Exclusive | NYC mega-casino plan pits hard hats vs. High Line elite as poll reveals what voters think
The gloves are off over a controversial proposal to build a glitzy $12 billion casino complex in Hudson Yards — with local hard hats pitted against lovers of the High Line.The Building and Construction Trades Council is set to hold a “We Build” rally Thursday in support of Related Companies/Wynn Resorts’ job-creating plan for a casino, office and housing complex at the Manhattan site.In its lead-up to the rally, the construction union bashed Friends of the High Line, the non-profit that runs the stunning nearby elevated public park with the city and claims the plan’s massive skyscrapers will negatively impact the famous open space.“It is in fact the elite who serve on the High Line Board that do not want development because they believe their sunlight and view are more important than career opportunities,” trade-union President Gary LaBarbera fumed in a note to his union affiliates.“Please join me with your members on October 24, 2024, at 555 West 18th Street at 3:30pm to raise our voices, call out the truth and send a message to elected officials that we will no longer be silent and that career opportunities, pathways to the middle class are simply more important than a few minutes of shade!!”Friends of the High Line, dumbfounded by the attack, released a poll Monday showing strong opposition from West Side voters to the mega casino development as currently designed.The plan features an 80-story tower overlooking the Hudson River that would house a casino and hotel.Office buildings, apartment towers and a spacious 5.6-acre park would surround the gleaming casino skyscraper.
The casino plan, and its required zoning changes, still need state and city approvals to move forward.LaBarbera told Friends of the Highline Executive Director Alan van Cappelle in an Oct.11 letter, “We appreciate the experience of the High Line.
“However, we cannot let the fact that a new building may create new shadows prevent our City from moving forward.We live in a ...