Following backlash, Hudson Yards drops casino plans | News

The developers behind a potential casino planned for Hudson Yards have dropped the plans following “persistent opposition” to the proposal. As Archinect reported in February 2024, Related Companies and Wynn Resorts had submitted plans for Phase Two of Hudson Yards, with two scenarios for development. One of the scenarios included a five-story gaming/resort podium.

“After careful consideration, we have decided not to lodge an application for a gaming license in New York City,” Wynn Resorts said in a statement. “The recent rezoning process has made it clear to us that there are uses for our capital more accretive to our shareholders, such as investment in our existing and upcoming developments and stock buybacks, than investing in an area in which we, or any casino operator, will face years of persistent opposition despite our willingness to employ 5,000 New Yorkers.”

When revealed last year, the development plans prompted opposition from the founders of The High Line, which would have sat directly adjacent to the new structures. In September 2024, the founders released an op-ed opposing the development.

Following the latest news that the casino plans had been dropped, the non-profit group Friends of the High Line welcomed the move.

“We are pleased to see that Related has listened to the community and realized that the original plan was not viable,” the group’s executive director Alan van Capelle said in a statement. “The latest plans appear to address many of our concerns related to the impacts on the High Line, enhanced public space, and a much needed increase in affordable housing. However, the devil is in the details and we look forward to seeing those details and working with Councilmember Bottcher in the coming days. I want to thank our nearly 10,000 supporters, dedicated campaign volunteers and staff from the High Line from across the community who worked tirelessly to make their voices heard.”