NEW YORK | Casino Development| FT| FLOORS

[NYguy]

https://hellgatenyc.com/phoenix-mead...tead-of-casino

Queens Groups Dare to Ask: What if We Built a Park Without a Casino?
"The full 65 acres of public parkland is what our communities deserve, not little scraps and crumbs."





February 15, 2024

The parking lots around Citi Field are officially public parkland—a fact that has become one of the biggest obstacles to billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plan to build a casino there. The land has never, however, actually been a park.

Now a handful of local groups have a plan to make it one through a rival proposal they’re pushing in hopes of stopping Cohen's $8 billion casino and entertainment complex.

The Phoenix Meadows plan calls for 65 acres of green space, built on top of parking garages that would replace the sprawling lots where Mets fans park their cars.

”It will be used. It will be enjoyed. It will be a very active space that will bring a lot of life to the area," Sarah Ahn of the Flushing Workers Center told Hell Gate. Unlike, she argued, Cohen’s casino.

"It actually sucks up all the economic activity and draws it into the casino, so of course the casino owners make a ton of money," Ahn said. "But it actually blights the areas around it."

Phoenix Meadows was presented at a town hall hosted by State Senator Jessica Ramos last week, where Cohen’s team also outlined a $1 billion community benefits package they are pledging if they get the OK for a gambling operation.

Ramos has a key role in deciding whether Cohen's casino plan lives or dies: For it to move forward, she would have to introduce legislation to remove the City-owned property’s designation as state parkland. In an interview with Hell Gate, Ramos said she is still undecided on whether to do that, but says she’ll make a decision by the end of the state legislative session in June.

Cohen's team agrees that what the area most needs is park space. It was the top demand in a series of public sessions they held before unveiling their plan for the space.

Accordingly, he’s dubbed his proposal "Metropolitan Park," and emphasizes the 20 acres of park space it would create—while barely mentioning that its centerpiece would be a casino.

But opponents say only seven acres of that would be contiguous open space, with the rest made up of small patches of grass scattered throughout the property.

"It’s very clear that the quote unquote park part is very secondary, if you can even say it exists at all," said Zeke Luger of the Flushing Anti-Displacement Alliance. "They know how unpopular a casino is. They’re being very deceptive."

The alternative plan envisions thousands of trees, restored wetlands, ponds to soak up storm water, running and biking paths, sports fields, a public pool, a lawn with waterfront views that could host concerts, and space for food vendors.

"The full 65 acres of public parkland is what our communities deserve, not little scraps and crumbs," Luger said.

The land is adjacent to Flushing Meadows Corona Park—and legally speaking, part of the park, a designation made by Robert Moses to secure the space as parking for his World’s Fair. Though there’s already a large park next door, it draws huge crowds from the low-income neighborhoods nearby and has a fraction of the staff and maintenance budget of other marquee city parks.

"Flushing Meadows Corona Park, when it’s in high use, is packed with people. There’s never enough park space," said Rebecca Pryor, executive director of Guardians of Flushing Bay.

"Giving away parkland is a big deal. And this will set a huge precedent."

What the Phoenix Meadows proposal doesn’t have is an established source of funding, or even an estimate of how much it would cost. Organizers hope to leverage federal green infrastructure money, along with state and city funding.

Cohen, on the other hand, says that’s a key selling point of his own plan: the billions to actually get it done.

"Do you want to leave this as 50 acres of asphalt for the next 81 years?" Cohen’s chief of staff, Michael "Sully" Sullivan, said at the town hall. "Or do you want to try to build something great for all?"

Cohen's promising to spend $480 million to rebuild the 7 train station and make it wheelchair and stroller accessible, and another $320 million on green space, athletic fields, and playgrounds. The casino will come with a "Taste of Queens" food hall, a music venue on the scale of Radio City, a rooftop community garden, and 15,000 union jobs. The developers also plan to kick in $25 million for neighborhood projects including a new health clinic and mental health and addiction services, and $163 million for local priorities to be named later.

There’s a catch, however: If Cohen, who has an estimated net worth of $14 billion, doesn't get a casino, none of it will happen.

"It’s extraordinarily expensive," Sullivan told the crowd, citing the cost of elevating the land before any project can be built because it is located in a flood plain.

