Senator Jessica Ramos has temporarily blocked plans by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen to build a casino resort beside the team’s ballpark in Queens. The project requires state lawmakers to approve legislation to allow for commercial operations in the lots adjacent to Citi Field. With just a few weeks remaining in the current legislative session, Senator Ramos told the media she does not plan to introduce such a bill.

will continue to work closely with local residents and politicians to get the project over the line

Ramos, the local senator for the area, estimated that about 65% of people at a town hall meeting on Friday opposed the casino project. A representative for Steve Cohen said that they will continue to work closely with local residents and politicians to get the project over the line.

Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry introduced a bill in March that would allow them to redevelop overflow parking lots into an entertainment and casino complex.

Three downstate New York casino licenses are currently up for grabs. Competition is heating up in the battle among casino companies and property developers to gain approval. Each license will cost at least $500m.