Wynn NY Casino Opposed by Majority of West Siders

Posted on: October 21, 2024, 02:06h. 

Last updated on: October 21, 2024, 02:14h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.

Protect the High Line, a group attempting to safeguard the West Side Manhattan neighborhood of the same name, said a significant majority of local residents oppose a plan by Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts to develop a casino hotel there.

High Line
Part of the High Line area of New York City. A group opposing a Wynn casino plan says polling confirms residents don’t want a gaming venue in the neighborhood. (Image: NPR)

Citing a September survey conducted by Public Policy Polling, Protect the High Line says fewer than 25% of West Siders endorse Related’s proposed $12 billion expansion of Hudson Rail Yards, which if approved, could include Wynn casino.

56% of respondents oppose the proposed zoning changes that would allow for the Hudson Yards expansion over the Western Rail Yards, compared to only 24% in favor,” said the opposition group, citing the poll. “70% agree that the proposed skyscrapers and casino next to the northern part of the High Line would harm neighboring West Side communities.”

The poll queried 1,300 residents in and around the High Line neighborhood.

Wynn NY Casino Seen as Threat to 2009 Agreement

In 2009, Related struck an accord with the city in which the real estate firm pledged to build between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units when it ultimately decided to develop the Western Rail Yards. However, the developer’s latest proposal — the one including the Wynn gaming venue — allocates just 1,500 residences.

Protect The High Line alleges that the real estate developer is attempting to alter a 2009 agreement with the city that, if allowed to proceed, could result in obstructed views and significantly less residential housing than previously expected.

That change has drawn rebuke among politicians representing districts including the High Line while serving as a springboard for more opposition groups to get involved.

More than 3,000 local residents have already joined the Protect the High Line campaign. Local leaders, such as Sally Greenspan, president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA), have voiced their concerns about the drastic reduction in housing units,” said Protect The High Line in a statement.

New York City-area casino opposition isn’t native to the Related/Wynn plan. It’s become a fact of life for nearly all of the roughly dozen contenders for the three downstate licenses the state has yet to award.

Political Implications in Wynn NY Casino Effort

As noted above, politicians representing the High Line and the neighboring areas aren’t on board with the Related/Wynn plan, and the polling indicates they’re smart to feel that way. The High Line neighborhood is a heavily Democratic area in one of the bluest cities in the country, and many of those voters don’t like the plan put forth by Related and Wynn.

The polling shows widespread discontent, particularly among Democratic voters, who oppose the rezoning changes by 57% to 22%,” added Protect The High Line.

Potentially further complicating matters is that 2025 is a mayoral election year in New York. Embattled Mayor Eric Adams (D) is expected to seek another term, but he’s likely to draw primary opposition from within his own party and some of those contenders aren’t supportive of the various New York City casino plans.