Key points:
- New York's City Planning Commission has approved a rezoning plan in Hudson Yards’ Western Rail Yards
- The space will now include a large commercial space, which could host a casino
- It was emphasised that the approval of the rezoning plan does not guarantee the construction of a casino
Hudson Yards’ Western Rail Yards, a real-estate space in Manhattan, New York, has had a rezoning plan approved by the City Planning Commission in a 9-4 vote.
The vote will see homes cast aside for further commercial space and a potential casino – the licences for which have been a continuous battle in the state since requests for applications opened in early 2023.
The proposal was submitted by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, amending the previous plan for a primarily residential area within Western Rail Yards. Now, while the number of affordable housing units will remain, a large commercial development build has been proposed, with the option to pursue a casino licence via the state available.
It was argued that the previous plan, which included the development of luxury condos, was no longer financially viable.
Commission Chair Dan Garodnick noted that the approval did not guarantee the development of a casino. He said: “While this is a significant proposal before us this morning, the scope of what we’re actually voting on is much narrower. It is therefore our responsibility to help create the best site plan possible for this large project on a site that is limited by an active railway right below, and which has significant existing development rights for both residential and commercial activity.”
Good to know: New York will offer a total of three licences for operators in the lower state
Revisions to plans in Hudson Yards also include the development of a public space in the northeast corner, which would altogether result in 5.6 acres of open space becoming available. “It has the potential to be a neighborhood jewel that adds to a growing network of public areas for residents, workers and visitors to Hudson Yards,” Garodnick added.
Despite there being no integrated resorts in New York City (yet), the Empire State has shown a notable appetite for gaming. Since the legalisation of online sports betting in 2022, the state has often reported some of the highest monthly handle results in the US, frequently exceeding $2bn since October 2024.
January 2025 for example saw record $2.48bn wagering handle, with revenue of $247m, up 15.7% year-on-year.
