Metropolis Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander is looking on a serious actual property agency to tug the plug on its bid to develop a on line casino on Manhattan’s west aspect, saying the plan would pose a burden on the Excessive Line and fall brief in the case of inexpensive housing.
The bid, submitted by Associated Firms in coordination with Nevada-based playing big Wynn Resorts, proposes to erect an 80-story tower within the Hudson Yards that’d home a luxe on line casino and lodge. The plan has an estimated price-tag of $12 billion.
“The proposal to rezone Hudson Yards would undermine one of New York’s greatest urban transformation stories of recent years — and, even worse, dramatically decrease the amount of housing that was agreed upon there, amidst a grave housing affordability crisis,” stated Lander, a progressive who’s working for mayor in June’s Democratic major.
“I call on the developer to withdraw their current proposal, and to work with the community on one that delivers more housing and access to open space, not less.”
His place makes him the primary citywide elected official to place a finger on the size in New York’s high-stakes playing license competitors, which is able to come to a head this yr. Different mayoral candidates have spoken out on the difficulty, together with state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who has been vocal in opposing Mets proprietor Steve Cohen’s on line casino plan for the Citi Subject space.
Reps for Associated, a Manhattan-based agency whose chairman, Stephen Ross, is an enormous donor to President Trump and different Republicans, didn’t instantly return requests for remark. Wynn reps didn’t instantly reply to messages, both.
Gov. Hochul’s administration is predicted to by the tip of 2025 award three new licenses for casinos to function within the higher New York Metropolis space. The casinos are anticipated to generate vital tax income for the state and every of the three license winners should additionally fork over a $500 million allow price upon being picked.
Brad Lander makes an announcement exterior NYPD headquarters on Feb. 25, 2025 in Manhattan. (Barry Williams / New York Every day Information)
Lander doesn’t have any formal position within the state’s choice course of, however the metropolis authorities should approve accompanying rezoning proposals for the bidders earlier than they’ll get playing licenses. In his capability as comptroller, Lander might exert sway over that course of.
Two of the brand new licenses are broadly anticipated to be given to current racinos in Yonkers and Queens, that are at the moment solely providing slots. With permits, they’d be capable to host desk video games reminiscent of poker and blackjack.
Meaning there’s seemingly only one license up for grabs for a completely new on line casino. That has set off a frenzy from builders and playing powerhouses seeking to money in on the extremely profitable alternative to function one of many Huge Apple’s first-ever casinos.
Together with the Wynn-Associated and the Citi Subject bids, 11 completely different on line casino bids are into account. That features a proposal from SL Inexperienced and rap star Jay-Z to construct a on line casino in Occasions Sq., a plan that has acquired backing from a prime aide to Mayor Adams, who has thus far stayed on the sidelines within the playing license battle amid his federal indictment and surrounding scandals.
Even earlier than Lander’s announcement, the Wynn-Associated plan has confronted obstacles.
Manhattan’s Neighborhood Board 4 earlier this yr unanimously suggested towards the proposal, as did Borough President Mark Levine, citing related issues to Lander.
The plan is at the moment pending earlier than the Division of Metropolis Planning, which is able to present its personal recommendation earlier than the Metropolis Council should vote on whether or not to grant the underlying rezoning proposal that Wynn and Associated would want to construct the on line casino.
Buddies of the Excessive Line government director Alan van Capelle, whose group has mounted a grassroots push towards the Wynn-Associated plan, thanked Lander for opposing the proposal.
“The High Line is a cherished public space for the community and Related should abandon this flawed proposal that has generated overwhelming community opposition,” he stated.
