A local community board unanimously rejected a $12bn Wynn Resorts casino in Hudson Yards on Monday. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Big business

The battle for one of three downstate New York casino licenses is at a critical stage, with the state’s gaming regulator set to issue the permits by the end of 2025. Almost a dozen proposals are battling it out, and it appears that the Hudson Yards project is on its final legs.

A key part of the licensing process is getting support from locals. Several projects have faced serious backlash since unveiling their plans, including Steve Cohen’s $8bn project next to the New York Mets’ Citi Field.

wants to build an 80-foot tower overlooking the Hudson River

Wynn Resorts, working with real estate firm Related Companies, proposed building a $12bn casino in the Hudson Yards area of Manhattan and needs permission to rezone the land. It wants to build an 80-foot tower overlooking the Hudson River, as well as a 5.6-acre public park, 1,500 housing units, and a new public school.

Major backlash

While the City Council and city planners in the mayor’s office have the final say on this request, Community Board 4 (CB4) can express its opinion. Members unanimously opposed the zoning change in a Monday night vote.

believes the facility would destroy the neighborhood

Talking to local media, a former member of CB4, Joshua David, said that the casino plans “reek of greed and disregard of the community.” He believes the facility would destroy the neighborhood, saying that people would go to Las Vegas if they wanted to live in an area with mega casino resorts.

Others fear that the tower would cast a shadow over The High Line, an extensive elevated park in the area built on old railway lines.

Fighting its corner

Responding to CB4’s vote on Monday, Related Companies claims the community group is anti-development and has a long track record of preventing beneficial projects from proceeding. The real estate firm is willing to take on board feedback and work with local officials for what it says would be the biggest single investment ever made in the West Side.

Existing slot parlors in Queens and Yonkers are favorites to get two of the three licenses, which leaves just one more for the rest of the parties to fight over.

Four of the downstate license applicants are still seeking zoning changes. The Citi Field and Hudson Yards projects join a Bally’s Corporation casino in The Bronx and a consortium-led plan in Coney Island as those seeking the permissions.