Wynn Resorts Abandons Plans for Casino at Hudson Yards Due to Persistent Opposition
Title: The Downfall of Wynn Resorts' Casino Proposal at Hudson Yards: A Battle Against Community Opposition
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The Wynn Resorts casino proposal at Hudson Yards faced fierce resistance from local groups
At the heels of a collapsed casino project in Long Island, Wynn Resorts was all set to construct a $12 billion facility at Hudson Yards. However, relentless opposition from two local groups brought the project to a grinding halt. The issues went beyond just a few neighborhood complaints—political figures, community boards, and residents all banded together against the proposed casino.
Locals, officials, and community boards teamed up against the casino
City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, representing the Hudson Yards area, flat-out rejected the casino initiative, instead advocating for housing development. Bottcher emphasized the need for more housing to tackle the city's ongoing housing crisis[1][4]. Manhattan Community Board 4 also voted to reject the casino complex, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine was adamantly opposed to it[4]. This strong opposition from local government played a significant role in Wynn Resorts' departure.
Community objections centred around impact on neighborhood, park, and development
Community concerns included worries that the casino would overshadow the nearby High Line park, marking a departure from Related Companies' previous commitments to focus on housing projects[2]. Residents felt that a casino was incompatible with their vision for the area's development. Additionally, politicians like State Senator Liz Krueger expressed concern about additional casinos in Manhattan[2].
Economic factors pushed Wynn to pull the plug
Wynn Resorts recognized that despite creating 5,000 jobs, the persistent and prolonged opposition they would face made the casino project less attractive compared to other business ventures like stock buybacks[1][2]. In the end, Wynn Resorts decided to abandon the gaming license application for Hudson Yards.
After the withdrawal, a shift toward a housing-focused development plan
The city and Related Companies switched gears and focused on a large-scale housing development project, which includes 4,000 new residential units and increased affordable housing, public open spaces, and community facilities—all without a casino component[1][3][4].
In conclusion, the Wynn Resorts casino project at Hudson Yards was doomed by strong local opposition from various quarters, including community boards, residents, and local politicians. The combined political and community resistance, coupled with concerns about the project's impact on housing and neighborhood character, made it impossible for Wynn Resorts to continue with their casino aspirations at Hudson Yards, resulting in the withdrawal of the proposal.
Despite the appeal of a potential new casino in Manhattan, Wynn Resorts opted to abandon the gaming license application for Hudson Yards, choosing instead to focus on online ventures such as online casinos offering blackjack and sports betting, as the fierce community opposition proved to be overwhelming. In the wake of the plan's collapse, Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts shifted its focus to an online casino, allowing enthusiasts in New York to enjoy games like blackjack from the comfort of their homes while also having access to sports betting on their favorite sports.
