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By: Hal C Clarke
The proposed $12 billion casino project at Hudson Yards has sparked a fierce battle between construction unions and advocates of the iconic High Line park. As the NY Post reports, the controversy centers on a development plan led by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, which envisions an 80-story skyscraper housing a casino, hotel, offices, and apartments. Local construction workers, eager for the jobs and economic growth the project promises, are gearing up for a “We Build” rally in support of the plan. However, the Friends of the High Line, the nonprofit responsible for the nearby elevated park, have voiced strong opposition, fearing that the towering buildings would cast unwanted shadows on their beloved green space.
According to the NY Post, the Building and Construction Trades Council, led by President Gary LaBarbera, has been vocal in its criticism of the Friends of the High Line. In a fiery letter to union members, LaBarbera accused the group’s leadership of caring more about their views and sunlight than creating career opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers. “It is in fact the elite who serve on the High Line Board that do not want development because they believe their sunlight and view are more important than career opportunities,” LaBarbera declared, urging union members to show up in force at the October 24 rally.
Friends of the High Line, stunned by the union’s criticism, responded by releasing a poll showing that a majority of West Side voters oppose the casino project.
The NY Post reports that 56% of those surveyed disapprove of the zoning changes required for the project to move forward. Concerns are mounting over the impact on the surrounding community, with 70% of respondents stating that the new skyscrapers would harm West Side neighborhoods.
Despite this opposition, LaBarbera is not backing down. In another letter, this time addressed to Friends of the High Line’s Executive Director, Alan van Capelle, he emphasized the need for continuous development in a “vertical city” like New York. “We must continue creating opportunities for our City’s residents, including residents of this community, to earn a middle-class lifestyle,” he stated. LaBarbera called on elected officials to hear the voices of workers and prioritize growth over a few minutes of lost sunlight. According to the NY Post, he firmly believes that a vocal minority should not be allowed to dictate the city’s future.
Van Capelle, however, insists that the Friends of the High Line are not anti-development. Speaking to the NY Post, he clarified that the group supports responsible development of the Western Rail Yards, the site of the proposed casino. Van Capelle contends that Related Companies and Wynn Resorts deviated from their original plans, disregarding community input and the commitments made in 2009 to preserve the integrity of the High Line and the surrounding area. “The Building Trades should be protesting Related for slowing down development with their changes that permanently harm the High Line and the community,” van Capelle told the NY Post.
As the NY Post reports, the Friends of the High Line’s poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling, surveyed 1,298 voters from West Side districts represented by state Sen. Brad Hoylman, City Councilman Erik Bottcher, and Assemblyman Tony Simone. The results show a clear disconnect between local sentiment and the ambitions of the casino developers.