"I've been very transparent that without the gaming license, without that economic engine, without that ability to draw people to the area year round, the project isn’t viable," he said. "Not only is it not economically viable, it’s not even close."

Pryor said she doesn’t buy the casino-or-nothing framing. "I think that's a bluff," she said.

Ramos said she appreciated hearing an alternative plan, especially its emphasis on environmental sustainability in an area where heavy rain often causes flooding and sewage overflow into Flushing Bay.

"That has to be one of our main concerns. We’re still dealing with climate change," she told Hell Gate.

Ramos was critical of Cohen's operation—accusing them of "misinformation" and "disingenuous outreach" for marketing that omits references to a casino—but said she is still weighing her concerns against the need for economic development.

[streetscaper]

Originally Posted by NYguy

Order in rank of who I think has the best shot, at least if they could make it past the selection committee to the approval committee:

1- Related, Hudson Yards, Wynn
2- SL Green, Times Square, Caesars
3- Thor, Coney Island, Saratoga, Chickasaw
4- Sands, Long Island
5- Silverstein, Hudson Yards
6- Soloviev, Con Ed
7- Cohen, Flushing Meadows, Hard Rock
8- Ballys, Bronx
9- Resortsworld, Aqueduct
10- MGM, Empire City
11- Saks, Fifth Avenue

I ranked the proposals in that order based on the criteria of the bid, which is 70% based on economic development (development, job growth, economic impact on surrounding businesses). That’s what people who just keep repeating what others have said don’t realize when they say the 2 racinos are the most likely to win a license. If it were simply about getting a license to run, that would make sense. But it’s far more than that.

Why do you rank Related HY above SL Green Times Sq?

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by streetscaper

Why do you rank Related HY above SL Green Times Sq?

-Related's casino proposal is what will kick-start the entire western half of the railyard development. It also ties into the Javits Center with a convention center hotel, both components drawing more business there, something long chased by the state.

-It's close between Times Square and Coney Island, the Vegas and Atlantic City of New York. I give TS a slight edge because first, it's the most obvious place for a casino. But this particular proposal won't be an "insulated" proposal, with it's own restaurants and stores (though it will have a few). It is relying on existing businesses in the area (theaters, restaurants, even hotel rooms) to boost it's bid. The City is always looking to boost the tourism engine, and Times Square is an epicenter of that. Still recovering from the effects of COVID, anything that can cement it further as the epicenter is a plus.

-At the same time, the City has been trying for years to turn Coney Island into a year 'round destination, and recapture some of the glory it once had. The zoning has been put in place for exactly this type of development. It's one of the last, best shots to make it happen. Of the proposals so far, I believe its 350,000 sf gaming floor to be the largest, one of the largest in the country. The operator operates the largest casino in the country, Winstar in Oklahoma. Saratoga Casino and Legends Entertainment (Yankees, Cowboys) are also on board.






-I put the Sands in 4th place, because the local politicians are very eager to make it happen. They will steamroll over the NIMBYs if they have to, which is why it's in court now. But it is part of a larger development of the area. Personally, I think it's a little out of the way to count on tourists. But they are planning to build a HUGE amount of parking for people who will have to drive there.

-I placed Silverstein's bid ahead of the rest just based on location, and special circumstances of the remaining proposals.

-The Con Ed site will face the strongest opposition from even the politicians who would need to support it. Besides that, it's too far removed from transit by Manhattan standards.

And that leaves us with the rest:

-Cohen still doesn't have a site. The state would need to change the parking lot from park land to allow development on site.

-The same would go for Bally's. That site is also removed from transit, and opposition is very strong there.

-The issue with Resorts World and MGM casinos is the reason a lot of people seem to think they would just be granted a license - they already exists. But that's the exact thing that makes them the weakest. Though they would likely hire more people, and could even see a little expansion, they won't be bringing in the numbers the other proposals will. And they are also both isolated, no spillover into surrounding businesses. They can continue to operate as is.

-I put Saks in last, because it's not the type of development the State is looking for. Just some fancy, upscale casino located on the upper floors of the store.

[Busy Bee]

I'm pushing for the Bronx Park entry myself:


___

[NYguy]

https://www.playnj.com/news/joseph-p...s-money/78879/

Lawmaker: Slots At Racetracks Would Help NJ Compete With NY Casinos


Written By David Danzis
February 16, 2024

A New Jersey state senator is pushing for land-based gambling expansion outside of Atlantic City as the prospect of New York City-area casinos draws nearer.

