Related Companies and Wynn Resorts are getting pushback from elected officials that may threaten their High Line casino project.
The West Side’s Assembly members Tony Simone and Deborah Glick both publicly criticized the project, the New York Post reported.
“I’m philosophically opposed to a casino on the west side of Manhattan,” Simone said. “The community has been against it, and unless that changes, I’m a no.” Simone will be included in the six-member local panel voting on whether to recommend the plan to state officials.
Glick, who represents the southern portion of the High Line, did not oppose the plan as emphatically. However, she told the Post she does not support any plans that “block views” or “allow for building closer to the High Line” as it would significantly alter the High Line experience.
Related and Wynn proposed casino plans earlier this year with a $12 billion pitch for Hudson Yards slated to deliver more than 1,500 apartments, a resort hotel, 2 million square feet of office space, a public school and day care.
Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit that advocates for the preservation of the High Line, has been rallying support to oppose the plans. They claim the development would block views of the city and hurt local business.
Manhattan’s Community Board 4 has also complained that Related has not fulfilled its 2009 pledge to build more apartments on the West Side as part of its other Hudson Yards projects, the Post reported.
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Related has defended the project, indicating in a statement on Monday that it “will generate tens of thousands of jobs, billions in new taxes and community investments,” and asking officials not to make decisions before they have seen a formal proposal.
Related and Wynn aren’t alone in facing pushback from elected officials. Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal to build an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field has not passed the state legislature. Both SL Green’s casino plan for Times Square and the Thor Equities and partners proposal for Coney Island in Brooklyn are dealing with land-use issues or community opposition.
There are three downstate casino licenses open for applications in the New York City area. State gaming regulators are expected to award the licenses by the end of next year, each with a minimum state licensing fee of $500 million, according to the Post.
— Christina Previte