Posted on: October 23, 2024, 03:53h.
Last updated on: October 23, 2024, 03:53h.
A labor union plans a Thursday rally on the West Side of Manhattan to support the proposed $12 billion development of the Western Rail Yards by Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts — a project opposed by many of the neighborhood’s affluent residents.
The Building and Construction Trades Council scheduled an event dubbed “We Build” for 3:30 p.m. Thursday at 555 West 18th Street. That location includes a portion of the High Line area. The High Line references the famous New York open area and park that some local residents believe would be diminished if Related and Wynn are allowed to move forward.
Union President Gary LaBarbera doesn’t see things that way. Rather, he views opposition to the Related/Wynn plan as an example of the elites vs. the working man.
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 wrote in a recent letter to labor groups.
One of the principal objections to Related’s plan to build several towers at the site — one of which will include the Wynn casino and bear the gaming company’s name — is that those buildings would block views of the High Line.
Interesting Timing for Pro-Wynn NY Casino Rally
Assuming the “We Build” rally takes place as scheduled tomorrow, the event would occur just days after Protect the High Line, a nonprofit group opposing the Related/Wynn project, released polling indicating the majority of West Side residents don’t want the construction to move forward.
A survey commissioned by the group and performed by Public Policy Polling said 56% of those questioned oppose zoning changes that would allow the planned development of Western Rail Yards possible and 70% said the towers pitched by Related would be harmful to nearby communities.
In his letter, LaBarbera said it’s more important to create jobs for the middle-class than it is to indulge the NIMBYism (not in my backyard) of some rich folks.
“We will no longer be silent and that career opportunities, pathways to the middle class are simply more important than a few minutes of shade,” opined the union leader.
Elites Vs. Little Guys
LaBarbera isn’t off base in terms of framing opposition to the Related/Wynn plan as the “elites vs. little guys.” In 2022, the median income for the portion of Manhattan including the High Line was $145,620, or 88% above the citywide average. The heavily white Democratic area also has residential property sale prices that far exceed the borough average.
Earlier this year, Related and Wynn said their project would be a boon for the local economy, creating 35,000 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent union roles should the gaming venue be approved. LaBarbera said that’s what matters and High Line residents need to remember New York is a city of skyscrapers.
“We live in a vertical City. We must continue to build. We must continue creating opportunities for our City’s residents, including residents of this community, to earn a middle-class lifestyle. We must raise our voices and be heard,” he wrote in a letter to Protect the High Line.
