New York Casino Plans Face Opposition from High Line Park Enthusiasts

New York's ambitious plans for new casinos are facing opposition from enthusiasts of the High Line public park. The park, opened in 2015, attracts millions of visitors annually and generates $50 million in spending according to a 2019 report by HR&A. The Hudson Yards development proposal, which includes a casino, apartment tower, office building, public school, and a 1,750 room hotel skyscraper, has raised concerns among park enthusiasts who fear the development will obstruct views and impact visitor experiences.

The High Line Park is a valuable asset for the area, and the proposed podium for the casino could be as tall as 200 feet, blocking a significant part of the High Line's view. The Hudson Yards development proposal includes a 5.6-acre area of green space for public use, which is part of the developer's efforts to address the concerns of park enthusiasts.

The casino project is being led by Wynn Resorts and Related Companies, who are long-time supporters of the High Line group. The groups have met several times to try and work out a deal, with the developer changing plans to include a 5.6-acre area of green space for public use. The estimated cost of this development would be around $12 billion, with tens of thousands of construction jobs being created.