Wynn New York Casino Plan Draws Politicians’ Rebuke

Posted on: July 22, 2024, 10:19h. 

Last updated on: July 23, 2024, 09:59h.

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

Politicians representing the West Side of Manhattan are voicing opposition to Related Cos.’ development plan for the High Line area, which includes a Wynn Resorts casino hotel.

High Line
Part of the High Line area of New York City. Politicians representing the area are voicing opposition to the Wynn casino plan. (Image: NPR)

The gaming venue is part of a broader $12 billion development plan pitched by Related for the west side of Hudson Yards. It’s expected that if that proposal is allowed to proceed and Wynn wins one of the yet-to-be-awarded downstate casino permits, there would be three towers, including one bearing the gaming company’s name. Some politicians are already opposed to the plan.

Assemblyman Tony Simone (D-District 75) told The New York Post that he’s long opposed the West Side casino effort and unless his constituents change their views on the matter, he expects to remain against it. Simone’s objection to the Related/Wynn plan is noteworthy because he’s slated to be one of the six members of the board that will vote on whether or not to recommend the proposal to the state regulators that will ultimately decide the winners of the three downstate casino licenses.

Criticism of Wynn New York Casino Mounting

Simone’s opposition and that of Assemblywoman Deborah Glick (D-District 66) to the Related/Wynn effort arrived less than two weeks after the High Line, a nonprofit group named after a park on Manhattan’s West Side, officially launched the “Protect the High Line” campaign.

That organization 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.

Much of the allure of the High Line is that it includes park space and elevations that allow visitors to gain picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline. Glick, whose district includes the southern portion of the High Line, said in a statement issued to the Post that she opposes any plan that would obstruct High Line views or diminish the overall experience in the area.

Glick and Simone aren’t the first local lawmakers to express concern about Related’s proposal. Earlier this year, Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) questioned the casino plan while displaying dismay about the possibility that the number of housing units will be slashed.

Related Wants Constructive Dialogue

Local opposition is now a hallmark of nearly all of the most visible New York City-area casino bids. That was likely expected by gaming companies and their real estate partners, but that doesn’t mean it can be ignored. The opposite is true.

The bulk of the downstate casino plans aren’t tenable without the gaming venue component, meaning dialogue between casino aspirants and opposition is essential. That’s what Related is seeking.

“We have met with the High Line 10 times and made meaningful amendments to our proposal in direct response to concerns they raised. It is our hope that as good neighbors, they would discuss any further concerns with us directly in the spirit of that constructive dialogue,” according to a statement issued by the developer.