Hudson Yards Casino Plan Clears Key City Hurdle

Summary:

• The City Planning Commission has approved zoning changes for the proposed Hudson Yards West casino project.
• Developers promise billions in MTA funding, housing, park space, and local community benefits.
• Critics want the casino to be scrapped in favor of the original 2009 plan.

The Hudson Yards West project called “Wynn New York City” cleared yet another major hurdle on Wednesday when the City Planning Commission (CPC) voted in favor of important zoning changes that would bring the controversial casino development one step closer to reality on Manhattan’s far West Side.

Overwhelming Vote to Support the Changes

The team behind the proposal, which consists of real estate giants Related Companies and Oxford Properties, along with casino operator Wynn Resorts, said the CPC “overwhelmingly voted” in support of the changes.

The proposed site sits between 11th and 12th Avenues, spanning 30th to 33rd Streets, adjacent to the High Line and the Hudson Yards complex.

While this approval doesn’t guarantee the group a gaming license in New York, it does allow the project to move forward in the competitive selection process.

CPC Chair Dan Garodnick said

While this is a significant proposal before us this morning, the scope of what we’re actually voting on is much narrower. Our vote is on land use actions to allow for this site to compete with other regional applications for a gaming license, and in the alternative, to ensure a site plan that delivers for the public.

Big Promises on the Horizon

Provided the Hudson Yards West project sees the light of day, it is expected to attract a number of important community benefits.
The list includes a commitment to share 1% of gross gaming revenue with local nonprofits in neighborhoods like Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, along with infrastructure upgrades.

One of the biggest financial selling points is the estimated $2.7 billion in revenue for the struggling Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The development is also projected to generate $2.7 billion in revenue for the MTA, providing a much-needed boost for public transit at a time of fiscal uncertainty

In addition to that, organizers say the project will deliver rental payments and taxes tied directly to the MTA’s rail yard property. Jeff Blau, Related Companies’ chief executive officer, emphasized what he sees as the broader impact.

Today marks a critical milestone for Hudson Yards West. Thanks to the collaborative process with City Planning, we are closer than ever to delivering on this historic investment in our community

As expected, however, not everyone is on board. Groups like Friends of the High Line argue the casino does not belong in this space and would stray too far from the original vision.

Alan van Capelle, the group’s executive director

The community has spoken. It’s time for Related to do the right thing.