By Rachel Baron—December 13, 2025

The Queens community will gather this Saturday, December 14th to rally against the proposed Citi Field casino complex, a multibillion-dollar project that would displace an estimated 50,000 residents. This will be the latest in a series of rallies organized by Nocasinofmcp, a coalition of local residents, advocacy groups, faith groups, and Mets fans, intended to put pressure on Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul’s decision at the end of the year will decide whether or not Mets owner Steve Cohen will receive the requisite casino license. As this is likely the last—and most crucial—action aimed at stopping the project from going forward, we asked Brandworkers Lead Organizer Yolanda Santoni for additional context. 

“The December 14th anti-casino action organized by nocasinofmcp, a coalition of community members, aims to send a strong message to Governor Hochul about the concerns of the community regarding the negative impacts of a casino in the area,” says Santoni. 

These negative impacts include increased traffic, crime, and “strain on local resources.” The 7 train is already packed most days, says Santoni, and “the trifecta of commuters, Mets fans, and Tennis fans converge, adding gamblers will make it impossible to use.”  

The casino is unlikely to bring any substantial benefits to the Flushing, Queens, she says, pointing to the fact that casinos like Resorts World—a chain of resorts and casinos with a location in Jamaica, Queens––have failed to produce any real economic and community benefits. 

“It’s clear that building community support is crucial, as we saw in the fights to prevent bids in Manhattan and Coney Island,” says Santoni. “Nocasinofmcp has done a great job creating a strong and diverse coalition, including long time residents, park lovers, faith leaders, and local community groups. Now it’s time for Hochul to listen to them.”

While it’s unclear what the outcome of Sunday’s action will be, Santoni says, “we hope that she listens to the community instead of the billionaires.”