Sen. Joseph Pannacchio, R-Morris, says it is time for NJ to put slot machines at racetracks around the state, including at the Meadowlands, Monmouth Park and Freehold Raceway. The slot machine revenue would be taxed 50% under the proposed legislation, comparable to NY’s tax rate on its racinos (55%).

Pennacchio, a longtime North Jersey lawmaker, says the change will help Atlantic City casinos — who will operate the slot machines — and keep more gambling money in the state.

“We are leaving untapped money on the table,” he said in a prepared statement.

PlayNJ wrote about Pennachhio’s idea last month when the bill was reintroduced. But the lawmaker doubled down on Tuesday, putting out a news release urging support for the cause.

According to the proposal’s text, SCR14 dedicates most of the tax revenue — 60% — to the state’s chronically underfunded public employee pension account. Of the remaining taxes, 30% would go to a consortium of AC casinos, with market size determining operator payouts. Just 7% would go to Atlantic City programs and 3% to the horse racing industry.

A constitutional amendment is required since the senator’s proposal would change the state’s gambling laws. Amendments to the state constitution must be approved via a ballot question.

Pennacchio’s proposal comes at a precarious time for Atlantic City’s nine casinos, with two-thirds failing to match pre-pandemic (2019) revenue performance levels in 2023.

NJ online casinos nearly generated as much annual revenue as AC casinos last year, and sports betting in NJ has all but eliminated the need for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.

But the biggest threat to AC casinos is the Big Apple.

NYC is about to have real casino gambling. NY officials are in the process of issuing three class III gaming licenses within a designated downstate area that includes all five boroughs, Long Island and three surrounding counties.

Pennacchio says NJ needs to put itself in a more competitive position. He has been advocating this legislation for nearly a decade.

“Why does New Jersey continue to sit on the side lines and have New York take advantage of a lucrative market which we should also be engaged in? A racino at the Meadowlands alone would be a game changer for New Jersey taxpayers,” Pennacchio concluded.

Atlantic City casinos have historically opposed any land-based gambling expansion outside the city limits. NJ voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot referendum to permit casinos in North Jersey in 2016. The “Vote No” campaign was heavily funded by AC casino operators, including businessman Morris Bailey, owner of AC’s first casino, Resorts Casino Hotel.

[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2024/02/18/us-new...-empire-state/

NYC casino workers bash bill that would legalize online betting in the Empire State


By Carl Campanile
Feb. 18, 2024

Nearly 700 Queens casino workers are blasting a bill that would legalize online betting in the Empire State – saying it’s an attack on their jobs

Employees at Resorts World casino at Aqueduct signed a letter accusing state Sen. Joe Addabbo, who has been pushing gaming legislation since 2019.

“We find it appalling that you are pushing legislation that would hurt workers like us and our industry in order to benefit a handful of companies who are seeking massive profits at our expense,” said the letter, sent under the letterhead of the influential Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union.

The bottom line, the workers said, is that people betting online won’t visit or spend money at brick-and-mortar casinos.

“When customers come to a racino, VLT [Video Lottery Terminal] parlor, or casino, they support all of our jobs, including cooks, bartenders, servers, maintenance workers, and hotel workers,” the union letter said.

“We know that if, instead, they were to game from their homes, workplaces, or elsewhere, their dollars would go straight into the pockets of gaming companies, rather than to support the livelihoods of thousands of New Yorkers who support the state’s gaming industry,” the workers added.

Bhav Tibrewal, political director of the union, said it’s time to raise the stakes with Addabbo.

“This iGaming proposal undercuts the best thing about casino gaming in New York: permanent, high-quality jobs that New Yorkers can live and retire on, Tibrewal said. “We’ve stated and re-stated our opposition to iGaming to Senator Addabbo and now it’s time for him and other legislators to start hearing it directly from casino workers.”

Addabbo has received 35 campaign contributions totalling $77,100 from iGaming companies and associates including Draft Kings and Fan Duel, campaign records show.

Addaddo defended his I-Gaming bill and said the legalization of online card games — much like mobile sports betting — is “inevitable.” He said surrounding states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut already allow I-Gaming.

