Key points:
- Manhattan’s Community Board 4 unanimously rejected a zoning change for the proposed $12bn Hudson Yards casino complex
- The project, by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, faces additional approval hurdles, including from the City Council
- Critics, including The High Line co-founder Joshua David, cited concerns over greed and community impact
Manhattan’s Community Board 4 has unanimously voted against a proposed $12bn casino and entertainment complex in Hudson Yards.
The decision, announced on Monday, represents a key setback for the ambitious project, which is a collaboration between Related Companies and Wynn Resorts.
The proposed development required a zoning change to move forward, with the board’s vote serving as an advisory recommendation under the city’s Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure.
While the community board’s decision is not binding, the project still needs approval from the New York City Council and Mayor Eric Adams' administration.
Critics voiced significant concerns about the impact of the project on the neighbourhood. Joshua David, co-founder of The High Line and a former member of Community Board 4, described the initiative as “reeking of greed and disregard for the community.”
Good to know: The proposal would have positioned the casino complex adjacent to The High Line, a prominent public park and urban attraction
The rejection comes as New York continues to break records in the gaming sector. In October 2024, the state posted its highest-ever sports wagering handle of $2.3bn. Industry giants like FanDuel and DraftKings have benefited from this growth, with FanDuel alone recording $907.6m in handle for the month.
The fate of the Hudson Yards casino remains uncertain, with Related Companies and Wynn Resorts yet to comment on the community board’s decision.
As the proposal progresses through the city’s regulatory framework, further debates are expected over its economic potential versus its community and environmental impacts.
