New York: Rally planned in support of $12 billion Hudson Yards casino project on Thursday

A rally in support of the proposed $12 billion casino development at Hudson Yards, spearheaded by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, is set to take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Organized by the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the event aims to counter opposition from the nonprofit group Protect the High Line, which seeks to block the project.

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council, has been a vocal advocate for the development, emphasizing its potential to create significant job opportunities for New York’s middle class. “Career opportunities, pathways to the middle class are simply more important than a few minutes of shade,” LaBarbera said, dismissing concerns that the casino complex would cast shadows over the popular High Line Park.

The $12 billion project would include a casino, office towers, residential buildings, and public amenities. However, local residents and activists, led by Protect the High Line, argue that the development could damage the unique vistas offered by the High Line Park and harm the surrounding West Side communities. Alan van Capelle, Executive Director of Friends of the High Line, pointed to polling that showed 70% of voters believe the six-million-square-foot project would negatively impact the neighborhood.

“The current rezoning proposal threatens not only the High Line’s unique experience but also the community benefits that were promised in 2009,” van Capelle said. He criticized Related and Wynn for altering their original plans without community input, claiming the changes could permanently harm the area.

The debate over the casino project has exposed an economic and social divide between local residents and the city’s labor unions. LaBarbera framed the conflict as one between elites and working-class New Yorkers, noting that the median income in the High Line area is significantly higher than the city’s average. “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,” he said.

According to Related and Wynn, the development would generate 35,000 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent union positions, which they argue will boost the local economy. However, the project still faces a major hurdle in the form of rezoning approval, a point of contention for local residents. A recent survey by Protect the High Line found that 56% of the community opposed the rezoning changes required for the project to move forward.

The rally will be held at 555 West 18th Street, a location near the High Line, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.