Wynn New York City Casino Proposal Gets Cold Shoulder From Neighborhood Committee

Wynn Resorts has ambitious plans for a casino, entertainment, and housing venue at Hudson Yards, but getting approval from the neighbors will not be easy after the Manhattan Community Board 4 voted 39-0, with one abstaining, against the project.

Committee Votes Against Wynn

There are many battles yet to be fought until the three downstate New York casino licenses are awarded, but as one of 11 proposed projects, Wynn New York recently lost the opening round to disgruntled neighbors in the community where it wants to build an 80-story building that will feature a casino, resort, entertainment complex, K-8 public school, public park, and housing.

The site Wynn is proposing for the $12 billion project lies between 30th and 33rd streets and 11th and 12th avenues. Neighbors are demanding more housing and affordable housing units, which prompted the Manhattan Community Board 4 to vote 39-0 against the ambitious project.

Rare Outright Denial by Community Board

“The last time we voted an outright denial was 1986, so it takes a lot for our community board on the West Side to say we don’t approve it at all,” said Joe Restuccia, who co-chairs Community Board 4’s housing committee.

The neighborhood foundation, Friends of the High Line, describes its mission statement as “engaging New Yorkers and elected officials to ensure the development of the Western Rail Yards protects the iconic nature and experience of the High Line and benefits our neighboring communities.”

Alan van Capelle, the executive director of Friends of the High Line, noted the significant reduction in housing units from an agreement in 2009 made between the mayor and Wynn’s partner, Related Companies, for a maximum of 5,700 units to the current proposal, which now includes only 1,500 units, of which 324 units would be affordable housing. He stated the project’s representatives were “tone deaf” to neighborhood concerns.

“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis, and this plan takes away much-needed housing,” van Capelle said. “There has to be better use for this land that’s owned by the people of New York than what’s being proposed.”

Wynn Remains Undeterred

The overwhelming rejection of Wynn’s Hudson Yards proposal by the Manhattan Community Board 4 is unnerving but by no means signals the death knell of the project. The company will now focus its efforts on convincing Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine that the project will be an economic boon to his community before it goes before a public hearing.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

Natalie Ravitz, a spokesperson for Related, said many community suggestions were “not fiscally feasible to implement” but added that the company welcomed further feedback.

“We are focused on moving forward with local elected officials, who have been committed to pursuing realistic plans that deliver the jobs, housing, and community improvements New York needs today,” Ravitz said.

The project is expected to create 35,000 union construction jobs and require 5,000 permanent union employees once the resort and casino multiplex has been completed. 

Support from Women in Need (WIN)

Christine Quinn, president and CEO of the non-profit Women in Need (WIN), has endorsed Wynn Resorts and Related Companies’ plan, stating, “I am supporting Related and Wynn New York City’s bid for the Hudson Yards because it is the one that most recognizes that the biggest problem facing this city is that of homeless families with children. I am ready for thousands of jobs for homeless moms working with Wynn New York City.”