Wynn Resorts and Related Companies released a rendering of a $12 billion project that would include a casino in the Hudson Yards area of the city as the tandem seeks one of the three downstate casino licenses in the Empire State, which could open the door to offer online casinos in New York once lawmakers legalize iGaming.
But the project is more than just a gambling facility, according to the group.
It’s a “once-in-a-generation commitment,” they said in a press release, that would provide “significant quality-of-life improvements for the neighborhood and enormous economic opportunity for the entire city.”
There are numerous plans that would offer “generational benefits” to the city and state. However, it remains to be an uphill battle as local groups have spoken out against the project.
Information on Wynn Resorts-Hudson Yards proposal
The animations displaying the possibilities are absolutely breathtaking. The rendering features an 80-story building that overlooks the Hudson River. The massive structure would include the following ammentities:
- Gambling facility
- 1,500 housing units
- Pool deck
- Shops
- Office space
- Restaurant and bars
In addition to the building, it would be surrounded by a 5.6-acre public park, which can be compared to Bryant Park.
The building would be known as Wynn New York City and would immediately provide 5,000 permanent union careers and 35,000 union construction jobs during development.
“It’s easy for leaders to talk about wanting to create jobs and invest in the economy and infrastructure, but our proposal to develop Hudson Yards West would actually do it, which is why it continues to garner important support from unions, trade organizations and small businesses,” Bruce A. Beal Jr., president of Related Companies, said in a press release.
“Finishing the undeveloped yards will not only create 35,000 unionized construction jobs during development, but 5,000 permanent union careers in the resort, which is the economic engine that supports all of these wonderful community benefits, including the affordable housing, public park and transportation improvements.”
Wynn NYC faces plenty of opposition
The rendering of the new project had been released earlier this week despite it already facing opposition. The CEO of Related Companies, Jeff T. Blau, is all-in.
“We truly believe it will be an oasis that becomes the new calling card of the neighborhood,” Blau said.
“In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more details of the extensive, long-term economic and community benefits our vision for Hudson Yards and Wynn New York City will bring to New York.”
While Blau appears to be an optimist, the community is against the idea of a project of this size infiltrating New York City.
In 2009, the Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) and Related Companies reached an agreement that would feature six buildings with 5,800 housing units on the Western Railyards.
The latest proposal calls for only 1,500 housing units, with 324 being affordable apartments. Related Companies also included commercial buildings and 2.5 million square feet for a hotel and casino, which was not previously agreed to.
“Why should communities around the City of New York,” a letter from MCB4 read in March, “work with the real estate industry and the City government to respond and agree to zoning changes with detailed site plans and Points of Agreement when such plans and agreements can be discarded at later date?”
It remains to be seen what kind of response is generated from the latest rendering that went public. Either way, Wynn Resorts and Related Companies are facing an uphill battle.