“It’s a question of if — not when,” the senator told The Post Sunday, claiming legalizing gaming would generate $800 million to $1 billion a year in revenue.

He also insisted online gaming will increase — not reduce — jobs at brick and-mortar casinos and pointed to studies that back up that stance. He said his legislation would set aside $25 million yearly to protect casino jobs while online dealers would be represented by the union.

“My constituents work there. Why would I cannibalize jobs?” he said.

The pushback comes at a time when Genting, the Malaysian-based owner of Resorts World NY at Aqueduct, is expected to submit a formal bid to win one of three full casino licenses in the downstate region, enabling it to offer live table games as well as VLTs, or electronic gaming devices.

When it opened more than a decade ago, Resorts World NY at Aqueduct envisioned expanding its operations to include table games. It has already opened a hotel to accommodate players.

[NYguy]

Related’s casino site plan…








More here…
https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=216956

[Busy Bee]

I'm in no way saying I prefer this casino proposal over Times Square or Coney Island but I wonder if they would fund a direct escalator with fare control into the mezzanine of the 34 St-Hudson Yds subway station. That would be very convenient for patrons to not have to exit to the east and then walk back above ground to the complex.

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

I'm in no way saying I prefer this casino proposal over Times Square or Coney Island but I wonder if they would fund a direct escalator with fare control into the mezzanine of the 34 St-Hudson Yds subway station.
That would be very convenient for patrons to not have to exit to the east and then walk back above ground to the complex.

Maybe not over the railyards, where it wouldn't be feasible, but the block north or even the Javits.



https://www.archdaily.com/895870/num...ective-section











https://www.alamy.com/trains-in-long...235283244.html

[Busy Bee]

^Of course. I meant where the current parking lot area is just below 33 St but north of the yard. Basically just envision another escalator cavern on the west side of the mezzanine in line with the current south escalator.

[mrnyc]

hy would be best for manhattan because it will get the stalled out western yards developed, plus its an amenity for the javits and another bonus is this vice factory is set out of the way, so no complaints.

ts would be the most popular though.

it can’t be both, so its a tough call.

and this assuming the con ed site is not getting one.

athough gambling and world politics would make for an interesting mix.

[mrnyc]

via hoylman email today —


Join Our Town Hall on Casinos

Up to three casinos could open in New York City in the coming years and five casino proposals are being discussed in Manhattan. There are pros, including potential union jobs and additional state revenue, and cons that are associated with the negative externalities of casinos located in communities. Tomorrow, Thursday, February 22 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, join Senator Krueger, me and other Manhattan colleagues for an online town hall on the Impact of Casinos on Urban Communities. We’ll hear from the experts about the casino siting process in New York City, the fiscal and economic impacts of gaming institutions, and their impact on individuals, businesses, and the surrounding community. If you plan to attend please register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...QMcuw/viewform

[DCReid]

Originally Posted by mrnyc

hy would be best for manhattan because it will get the stalled out western yards developed, plus its an amenity for the javits and another bonus is this vice factory is set out of the way, so no complaints.

ts would be the most popular though.

it can’t be both, so its a tough call.

and this assuming the con ed site is not getting one.

athough gambling and world politics would make for an interesting mix.

I think HY will move forward even if the casino does not go there given the relative success of the first phase, especially the offices. I bet Coney Island needs it the most to jump start the re-development, and I wonder if Times Square or Silverstein's site would possibly jump start the re-development of the Port bus terminal area. I would be shocked if the Con Ed is chosen as I think even the UN would have concerns about a casino close to their headquarters.

[streetscaper]

Times Square would get the most visitors and thus the most money for the city year after year. I don't see how that doesn't win according to the criteria

[NYguy]

Times Square and Hudson Yards are the 2 most obvious locations in Manhattan. The railyard site is the only place in Manhattan, other that the Con Ed site on the east side, where you can build the type of large, ground up casino complex the big boys would want to build in the city. The east side site just doesn't make any sense.


Meanwhile, battles continue on several fronts...




https://www.casino.org/news/sands-na...legal-setback/

Sands New York Casino Effort Suffers Legal Setback





February 25, 2024
Todd Shriber

Las Vegas Sands’ plans to bring a casino hotel to the site of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY may have been dealt a setback last Friday when New York State Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor reiterated her previous ruling invalidating the lease transfer agreement between the county and the gaming company.

