By: Hal C Clarke

Two state legislators from Manhattan’s West Side have expressed strong opposition to the Related Companies and Wynn Resorts’ plan to build a casino in Hudson Yards near the High Line. This proposed $12 billion project would feature an 80-story tower with a casino and hotel, alongside office buildings, apartment towers, and a 5.6-acre park, according to a report in The New York Post.

Assemblyman Tony Simone, who represents the area, voiced his opposition, saying, “I’ve been clear: I’m philosophically opposed to a casino on the west side of Manhattan. The community has been against it, and unless that changes, I’m a no.” Simone is set to serve on a six-member local panel that will vote on whether to recommend the proposed casino to state officials. His stance reflects significant community resistance to the project, which many believe will disrupt the character of the neighborhood.

Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, chair of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, also opposes the plan. In a statement to The Post, Glick emphasized the High Line’s unique value, saying, “The High Line is a unique and beloved park intended to get New Yorkers and visitors outside and above the congested streets and sidewalks. Any plans that block views from this distinctive vantage point or allow for building closer to the High Line run counter to the High Line Special District and would significantly alter the experience.” Glick represents the southern portion of the High Line and is concerned about the visual and environmental impacts the casino complex might have.

The High Line is an elevated park and walkway created from a former train line, offering iconic views and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Advocates for the park argue that the new development would obstruct these views and alter the experience of visitors.

Despite these objections, Related Companies urged elected officials not to rush to judgment. The company stated, “Our proposal to transform the western yards into a massive new park, housing and development that will generate tens of thousands of jobs, billions in new taxes, and community investments, has not even been formally submitted yet, so we would hope our government leaders would wait to read it before forming a judgment.” They emphasized the potential economic benefits and pledged to address community concerns. Related Companies claimed to have met with representatives of the High Line ten times, making amendments to their proposal based on feedback. “It is our hope that as good neighbors, they would discuss any further concerns with us directly in the spirit of that constructive dialogue,” they added.

Manhattan’s Community Board 4 has also raised objections, noting that the developer has not yet fulfilled its 2009 promise to build more apartments on the West Side as part of its previous Hudson Yards projects. This unfulfilled commitment has fueled skepticism about the new casino proposal.

State gaming regulators are expected to award these licenses by the end of next year.

Other proposals face their own challenges. For instance, Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plan with Hard Rock for an $8 billion casino complex near Citi Field requires a change in state law, which has not yet been passed. Additionally, other casino bidders are contending with land-use issues and community opposition, including the SL Green/Caesars Entertainment plan for Times Square and Thor Equities’ proposal for Coney Island in Brooklyn.