Politicians and Charities Oppose Wynn’s NY Casino Plans

Las Vegas Sands isn’t the only company to face difficulties in relation to its New York casino plans. Politicians representing the West Side of Manhattan have now also opposed Related Cos.’s plans to construct a Wynn-branded casino hotel in the High Line area.

The Property Would Add Gaming to the High Line

The planned property would cost approximately $12 billion to construct and is expected to receive the green light. Should Wynn secure one of the three downstate casino permits, the new property would have three towers, including one named after the operator company.

However, not everyone is on board as some believe that the new property would harm the community. Certain politicians, including Assemblyman Tony Simone, have voiced their opposition to the plan.

Simone is set to be a major challenge to the casino plans as he is set to be one of the six members of the board that will decide the fate of the three downstate casino licenses.  

In any case, Related hopes to reach a mutually agreeable compromise. Its leaders highlighted the fact that they have met with High Line representatives multiple times and have made many meaningful amendments, addressing a variety of concerns.

Why Do People Oppose the New Casino Hotel?

A nonprofit group called Protect the High Line seeks to challenge the plans for a Wynn-branded property, arguing that it would obstruct views and take up place that could be otherwise used for residential housing.

According to Protect the High Line, the charm of the area is in its park space and elevation which allows visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. This argument was echoed by Assemblywoman Deborah Glick who agreed that more towers would negatively impact the area.

The Manhattan Community Board 4, on the other hand, was concerned about the property’s potential negative effect on housing in the area.

As mentioned, the Wynn property is not the only one to face opposition. Locals have also raised various concerns with other casino plans in the city. Some have suggested that new casino properties could cause a spike in gambling problems, while others have cited traffic and housing-related issues as their primary concerns.

In other news, politicians recently criticized the lack of a new tribal gaming compact.