“Vegas on the Hudson”?

A public hearing is scheduled next week for West Siders to discuss development plans for the 14-acre Pier 40 at West Houston Street. The Related Companies has proposed a $600 million overhaul of the site that will include a year-round home for Cirque de Soleil. Some opponents of Related’s plan say it will transform the pier–which is currently comprised of soccer fields and parking lots–into “Vegas on the Hudson.” The other development plan being considered for the site was proposed by the Camp Group, and it involves building a recreational and education facility. more [Sun]