Trade Group Supporting Wynn Resorts’ NY Casino To Hold Rally

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 24, 2024

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The controversy surrounding the proposed Wynn Resorts-operated hotel and casino project in New York City is heating up as both supporters and opponents prepare for the next phase of the battle. Supporters of the project are planning to show their support through a public rally.

The $12 billion project, planned for the Hudson Yards area, is being developed by Related Companies in partnership with Wynn Resorts. However, the project faces significant opposition from local community groups.

To counter that opposition, on October 24, Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, will lead a rally in support of the casino development. The “We Build” rally is intended to demonstrate union backing for the project and emphasize the potential job creation and economic benefits it could bring to the city.

LaBarbera, representing New York’s building and construction trades unions, has been a vocal advocate for the development, arguing that it will provide much-needed employment opportunities for the city’s construction workers.

The rally is a response to growing opposition from local community group “Friends of the High Line.” This nonprofit organization is concerned that the development will negatively impact the views and aesthetic appeal of High Line Park, a popular urban park built on a historic rail line that runs through the Hudson Yards area. The group fears that the proposed skyscrapers and casino would disrupt the park’s scenic urban vistas, which are a key attraction for visitors.

In a public letter, LaBarbera criticized “Friends of the High Line” for attempting to block the project, accusing the group of disregarding the economic benefits and job opportunities the development would bring to the city. He emphasized the project’s potential to improve the quality of life for thousands of union workers and their families, while also contributing to the economic recovery of New York City.

However, opposition to the project appears to have public support. A recent poll commissioned by “Friends of the High Line” revealed that 53% of respondents said they would be less likely to support their local elected officials if they backed the casino development. Additionally, 70% of those surveyed expressed concerns that the massive 6-million-square-foot project, which includes the casino and three skyscrapers, would harm the nearby West Side communities, including Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

Even with backing from the construction unions, the Wynn New York City casino faces significant hurdles. The project would require zoning changes to move forward, and Wynn Resorts would need to secure one of the three coveted downstate casino licenses permitted by New York state law.

The law allows for the construction of three brick-and-mortar casinos in and around New York City, and competition for these licenses is fierce. So far, 11 major casino operators, including Bally’s, Caesars, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock, and Las Vegas Sands, have submitted proposals for locations ranging from Times Square to Long Island and the Bronx.

These proposals must include zoning changes and environmental impact studies to meet the city’s stringent requirements. In addition, the project will undergo the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which will subject it to intense scrutiny from the Manhattan Borough President, the City Council, and local community boards, including Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4).

With the downstate casino licensing process not expected to conclude until late 2025, it remains unclear whether the Wynn project will come to fruition. If approved, the development could position New York as a major player in the US gaming industry, drawing not only local residents but also tourists from across the country and nearby states. Full-scale casinos in the New York City metropolitan area would transform the region into a gaming and entertainment destination, potentially rivaling established hubs like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Despite the opposition, proponents believe the Wynn casino project offers a unique opportunity to boost New York’s economy, generate significant revenue, and enhance the city’s reputation as a world-class destination for gaming, luxury accommodations, and entertainment. The next steps in this high-stakes battle will be closely watched by all sides as the city navigates the complex approval process.