Last November, Kapoor ruled that the lease transfer violated New York’s open meeting laws and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process. Just days after that decision, a New York appellate court ruled the lease transfer could proceed until an appeal was heard. That opened the door for the town of Hempstead to proceed with an environmental review for the casino project, for which it held two public comment sessions in January.

“Say NO to the Casino,” which has opposed the gaming project from the start, believes Kapoor’s Feb. 23 ruling wasn’t necessary and claims Nassau County and Sands purposefully flouted the judge’s November decision.

"Now, we want answers. The residents of Nassau County have a right to know why County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the County Legislature, and LVS would continue to flagrantly ignore Judge Kapoor’s November ruling, proceed with the process as if LVS retained land control, and push the Town of Hempstead to begin the SEQRA process,” said the group in a statement.

Should it procure one of the three downstate casino licenses New York regulators are expected to award, LVS plans to build a $6 billion integrated resort at the Coliseum site.

Kapoor’s latest ruling adds to the controversy surrounding the effort by Nassau County and Sands to transform the Coliseum into a venue that creates job and bolsters tax receipts for the county and the state.

Nearby Hofstra University is widely viewed as the architect of the anti-casino effort and was the plaintiff in the original suit against the county — the case on which Kapoor ruled last week and in November. The college and other opposition groups know that the longer the county and Sands have to contend with legal battles, the longer the odds are that Nassau County will eventually be home to a casino.

It’s possible that if Sands and Nassau County come into compliance with open meeting laws and the SEQRA process, they can move forward.

In the meantime, “Say NO to the Casino” is demanding that the Coliseum lease be returned to the previous holder.

“We want reassurances that control of the Nassau HUB land and coliseum operations have been returned to Nassau Live Center,” added the opposition group. “We want affirmation that the Town of Hempstead will pause the SEQRA process given that the judge ordered SEQRA to be managed by the county. The Nassau HUB is taxpayer-owned land, our elected officials should start treating it as such. If our elected officials and LVS were willing to brazenly ignore the law during the lease transfer process, what other laws and rules are they willing to break?”

[NYguy]

• Video Link

[NYguy]

https://www.citylandnyc.org/city-pla...ext-amendment/

City Planning Holds Public Hearing for Casino Text Amendment


February 28, 2024

On February 7, 2024, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for the proposed Gaming Facility Text Amendment. The text amendment would create a framework within the Zoning Text that would allow for the possible creation of up to three casinos citywide.

.....Before the State’s Gaming Facility Location Board can issue a casino license, applicants must receive approval from a local Community Advisory Committee and navigate the local zoning process. For New York City projects, that six-person Community Advisory Committee consists of the Governor, the Mayor, and the applicable State Senator, Assemblymember, Borough President, and City Council Member. This committee would need to hold public meetings and must approve the project by a two-thirds vote for the project to move forward.

Currently, the Zoning Text does not have a framework that deals with casino siting review. This application would create a permitted use for gaming facilities in certain commercial and manufacturing districts. These gaming facilities may also include related non-gaming uses like transient hotels, eating or drinking establishments, or other amenities. Proposed casinos would then have to go through the State’s review process between the Gaming Facility Location Board and Community Advisory Committee instead of a ULURP public review. Casinos that were approved through that state review process would be permitted to operate under the proposed change to the zoning text. The zoning text amendment only applies for the three potential licenses that are up for grabs, and will not include any future gaming licenses that the State legislature may approve.

There are currently several proposed sites for future casinos, including five in Midtown Manhattan, one in Coney Island, one at Willets Point in Queens, and one in the Ferry Point area of the Bronx. There is also a proposal to expand the Resort World New York City Casino in Ozone Park to allow for live gambling; currently, all the table games at this racino are automated. The approval of this zoning text amendment would not be an approval of any particular site, but would open the door for these proposals to move forward for the State review process.

At the City Planning Commission’s review session, Commissioners expressed concerns about the negative effects gaming facilities may have on local communities, and that the amendment may allow hotels of any size to dodge the current special permit approval process as the hotel size would be determined and approved by the Community Advisory Committee.

