Supporters of Hudson Yards New York Casino Plan Rally for Thursday

Supporters of a New York casino proposal are taking to the streets to show their support.

Gary LaBarbera, the head of New York's building and construction trades union, will lead the “We Build” rally on Thursday, Oct. 24. Attendees will advocate for a $12 billion project in the New York neighborhood of Hudson Yards that would be developed and operated by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts. 

The rally comes in response to recent efforts by a nonprofit group called “Protect the High Line,” which does not support the casino proposal.

The war of public support 

A recent poll by “Friends of the High Line” suggested that 53 percent of people would show less support for their local representative if the casino project is approved. 70 percent also said that they believed the project would harm nearby communities.

In response to opposition, LaBarbera penned a letter to the New York Post dismissing critiques of the casino, which would cover six million square feet and include a 5.6-acre park, offices, apartments, stores, a playground, restaurants, and a casino skyscraper.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced back in 2022 that her office would issue up to three casino licenses. The Hudson Yards casino is just one of 11 proposals that were submitted, along with others from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, a Jay-Z-led coalition, and more.

Proposed build sites include Times Square, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and the Bronx. 

The Hudson Yards casino could not be built until local zoning laws were changed to allow for construction at the planned site. The New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) would also need to grant Wynn one of the three operator’s licenses that are available.

Fair use of public land?

The main roadblock to the Hudson Yards casino is the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which vets applications to build on public land via a public process.

In order to make progress with ULURP, Wynn and the Related Companies must have the approval of the Manhattan Borough President and the City Council. 

Related and Wynn already said that the project would create tens of thousands of jobs.

“We truly believe it will be an oasis that becomes the new calling card of the neighborhood,” Related Companies CEO Jeff Blau said this summer. “In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more details of the extensive, long-term economic and community benefits our vision for Hudson Yards and Wynn New York City will bring to New York.”

Blau’s sentiments are not unanimous. Friends of the Highline executive director Alan van Cappelle said in an interview with the New York Post that the polls show that locals do not support the casino project.

“The current rezoning proposal threatens not only the High Line’s unique experience but also the community benefits that were promised in 2009,” said van Capelle. “We want the Western Rail Yards developed. The Building Trades Council wants the Western Rail Yards developed. And that would be happening right now if Related and Wynn hadn’t secretly changed their original plans without community input.

Casino license applications are due by June 27, 2025. The GFLB is expected to decide on licensees by December 1, 2025.