Published on: September 23, 2024, 04:02h.
Last updated on: September 23, 2024, 04:02h.
Opposition to a proposal by Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts to establish a casino hotel on the West Side of Manhattan is gaining momentum as three community organizations have joined the opposition today.
Open Plans, Parks & Trails New York, and Save Chelsea have all expressed their disapproval of the gaming establishment proposed in the Related/Wynn project. They are now aligned with the High Line, a non-profit organization named after a park in the vicinity of where the casino hotel would potentially be situated, in voicing concerns about the proposal.
People visit the High Line and the surrounding neighborhood because of its unique walkable, livable character,” said Open Plans co-Executive Director Sara Lind in a statement. “It would be a mistake to ruin that by prioritizing car storage at the Western Yards. Allocating space for parking in new buildings reduces the amount of housing built and encourages car use and ownership, which directly harms the street experience of everyone not in a car. This area needs more livable space for people, not less.”
This sentiment mirrors that of the High Line, which has previously warned that the Related/Wynn project poses a threat to the neighborhood’s character, views, and the accessibility of open spaces for residents to enjoy.
‘Misplaced Casino’ Could Degrade Neighborhood
The casino venue is a part of a larger $12 billion development proposal put forward by Related for the west side of Hudson Yards. The integrated resort is expected to be branded as Wynn New York City, with the gaming company’s name featured on one of three towers on the property.
Similar to most proposals for the three downstate casino licenses in New York, the Related/Wynn endeavor is facing opposition. Specifically regarding this project, real estate developer Related has come under fire from local politicians and residents who claim the company is not adhering to a 2009 agreement with the city to construct between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units on the site. The current proposal calls for 1,5000 units.
Some critics of the casino plan argue that the 2009 agreement struck a better balance by allowing for more housing while preserving the iconic views of the High Line. Save Chelsea President Pamela Wolff believes that Related’s plan, which includes the Wynn casino, may jeopardize that positive outcome.
“The High Line is not just a cherished neighborhood park, but an internationally admired cultural treasure that Chelsea and the City of New York are proud of–a phenomenon that has inspired similar projects the world over. It should not be degraded by a misplaced casino,” Wolff said in the press release.
Park Space at Heart of Some NYC Casino Fights
The availability of park space has become a focal point in several casino proposals in the New York City area, including the Related/Wynn project. The companies recently announced that the project would incorporate green spaces modeled after New York’s Bryant Park, featuring numerous shrubs, trees, and a dog run.
However, some locals remain skeptical and believe that if the project proceeds, the amount of outdoor public space would actually decrease, not increase.
“The proposed rezoning of the Western Rail Yards would do just the opposite. Constructing a building over a portion of the High Line, reducing usable public space, and taking away park access from the public for an undetermined amount of time are not sound development policies,” said Paul Steely White, executive director Parks & Trails New York.