As the awarding of the downstate New York casino licenses draws near, the competition between casino operators intensifies. Unfortunately for them, not everyone is on board with their casino projects.

The War for New York Rages On

Wynn Resorts continues to face trouble in New York where locals have strongly opposed its plans for a new casino. The joint project with Related Cos. has been scrutinized by citizens of the area, who are concerned about the changes it would bring.

Protect the High Line, an activist group opposing the project, has now gathered some 5,000 people in opposition to the casino. As its name suggests, the organization seeks to protect the High Line, a landmark 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park.

Destroying the High Line’s Identity

One of the major issues is that Wynn’s casino project would see sizeable towers erected, blocking views of the High Line and ruining its unique atmosphere.

In addition to that, Protect the High Line believes that Related is violating an agreement with the city from 2009, under which it would have constructed between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units on the site. As it turns out, the casino proposal features only 1,500 units.

Protect the High Line Will Continue the Battle

Founded five months ago, the group has been quickly gaining traction as people from all walks of life joined its cause to prevent a casino from being built if Wynn manages to secure one of the three licenses.

Alan van Capelle, executive director of Friends of the High Line, praised the overwhelming support and noted that it reflects people’s love for the High Line and the resistance to the casino plans. According to him, New Yorkers from near and far want to preserve the High Line’s unique character by striking down projects that threaten its identity.

Protect the High Line called for the 2009 agreement to be respected, saying that it would prioritize public benefit and preserve the park’s integrity. The campaign leaders vowed to continue to fight and levy locals against the project.

In addition to the High Line-related concerns, many simply do not wish for a casino in the vicinity of their homes.

Some local leaders have also opposed Wynn’s project, despite arguments that it would create new jobs and improve the local economy.