New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s dreams of a casino next to Citi Field took a huge step forward. The City Council approved a zoning change by a 41-2 margin that would give a 50-acre parking lot the go-ahead to become a public space that would include a casino, 25-acre public park, shopping, restaurants, bike paths, and more.

The City Council on Tuesday voted 41-2 in favor of zoning changes for Steve Cohen's proposed "Metropolitan Park" casino complex next to Citi Field.

The New York City Council has voted to approve zoning changes for the proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino and entertainment complex planned next to Citi Field in Flushing. In a decisive 41-2 vote on Tuesday, the Council backed the proposal from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment.

Steve Cohen is a man on a mission, determined to bring a casino to New York City. The billionaire owner of New York Mets has long had his sights set on building a casino near Citi Field, where the Major League Baseball team plays their home games. Now he is putting some tangible numbers on what it will cost for such an endeavor.

The proposal still faces hurdles in the state Legislature as part of a protracted casino license review process.

The City Council has approved New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s ambitious plan to transform the Citi Field parking lot into a vibrant casino and entertainment complex.