A statement from Wynn Resorts said: “The recent rezoning process has made it clear to us that there are uses for our capital more accretive to our shareholders, such as investment in our existing and developments and stock buybacks, than investing in an area in which we, or any casino operator, will face years of persistent opposition despite our willingness to employ 5,000 New Yorkers.”
New York City’s Planning Commission (C) had “overwhelmingly voted” in favour of planning modifications needed to allow the existing Western Railyards at Hudson Yards to be redeveloped into a casino resort.
However, opposition from Community Board 4, which represents the Hudson Yards neighborhood, was also overwhelming. It voted unanimously against approving a change in zoning to allow the project to move forward. Whilst just advisory, the vote of no confidence is a concern for the developers.
In a letter to City Planning Director Dan Garodnick, Community Board 4, highlighted “catastrophic traffic and air quality impacts on our neighborhoods. This proposal simply isn’t a fit for this site,” it said.
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher said: “This casino proposal did not meet the high bar of community that such a consequential project demands.”
Related Companies/Oxford Properties Group and Wynn Resorts required the zoning changes to proceed with its plans to develop the US$12bn Wynn New York City at Hudson Yards West on top of the undeveloped western rail yards. The project was bluntly criticised and rejected unanimously by Community Board 4 during January 2025, which represents the Hudson Yards neighborhood in Manhattan.
Source: G3 Newswire
