More opposition surfaces to Wynn NY casino project
The objections were reported 24 September by amNewYork. They relate to what are seen as potential negative aesthetic effects on the High Line public park.
The group Protect the High Line said they have been joined by three community organizations in opposing the project. In addition to a hotel and casino operated by Wynn, it would also consist of multiple skyscrapers. This includes 1,500 apartments, 2 million square feet of office space, a 750-seat public school and a day care center.
Objections to planned parking garage
Sara Lind is co-executive director of Open Plans, which promotes more open space within the five boroughs. She said the High Line is special and “embraces and celebrates” urban density. She told amNewYork she is particularly concerned about a possible parking lot or garage proposed near the park.
“They are proposing adding a large number of additional parking spaces into a Manhattan neighborhood near transit where we are looking for tourists and residents alike to be able to enjoy the public space that the High Line offers,” she said. “Adding parking will encourage people to drive to the area, increasing bad congestion that is already there.”
Developer: economic benefits important
In a statement, a spokesperson for Related Companies responded to the objections by touting the project’s potential economic benefits.
“We cannot let debates over parking spots stand in the way of a massive public park, tens of thousands of jobs and careers, safer streets, affordable housing, and better transportation for New York City,” the spokesperson said.
The company said it would “continue to meet with stakeholders across the local community.” It added that it would work to “deliver these important benefits for the neighbourhood and New York’s future.”
Conservation fears could hinder Wynn plans
Two other community groups—Parks and Trails and Save Chelsea—told amNewYork the project interferes with nature conservation. They also argue it would change the character of the neighbourhood.
“With park visitation in New York at an all-time high, it is especially important that we expand and improve parks and open space,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. “The proposed rezoning of the Western Rail Yards would do just the opposite. Constructing a building over a portion of the High Line, reducing usable public space, and taking away park access from the public for an undetermined amount of time are not sound development policies.”
Pamela Wolff, president of Save Chelsea, said the vertically shaped High Line should not be “degraded” by a casino.
“The High Line is not just a cherished neighborhood park, but an internationally admired cultural treasure that Chelsea and the City of New York are proud of, a phenomenon that has inspired similar projects the world over,” Wolff said. “It should not be degraded by a misplaced casino.”
The opposition joins objections made in July by two influential New York state lawmakers. Assemblymembers Tony Simone and Deborah Glick called for rejection of the Wynn proposal on similar opinions that the casino would ruin views offered by the High Line.