[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2024/07/22/us-new...ne-experience/

West Side pols oppose Hudson Yards casino they fear would ‘alter’ the High Line ‘experience’


By Carl Campanile
July 22, 2024

Two state legislators representing Manhattan’s West Side are opposing Related Companies/Wynn’s plan to erect a glittering casino in Hudson Yards near the High Line.

“I’ve been clear: I’m philosophically opposed to a casino on the west side of Manhattan. The community has been against it, and unless that changes, I’m a no,” said Assemblyman Tony Simone.

Simone will serve on the six-member local panel whose job will be to vote on whether to recommend the proposed casino to state officials.

Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, who chairs the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, said in a statement provided to The Post, “The High Line is a unique and beloved park intended to get New Yorkers and visitors outside and above the congested streets and sidewalks.

“Any plans that block views from this distinctive vantage point or allow for building closer to the High Line run counter to the High Line Special District and would significantly alter the experience,” she said.

Tourists walking along the High Line, an elevated train line converted to a public park and walkway, would wander directly past the site and could enter the massive resort between West 30th Street and 33rd streets and 11th and 12 avenues.

But backers of the High Line said the proposal would obstruct important and iconic views from the elevated park and walkway.

Related Companies, in a statement Monday, urged elected leaders not to rush to judgement.

“Our proposal to transform the western yards into a massive new park, housing and development that will generate tens of thousands of jobs, billions in new taxes and community investments, has not even been formally submitted yet, so we would hope our government leaders would wait to read it before forming a judgement,” the company said when asked about the political opposition.

“Until then, we will continue to communicate the profound benefits of the plan for the neighborhood and New York.”

I don't understand how these people in the media allow these statements to be made without questioning the logic. Exactly how does a casino that will be located opposite the High Line - a park that winds its way under (and through) multiple buildings one the west side - alter the views? We've known all along that there would be skyscrapers on the western yards, just as we've known that the platform itself will rise above the High Line once it reaches the river side. I understand the NIMBYism, that was expected. But at least give a reasonable excuse. And what are these "iconic" views that would be blocked?