John “Janno” Lieber, head of New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), finds himself under scrutiny due to his financial interest in a proposed West Side casino. Lieber entered the transit authority following a nomination by then-governor Andrew Cuomo in 2017, and last year was permanently appointed chief by the present governor, Kathy Hochul. Despite being a government official, Lieber is not elected but has deep connections to the Democratic Party.
Prior to the MTA, Lieber devoted roughly 15 years to Silverstein Properties in diverse roles. The real estate developer is in collaboration with Parx Casino’s parent company, Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, to establish a New York casino. The New York Daily News unveiled Lieber’s 3% custody in the land where Silverstein aims to erect a new 46-story tower, making him the highest-ranking government official in the state to be financially linked to a casino pitch.
Yet, as the MTA’s chief, Lieber has not been involved in any casino-related dialogues and has stepped back from direct associations with Silverstein Properties, according to MTA Communications Director Tim Minton. Nevertheless, Lieber’s real estate ties and the potential for a casino hotel on his property have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Manhattan’s urban development landscape is tangled further by the interests of Related Cos. The company’s targeting of West Side’s Hudson Yards is strategically placed near the Silverstein property. Additionally, the company is in partnership with Wynn Resorts to secure one of the three casino permits for the downstate area.
With rumors swirling and speculations rising, only time can reveal the outcome of the bidding war for the three coveted casino licenses. Observers suggest the remaining license is being hotly contested by multiple entities, with MGM’s Yonkers’ Empire City Casino and Queens’ Resorts World New York likely picking up the first two.
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