Opposition to a plan by Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts to bring a casino hotel to the West Side of Manhattan is intensifying as three community groups declared their objections today. Open Plans, Parks & Trails New York, and Save Chelsea have joined the High Line, a nonprofit group aimed at preserving the local park, in criticizing the proposed gaming venue.
“People visit the High Line and the surrounding neighborhood because of its unique walkable, livable character,” stated Open Plans co-Executive Director Sara Lind. “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 is echoed by the High Line, which has expressed that the Related/Wynn project threatens the neighborhood’s character, views, and the availability of open space for residents.
The casino is part of a broader $12 billion development plan pitched by Related for the west side of Hudson Yards. The project, likely to be named Wynn New York City, would feature the gaming company’s name on one of three towers on the site.
Similar to nearly all proposals for the three downstate casino licenses in New York, the Related/Wynn effort faces significant opposition. Criticism includes claims that Related is not adhering to a 2009 agreement with the city to build between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units on the site, with the most recent proposal calling for just 1,5000 units.
Some opponents of the casino believe the 2009 agreement was advantageous because it allowed for more housing without threatening the High Line’s views. Pamela Wolff, president of Save Chelsea, remarked, “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.”
Park space is becoming a central issue in several of New York City’s proposed casino projects, including the Related/Wynn plan. The companies have claimed the development would include green space modeled after Bryant Park, featuring hundreds of shrubs, trees, and a dog run. However, some locals remain skeptical, worried that if the project proceeds, the amount of outdoor space for public use would be reduced rather than increased.
Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, emphasized, “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.”
