While Cohen has spent lots of money trying to woo local and state elected officials to support the casino, Ramos felt that residents’ input had been neglected. Passions ran high during the town hall that she held to gather public sentiment – the first in a string of meetings that Ramos has planned. Because a Citi Field parking lot – the prospective site of the casino – is owned by the city and technically considered parkland. The controversial proposal hit a significant snag on May 19 after Ramos, who represents parts of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, told community members that she doesn’t plan to introduce the parkland alienation bill that Cohen needs before the legislative session ends on June 8. Jessica Ramos isn’t ready to introduce legislation that would pave the way for New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s casino bid near Citi Field – certainly not until more community conversations happen.
