A committee of a New York community board voted against zoning changes that would allow Related Cos. to proceed with a $12 billion development of the Western Rail Yards at Hudson Yards — a plan that also includes casino hotel to be operated by Wynn Resorts.
Late Wednesday, the Land Use Committee of Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) voted unanimously to turn away zoning changes that would permit a largely commercial development at Hudson Yards. The board has long expressed concern about the project, claiming locals are unlikely to be keen on a gaming venue in their neighborhood.
Potential objections to the Related/Wynn project were heightened when the real estate developer revealed that the $12 billion project would feature just over 1,500 residential units — far less than the 5,762 residences called for in Related’s 2009 agreement with the city.
The committee will soon present a draft of its findings to the full board and while the board’s opinion on the Related/Wynn project is just opinion, it could be taken into consideration by New York regulators that are weighing bids for the three downstate casino licenses that are expected to be awarded in late 2025.
Committee View on Wynn Casino Criticized, Supported
As is the case with nearly all of the downstate casino bids, the Wynn New York plan has its share of detractors and supporters. One of the more vocal groups in the former camp is the Friends of the High Line — an organization seeking to protect the famed New York park of the same name.
Their (MCB4) discussion and vote showed the importance of taking the long view on the great opportunity for public-spirited development on the Western Rail Yards site and adjacent Javits Convention Center parking lot,” said Alan van Capelle, executive director of Friends of the High Line, in a statement. “The High Line is fully committed to participating in a community-informed process to meet the goals articulated by the committee: putting housing first in a thoughtful urban design, while protecting the High Line experience.”
Friends of the High Line argues that Related’s plan to turn the Hudson Yards development more commercial would iconic views of the High Line park, which is possible because as many three towers, one bearing the Wynn name, could be built at the property if the project gets the green light.
Conversely, labor groups made clear to MCB4 that they favor the Related pitch because it could be a massive jobs create and stimulate the local economy. Earlier this year, Related and Wynn said their project would be a boon for the local economy, creating 35K construction jobs and 5,000 permanent union roles should the gaming venue be approved.
Related Looking to Avoid ‘Amazon Two’
Related CEO Jeff Blau attended the committee meeting, telling members not to let opportunity slip away while potentially marking an ominous sequel to New York’s failed effort to procure Amazon’s second headquarters in 2019.
“This is an opportunity to make a big change for New York City, a lifetime change. I’m asking you, let’s not make this Amazon Two,” Blau said at the meeting.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) led the effort to block the Amazon campus, but even members of her own party, including then Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said New York missed out on 25,000 jobs with Amazon deciding against building a second headquarters there.
Those opposed to the Related/Wynn project say casinos will be built in New York City and the jobs will be created — they just don’t want a gaming venue in their neighborhood. Some Wynn investors would like to see the gaming company leverage its brand for expansion in the US with New York viewed as the ideal market for such a move. The operator’s domestic properties are in Las Vegas and Boston.
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