Wynn NYC Casino Deal Blown by Manhattan Community Board

Posted: January 7, 2025, 02:50 pm.

Last updated: 7 January 2025, 03:06 PM.

The Related Company and Wynn Resorts' plans to bring a casino hotel to Manhattan's Upper West Side suffered a setback when Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) voted unanimously late Monday to reject the zoning changes needed to move the project forward. Voted.

The vote is largely symbolic as MCB4 has no official say in the downstate casino process, but it sends a clear message that the board is prioritizing input from locals, including High Line area residents, and it's about being concerned. Not Excited The development is planned to include significantly fewer residential units than previously planned.

Today's (Monday) 'No' vote creates a generational opportunity to say 'yes' to public-spirited development that creates new housing and jobs, creates true public open space, and protects the High Line Is,” said Alan Van Capel, executive director. Friends of the High Line, in a statement. “And I encourage Related to withdraw its application and join the community-led effort to begin – quickly – to reimagine the site for the public good.”

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) has the final say on the winners of three downstate casino licenses, which are expected to be awarded in late 2025.

Manhattan Community Board vote not surprising

Although largely symbolic, the vote by MCB4 is not surprising as the board had previously made clear that it took issues with the related plan potentially reneging on an earlier agreement with the city that would have provided more housing units. Does.

Last year, Related presented a plan to MCB4 that would be consistent with the 2009 agreement because it included affordable housing, a new school and open space – points the developer has frequently mentioned when discussing the casino proposal.

Members of Friends of the High Line hit out at the tower proposal, claiming that tall buildings would block residents' views of the iconic park of the same name.

Impact of NIMBYism looms large in NYC casino bids

Eleven groups, including the Related/Win Partnership, are competing for three New York City-area casino licenses and many have faced a not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) attitude. In some cases, opposition groups do not object to having a casino in the city – they simply do not want a gaming venue in their neighborhood.

Friends of the High Line has not supported the idea of ​​having a casino in New York, but has made it clear that it does not want Related and Wynn to build such a location on the Upper West Side.

“We are grateful to Community Board 4 for their historic and courageous decision to unconditionally deny Related’s rezoning application,” Van Capel said. “You have listened to this community – including the nearly 6000 supporters of our campaign and the 3500 people who signed a petition asking you to protect the High Line.”