the applicants, and an unjust hearing process.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Metropolitan Park casino has faced significant community opposition, with residents arguing the development would exacerbate gambling addiction issues and improperly use public land. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the fairness of the licensing process and the gaming commission's consideration of the applicants' backgrounds.
THE DETAILS
The lawsuit charges that the gaming commission board knew the public hearings were not conducted fairly and failed to properly consider the moral character of the applicants - Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen. Petitioners allege the hearings were tilted in favor of the casino supporters, with the committee chair shortening the September 16 hearing from 3 hours to 2 and allowing more pro-casino speakers. They also cite Cohen's past financial scandals and Hard Rock's firing of an executive over money laundering allegations as evidence of integrity issues that should have disqualified the applicants.
- The lawsuit was filed in the New York State Supreme Court on April 1, 2026.
- The petitioners filed a Motion to Reargue the judge's dismissal of the case on March 28, 2026.
From GamblingHarm.org
Questions Raised About Steve Cohen and Hard Rock
The legal challenge also argues that the Gaming Commission failed to properly assess the applicants’ character, as required by law.
The lawsuit points to Cohen’s connection to SAC Capital Advisors, which pleaded guilty in 2014 in an insider-trading case and paid a $1.8 billion penalty.
It also cites reports that Hard Rock International fired an executive in 2025 following an internal investigation into allegations of money laundering.
Opponents say those issues should have triggered greater scrutiny before the state approved one of the region’s gambling developments.
Plaintiffs Seek to Halt Construction
In addition to seeking to overturn the license in an Article 78 proceeding, the Queens casino lawsuit plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order to stop work on the project.
The planned development would cover about 18 acres and include hotel towers rising to 16 and 25 stories.
The case underscores that casino expansion fights are not just about combating allegedly misleading promises of jobs and tax revenue.
These struggles can also challenge whether politically connected developers can push gambling projects through public land disputes while local residents have few opportunities to object.
From what I saw on the news today, they filed the lawsuit in the wrong venue. Meaning Manhattan. So it was denied but they were told to file in the Queens courts.