Community boards were split on the amendment; notably, Manhattan Community Board 5, Bronx Community Board 10, and Brooklyn Community Board 13, all who have proposed casino sites in their districts, voted against the amendment. The Borough Presidents of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn all voted in favor or conditionally favorable for the amendment.

Despite the controversy surrounding the proposal, there were only a few people that testified at the public hearing, and no one that testified at the hearing against the proposed amendment.

https://www.archpaper.com/2024/02/an...oogle_vignette

AN sits down with Bjarke Ingels to learn about his plans for the Museum of Freedom and Democracy





By Daniel Roche
February 28, 2024

AN: What does it mean to you to design a Museum of Freedom and Democracy? Can you walk me through the design?

Bjarke Ingels (BI): First of all, it’s an incredible honor and privilege. It’s a daunting task to build such a building on such a prominent place in Manhattan, right next to the United Nations.

The Museum of Freedom and Democracy will be designed like an urban agora. It will provide a journey through different cultural, political, and organizational milestones that have led to the formation, and evolution of democracy. Our goal is to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the actual artifacts that are somehow associated with the stepping stones that led to the formation of democracy as it exists today.

AN: What precedents did you use when designing the Museum of Freedom and Democracy? Where did you find inspiration?

BI: We looked at American architecture and experiential design. For the overall building, we tried to give it an almost sort of universal, symbolic form that represents coming together, or assembly. In Scandinavian countries, a lot of the first assembly spaces were where people came together to make decisions for the people and the region. This was before the formation of nation states. The architecture was this sort of circular organization made of stone where everyone would meet in a circle for gathering. We were looking at these spaces.

Then of course we looked at the Agora and amphitheaters in ancient Greece. Our design echoes ancient Greek heritage. So in that sense, the Museum of Freedom and Democracy has two main elements: It’s a circle of stone that creates a museum experience in the form of a loop within, but it also has this kind of iconic backdrop with archetypal elements that symbolize coming together and congregation.

AN: The agora is a very powerful symbol.

BI: Yeah. So for the Museum of Democracy and Freedom, we’re thinking of using Greek marble, a material synonymous with the cradle of democracy.

AN: Is it difficult designing so close to the UN?

BI: To that question, I can say maybe two things. I mean, the United Nations is a restricted place because of the safety and security requirements of the public dignitaries, officials, and politicians who go there. Even though it is a public space with public buildings, it’s very restricted. So what we could do was try to make a genuinely public space that’s an extension of the city out to the water’s edge, which invites in the local community.

Second, if there’s one thing that really characterizes New York, it’s that within the relatively limited acreage of Manhattan’s bedrock, there’s an incredible diversity of activities, functions, and programs that exist. It’s the diversity of activities and places where people live, like event spaces, and museums, plazas, and boardrooms, that makes it vibrant.

We decided to place the gambling underneath the programmatic diversity that the park and Museum of Freedom and Democracy above affords us. It’s the gambling that allows us to actually make such a big public destination on such a valuable site.

AN: So the Museum of Democracy and Freedom will be on top of the casino?

BI: Yes. The spaces for gambling are submerged, so in a very literal way, gambling becomes the site’s economic foundation and also the actual foundation for all these spaces where people will go and live.

AN: Can you talk about how the towers at Freedom Plaza will respond to the UN Headquarters? And how they’ll compliment the East River’s skyline?

BI: First and foremost, the site we’re working with spans the equivalent of three city blocks. So I think in a very similar way to how the UN’s original architects—Le Corbusier, Wallace Harrison, and Oscar Niemeyer—laid out the United Nations Headquarters, we are also creating a series of blocks to build an open space on the East River. You can think of it as a modernist pocket park.

On the East River, the UN created this kind of island of modernism, as an almost international home for the global community on the isle of Manhattan. I think, in some ways, because we actually have three blocks, and because of the elevation change, and of course the presence of FDR Drive below, we actually have a chance to unite those three blocks and create a Freedom Plaza of five acres of public open space with grass and trees. This will connect the city to the water’s edge and create a new public face for the city.

