Las Vegas Sands isn’t the only high roller encountering adversity on the path to setting up shop in New York’s competitive casino landscape. Now, amidst the glittering lights and towering ambitions, politicians representing the West Side of Manhattan have placed their bets against Related Cos.‘ intentions to build a Wynn-branded casino hotel in the iconic High Line district.
The Property Would Add Gaming to the High Line
Picture this: a gaming paradise glistening at a cool $12 billion price tag, transforming the High Line into a hub of excitement and opulence. The ambitious plan envisions three stunning towers, including one proudly carrying the Wynn name, should Wynn clinch one of the coveted downstate casino permits. This is not just a gamble—it’s a full-on showdown.
However, not all cards are on the table. In a twist worthy of the best poker bluff, not everyone is sold on this vision. Dissent is brewing, with some insiders arguing that this new casino would deal a bad hand to the community. Assemblyman Tony Simone stands front and center, ready to challenge the bet. With a seat on the six-member board that will decide the fate of the downstate casino licenses, Simone’s opposition is a high-stakes game in itself.
Yet, Related remains optimistic, striving for that elusive winning compromise. They’ve been engaging in dialogues with High Line representatives, tweaking their plans like seasoned card sharks, aiming to address various community concerns without tipping their hand too much.
Why Do People Oppose the New Casino Hotel?
Enter the non-profit watchdog, Protect the High Line, doubling down against the casino plan. Their argument? The Wynn-branded behemoth would overshadow the area’s scenic allure, much like an unwelcome card shark overshadowing a quiet poker table. They insist the space could be better dealt to residential housing, enhancing the community’s appeal rather than detracting from it.
Protect the High Line presses their point, underscoring the area’s charm in its expansive park space and elevation—attributes that offer unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick shares this sentiment, worrying that additional towers would cast a shadow over this urban gem.
Meanwhile, the Manhattan Community Board 4 voices their concern over the potential housing impact. They, too, are wary of the hand they’re being dealt with this new property.
However, the Wynn project isn’t the only one facing the community’s skepticism. Locals have cast a critical eye on other casino ventures sprouting across the city. Concerns range from an uptick in gambling addiction—a jackpot nobody wants to hit—to traffic congestion and housing shortages, compounding the odds against smooth sailing for these developments.
On a related note, politicians recently drew attention to the absence of a new tribal gaming compact, a side pot in this high-stakes game indicating unresolved gaming issues beyond the bright lights of Manhattan.
In the ever-shifting deck of New York’s casino battles, the stakes are high and the players determined. All we can do is watch and wait to see how these cards will fall.
