A nonprofit organization named after the well-known park on Manhattan's West Side, The High Line, has initiated the Protect the High Line campaign to oppose plans by Wynn Resorts and Related Companies to construct a casino hotel in that area of NYC. The nonprofit argues that the gaming company and the real estate developer are seeking to overturn a 2009 agreement with the city, which focused on developing more housing and protecting the Western Rail Yards. Under the agreement, Related Cos. had committed to providing between approximately 3,500 to 5,700 units for the Hudson Yards development.

The current casino hotel proposal from Related and Wynn includes the construction of three towers: two designated for commercial use and one for residential purposes, housing just over 1,500 units. One of these towers, spanning three million in square footage, would prominently feature the Wynn logo.

Related Companies and Wynn Resorts proposal

But to proceed with this new development plan, Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts are seeking approval from the City to modify the original 2009 zoning arrangement. They propose significant changes to the zoning regulations for the Western Rail Yards between West 30th and West 33rd Streets and 11th and 12th Avenues. In addition, the application has two likely scenarios - one with a casino and one without.

A statement from the High Line emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding Related's commitment to development should Wynn fail to secure one of the three casino permits expected to be awarded by New York regulators late next year. Many sites proposed for gaming venues in the New York City area lack appeal without a casino, rendering alternative plans as mere formalities to meet regulatory requirements, which may never be realized.

Concerns over development plans

The High Line group has expressed dissatisfaction with both of Related's scenarios. Even without the casino, the nonprofit fears that Related could deliver fewer housing units than originally promised while increasing the size of the skyscrapers, obstructing park views. On the other hand, should the casino be approved, it would be located at the property's north end as part of a wider $12 billion investment by Related. This gaming venue is projected to cover 2.7 million sq. feet, potentially making it larger than Wynn Las Vegas.

Despite these grand plans, the High Line remains unimpressed. The nonprofit does not oppose development per se but advocates for the Western Rail Yards to be developed in a manner that improves upon the 2009 agreement. The executive director of Friends of the High Line, Alan van Capelle, stated, "We have expressed our concerns directly to Related and feel it is critical to broaden the conversation to include all relevant stakeholders and our community so we can all move forward together with a better plan."

Broader opposition to downstate casinos

The opposition faced by Related and Wynn is not new and certainly not unique. Proposed casinos downstate, whether in Times Square, Nassau County, or Queens, are encountering varying degrees of resistance. Specifically, the High Line's formal opposition follows Manhattan Community Board 4's criticism of the companies' plans, particularly the significant reduction in residential units.

Numerous hurdles remain before the West Side project can proceed, each potentially requiring considerable time to address. The proposed rezoning, for one, must undergo the City's Uniform Land Use Review Process, which involves varying levels of review from the public and approval by the City Council. Additionally, the casino component necessitates the awarding of a casino license through a competitive process overseen by the SGC (State Gaming Commission).

As the debate continues, the High Line nonprofit remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that any development in the Western Rail Yards enhances, rather than diminishes, the community's quality of life.