[NYguy]

https://w42st.com/post/newsletter/%F...well-at-rudys/

Hudson Yards Casino Support


by Phil O'Brien
October 25, 2024

Tensions are rising over Hudson Yards’ casino proposal, as unions rallied on Thursday afternoon in support of the $12 billion project — while opponents released survey data revealing strong local opposition, citing obstructed views from the High Line and community concerns.

Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera and hundreds of union workers gathered outside the High Line’s main offices at 18th Street yesterday afternoon (Thursday) to voice their support of Related Company and Wynn Resort’s six million square foot development proposal.

“This is about your future,” LaBarbera told the crowd. “This city must continue to develop. If it does not develop, you don’t have a future.”

Related and Wynn’s proposed casino complex features an 80-story tower housing a gaming facility, hotel and retail spaces on top of the Western Rail Yards (bw W31/33rd St and 11/12th Ave), next to office and residential buildings and a 5.6-acre park, comparable in size to Bryant Park. It’s also won the favor of former West Side Council Member and Women In Need Executive Director Christine Quinn.

Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) has expressed strong opposition to Related’s plans submitted earlier this year, which are a far cry from the largely residential plan agreed upon in 2009. Originally, the site included 5,762 housing units (and no casino) — down to 1,507 in the updated proposal.

A campaign titled Protect The High Line, led by Friends of the High Line Executive Director Alan Van Capelle, opposes Related’s current proposal while supporting the 2009 plan, due to concerns that it would jeopardize iconic views of the NYC skyline from the park, 20% of which is located in the Western Rail Yards.