Community Resistance to Proposed Wynn Casino in Manhattan’s High Line Neighborhood
Posted on: October 21, 2024, 02:06h
Last updated on: October 21, 2024, 02:14h
A significant community outcry is brewing over a proposed casino development in Manhattan’s High Line neighborhood. The group known as Protect the High Line has voiced strong opposition against a plan by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts to build a luxury casino hotel in the area, citing overwhelming local resistance.
Survey Results Highlight Local Opposition
According to a September survey conducted by Public Policy Polling, a mere 25% of residents in the West Side neighborhood support Related’s ambitious $12 billion expansion of Hudson Rail Yards. If approved, this project would potentially integrate a Wynn casino into the fabric of the area. The survey concluded that 56% of residents oppose the zoning changes necessary for the development, while approximately 70% believe that the addition of high-rise buildings and a casino next to the popular High Line park would negatively impact the surrounding community.
Community Voices Amplified
"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," stated Protect the High Line. This opposition is further solidified by the survey’s findings that a significant majority of locals feel risking the integrity of their neighborhood for this development is unjustifiable.
The poll, which surveyed 1,300 individuals living in and around the High Line area, underscores a broad consensus against the casino project. With such a substantial portion of the community voicing dissent, the pushback against Related and Wynn is gaining momentum.
The 2009 Agreement Cast in Shadow
At the center of the controversy is a 2009 agreement between Related and the city, in which the developer committed to constructing between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units in the area. The current proposal, however, drastically reduces this number to just 1,500 residences, raising alarms among residents and local leaders alike.
Protect the High Line asserts that the casino’s construction would not only breach the original agreement but also lead to obstructed views and a significant decrease in the potential housing available to the community. The proposed alterations have prompted a wave of criticism from elected officials and community activists.
Local Leadership Reacts
Local leaders, including Sally Greenspan, president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA), have expressed grave concerns over the proposed plan’s implications for local housing availability. "More than 3,000 local residents have already joined the Protect the High Line campaign," according to the group. Such collective action indicates a growing awareness and mobilization against the casino development, further fueling community resistance.
Wider Casino Opposition in New York
The opposition against the Related and Wynn project isn’t isolated; it reflects a broader trend of skepticism towards casino developments in New York City. The quest for the three still-unawarded downstate casino licenses has stirred significant discontent among various neighborhoods, not just in the High Line area. This general unease suggests that the concerns surrounding the proposed Wynn casino resonate beyond just local interests.
Political Nuances in the Casino Debate
The political ramifications of the project complicate matters further. Many politicians from the High Line’s Democratic stronghold have openly condemned the Related/Wynn proposal, aligning themselves with the sentiments of their constituents. The polling data reflects that discontent runs particularly deep among Democratic voters, with a stated opposition rate of 57% to 22%.
Election Year Dynamics
With the upcoming 2025 mayoral election approaching, this issue carries added weight. Mayor Eric Adams, who is expected to run for re-election, might face challenges from within his party’s ranks, especially from candidates who are critical of the city’s casino plans. This political landscape may further shape the dialogue surrounding the proposed casino, as local leaders weigh the potential ramifications of pursuing such a contentious project.
Conclusion: Community vs. Development
As Protect the High Line and local residents rally against the proposed casino, the future of the High Line neighborhood hangs in the balance. With widespread opposition evident in the community and political figures increasingly vocal in their dissent, it remains to be seen how Related Companies and Wynn Resorts will respond to this growing resistance. The question now is whether community voices will resonate sufficiently to preserve the character and integrity of one of New York City’s cherished neighborhoods or if corporate interests will prevail. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the power of local residents in shaping their urban environment.
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