Protect the High Line, a group dedicated to preserving the West Side Manhattan neighborhood, has announced that a significant majority of local residents are against a plan by Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts to develop a casino hotel in the area. According to a September survey conducted by Public Policy Polling, fewer than 25% of West Siders support Related’s proposed $12 billion expansion of Hudson Rail Yards, which could include a Wynn casino if approved.
The opposition group cited the survey, stating that “56% of respondents oppose the proposed zoning changes that would allow for the Hudson Yards expansion over the Western Rail Yards, compared to only 24% in favor. Furthermore, 70% agree that the proposed skyscrapers and casino next to the northern part of the High Line would harm neighboring West Side communities.” The poll included the responses of 1,300 residents in and around the High Line neighborhood.TRUSTED PARTNER ✅ In 2009, Related struck an agreement with the city to build between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units in the Western Rail Yards. However, their latest proposal, which includes the Wynn gaming venue, plans for only 1,500 residences. Protect the High Line argues that this represents a significant departure from the 2009 agreement, leading to obstructed views and a drastic reduction in the expected number of housing units. This deviation has not only sparked criticism from local politicians but also mobilized more opposition groups.
More than 3,000 local residents have already joined the Protect the High Line campaign. Sally Greenspan, president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA), expressed concerns about the drastic reduction in housing units. This sentiment is echoed by political representatives of the High Line and surrounding areas, further amplifying opposition to the Related/Wynn plan.
The controversy isn’t confined to the Related/Wynn proposal; opposition to New York City-area casino plans is common among the dozen contenders vying for the three downstate licenses that have yet to be awarded. Local politicians and community leaders, particularly in heavily Democratic areas like the High Line, are attuned to their constituents’ concerns. Protect the High Line noted that the polling “shows widespread discontent, particularly among Democratic voters, who oppose the rezoning changes by 57% to 22%.”
Complicating the issue is the upcoming 2025 mayoral election. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (D) is expected to seek another term but is likely to face primary challengers from within his party. Some of these potential contenders are not supportive of various New York City casino plans, adding another layer of political complexity to the issue.
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