The hotels, condos, and affordable housing are set at two corners: The homes are to the south and the hotels will face the plaza for the community that supports daily life in the neighborhood. The two hotels are designed to create almost like a gateway that face the United Nations. They become an entrance on top of the landscape which leads to Freedom Plaza. Everything will be stone, and landscaping elements will grow out of the bedrock. And then you have the major buildings, the residential and hotel towers, on the corners. We’re thinking of the towers as siblings to the UN that compliment the headquarters in their linear articulation that bends. We plan to use different shades of metal: a cooler one for the residences and a warmer tone for the hotels. They’re similar in nature but have variations.


AN: What challenges have you faced on this project?

BI: In the spirit of the United Nations, both the challenge and joys of this project have been how it will be home to so many different programs and activities. The collaboration we’ve had with Soloviev and Mohegan has been amazing.

As architects and planners, we have been the custodians of this process. I think everyone has really understood the synergistic benefits of allowing each activity to have its ideal placements. In that sense, we’ve been able to create almost five acres of public, open, green space because everybody understood that it’s important for this site to have a public character and generosity that brings the life of the city to the water’s edge.

Everyone at the table has had an understanding and desire to think about the whole and what works best for the city and its communities. Sometimes this means giving up a piece of the pie in order to create a greater whole.

[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2024/02/28/us-new...uct-racetrack/

7,000-seat concert hall planned as part of Resorts World casino expansion at NYC’s Aqueduct Racetrack






By Carl Campanile
Feb. 28, 2024

A plan for a concert hall at New York City’s only casino could bring superstar acts such as Katie Perry and Enrique Iglesias to Queens.

The Resorts World slots parlor at Aqueduct race track is unveiling a plan Thursday in hopes of securing one of three downstate casino licenses to offer table games such as blackjack, baccarat, poker and craps.

In addition to the table games, the expansion plan includes a snazzy 7,000-seat entertainment venue to host global superstars.

The casino already has a Las Vegas venue, Resorts World Theater, which is currently hosting a residency by the country songstress Carrie Underwood.

The Vegas theater has also featured performances by Luke Bryant, Jake Worthington, Tiesto and Ludacris. Comedians D.L. Hughley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Theo Von have appeared there as well.

The development plan is projected to create 10,000 mostly union construction and permanent service jobs combined.

The casino giant is putting up $50 million to cover start-up costs for a Genting Innovation Campus, which includes a sports academy named in honor of Queens hoops legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith, who won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets.

“Resorts World came to me with a clear goal of fostering tomorrow’s athletes, student athletes and leaders both on and off the court,” Smith, the LeFrak City native and Archbishop Molloy alum said in a statement provided to The Post.

“Their investment in this Academy will help us teach the next generation the nuances of the game on and off the court, as well as the social, economic, and cultural impact of sports. I’m thrilled to partner with them to improve the borough that raised me and take it to the next level,” he added.

The Queens racino has invested $1.1 billion into its current facility at Aqueduct Racetrack, from initial construction to the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport, which opened in 2021 and delivered the first four-star hotel to the area in generations.

Further details will be announced at a Thursday press conference that will be attended by A-list entertainers with roots in Queens as well as a celebrity chef who will be brought in to guide food service at the gaming facility.

[NYguy]

A few more details on that…


https://www.casino.org/news/resorts-...-license-plan/

The proposal includes 1,600 new hotel rooms, 30 new restaurant and drinking concepts, the 7,000-seat concert venue, and 3,000 units of employee housing offered at affordable rates.

The casino would balloon to 350,000 square feet. A 50-acre outdoor park was also detailed in Thursday’s project revelation.

https://commercialobserver.com/2024/...gaming-permit/

Resorts World New York City and rap icon Nas unveiled a $5 billion redevelopment of the only casino in the five boroughs on Thursday, which executives said will reshape the southeast Queens neighborhood in which it sits.

Resorts World partnered with Queens native Nas to boost its casino bid. Meanwhile, SL Green Realty and Ceasars Entertainment tapped Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for its push to build a casino in Times Square.

Jay-Z and Nas had a long-simmering feud starting in the mid-90s, with the two trading barbs on several songs throughout the years, most notably Jay-Z’s “Takeover” and Nas’ “Ether.” The two seemingly put the beef to bed in 2005 when Nas joined Jay-Z on stage, according to Highsnobiety.

[NYguy]

I'm glad we're at least getting to see some renderings, and learn new details about these proposals as the state drags its feet.

More renderings from the Resorts World Aqueduct proposal...