A proposed $12 billion casino development at Manhattan’s Hudson Yards has been abandoned following sustained community opposition, leading developer Related Companies to pivot towards a large-scale residential project. The revised plan includes the construction of approximately 4,000 housing units, marking one of the most significant additions to the city’s housing stock in decades.
The initial proposal, a collaboration between Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, aimed to transform the western rail yards into a mixed-use complex featuring an 80-story tower housing a casino, hotel, office spaces, residential units, a public school, and a 5.6-acre park. However, the plan faced immediate backlash from local residents and civic leaders who argued that it deviated substantially from a 2009 agreement that prioritized residential development in the area.
Manhattan Community Board 4 was particularly vocal in its criticism, highlighting that the original commitment to build over 5,700 residential units had been reduced to just over 1,500 in the casino-centric proposal. The board expressed concerns that the shift towards commercial use, centered around a casino, undermined years of community planning and public trust.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine also opposed the casino plan, emphasizing the city’s pressing need for more housing. He stated that the revised proposal did not meet the community’s expectations and failed to address the housing crisis effectively.
In response to the mounting opposition, Related Companies announced the withdrawal of the casino component from the project. The developer now plans to focus on constructing approximately 4,000 residential units, including a significant portion designated as affordable housing. The revised plan also retains the proposed public amenities such as the 5.6-acre park, a new public school, and community facilities.
The decision to abandon the casino project comes amid a competitive landscape for casino licenses in New York State. With only three licenses available, several high-profile proposals are vying for approval, including projects near Citi Field, Times Square, and Coney Island. The withdrawal of the Hudson Yards casino plan potentially strengthens the position of these competing bids.
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