A controversial proposal that could pave the way for a Wynn Resorts casino at Hudson Yards took a key step forward this week, as New York City’s Planning Commission approved a rezoning measure by a vote of 9-4.
The plan, submitted by Related Companies in partnership with Wynn, would significantly scale back the number of planned residential units to make room for a primarily commercial development — potentially including a casino.
The rezoning alters a 2009 agreement for the Western Rail Yards, a long-delayed development project on Manhattan’s Far West Side.
Under the revised proposal, up to 3,000 housing units would be scrapped in favor of commercial opportunities.
Developers argue the original vision — centered on selling luxury condos to fund the construction of a platform over the rail yards — is no longer financially feasible.
New casino is not a guarantee
Despite widespread speculation, Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick emphasized during Tuesday’s meeting that this vote does not amount to an endorsement of a casino.
“While this is a significant proposal before us, the scope of what we’re voting on is much narrower,” Garodnick said. “It is our responsibility to help create the best site plan possible for this large project, on a site that is constrained by the active rail infrastructure below.”
In addition to rezoning changes, the commission included new recommendations aimed at improving the project’s design.
These include breaking up a large building planned for the northern edge of the site and lowering its height, as well as adding public green space in the northeast corner — a move that would result in 5.6 acres of open space.
“This space has the potential to be a neighborhood jewel that adds to a growing network of public areas for residents, workers and visitors to Hudson Yards,” Garodnick added.
Local pushback and community concerns
Not everyone is on board with the direction the project is taking — especially when it comes to the possibility of a casino.
Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) previously voted to oppose the casino proposal, and several members attended the hearing to reiterate their objections.
Jessica Chait, chair of MCB4, thanked the commissioners who voted against the measure, urging city leaders to rethink the proposal.
“We especially echo Commissioner Mann’s comments and agree that a win-win outcome is achievable,” Chait said. “The applicant and City Hall should reflect on today’s vote and recognize that their proposal is not in the best interest of the city.”
Paul Devlin, co-chair of MCB4’s Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use Committee, was more pointed in his criticism.
“It’s disappointing that our government leaders have spent so much time trying to figure out a way to eliminate the production of housing, rather than working towards finding a solution to build a plan that was approved over 15 years ago,” he said.
Casino bidding heats up
The rezoning decision comes as competition intensifies for three available downstate casino licenses in New York.
Since the state opened applications in early 2023, several high-profile bids have emerged from operators including Wynn, Caesars, and Hard Rock.
Though no integrated resort has yet been approved in New York City, the state’s enthusiasm for gaming is clear.
Since legalizing online sports betting in 2022, New York has consistently posted record-breaking handle figures. January 2025 alone saw $2.48 billion wagered and $247 million in revenue — a 15.7% increase year-on-year.
With the commercial rezoning now approved, Related and Wynn can begin moving through the state’s licensing process.
But with local opposition still strong and the casino licenses hotly contested, it remains to be seen whether the project will ever come to fruition.
For now, the door is open — and the next chapter in New York’s gaming future may be written at Hudson Yards.
