As long-time small business operators in the heart of Chelsea, we’ve seen our neighborhood evolve. We’ve weathered storms, celebrated successes, and always felt a strong connection to the community that supports us. That’s why we’re deeply concerned about the proposed casino development in the Western Rail Yards, and we’re compelled to speak out about the potential damage it poses to the livelihoods of local entrepreneurs, their employees, and the character of our neighborhood.
The current plan, spearheaded by Related and Wynn Resorts, places a massive casino and resort complex on a three-block stretch from West 30th to West 33rd Street that would dramatically alter the fabric of our community. We share the desire for development and economic growth. But this project, in its current form, is a direct threat to the small businesses that make Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen unique.
The original 2009 zoning plan for the Western Rail Yards envisioned a balanced approach, with a mix of residential and commercial development. This plan promised an influx of up to 5700 new families – potential customers who would visit our restaurants, shops, and services. The revised plan, however, drastically reduces residential housing (down to 1,500 apartments) and replaces it with a casino and resort designed to keep visitors contained within its walls. It’s Vegas on the Hudson.
The “stay-on-campus” casino model is deeply troubling for operations like ours. The proposed casino/resort will house 10-15 restaurants and bars. It’s explicitly designed to keep visitors inside and gambling. That would mean fewer people exploring our streets, discovering our local gems, and contributing to our neighborhood economy. Instead of browsing our shops and dining in our restaurants on 9th, 10th Avenues and 11th Avenues, visitors will be funneled into the casino’s offerings, siphoning away crucial business. That is how this kind of casino/resort makes money.
Competition is the cornerstone of capitalism, but this game would be rigged by the house.
We still feel the lingering impacts of the pandemic, and we’re working hard to recover. This casino development could undo much of that progress. The loss of potential customers from the reduced residential development, combined with the casino’s self-contained ecosystem, would be devastating for many of us.
It’s important to note: We’re not necessarily opposed to casinos in New York City. But the way this project is structured is deeply flawed. Some other casino proposals actually incentivize guests to explore food restaurants and vendors in their surrounding areas. That’s helping small business, not hurting it.
The good news is that this is not a done deal. The local community board (before which Robert testified) and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine have already voiced their opposition.
The proposal is now before the City Planning Commission (where Fathy’s son testified), and the City Council and Mayor have the final say. We urge our fellow small business owners – and everyone who cares about the vitality of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen – to speak out against this harmful proposal.
We need to make the voices of small businesses heard through letters, social media, and by testifying at public hearings. We must demonstrate to our city leaders that this plan will hurt, not help, our community. Let’s work together to ensure that development benefits everyone, not just the developers.
Rady operates a Halal cart in Chelsea and Sanfiz is the executive director of La Nacional on 14th Street.
