Our public space is at risk
Let’s Get the Rail Yards Plan Back on Track
the high line is at risk
Efforts are underway to rezone the Western Rail Yards–undoing a 2009 community-informed development plan–to pave the way for a new proposal that presents a grave threat to the magic of the adjacent High Line for millions of park-goers.
New Yorkers saved the High Line from demolition and successfully advocated for its repurposing into a park and then we saved the Spur at its northern end from being torn down years later.
We need your help to protect the High Line and put the Rail Yards plan back on the right track. Will you join our campaign to Protect the High Line and take our survey now?
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Carmen matias
A resident at Penn South, the largest affordable co-op apartment complex on the West Side, and member of the High Line Neighbors Council
“The High Line is our neighborhood’s park. Our residents and neighbors will not stand for a plan that dramatically undermines the essence of the High Line.”
“Chelsea has a serious housing crisis. If the new ‘updated’ WRY proposal moves forward, the community stands to lose approximately 2,500-4,200 new housing units that were included in the 2009 plan. The housing will be replaced with taller buildings with commercial space and possibly a casino. Chelsea needs more housing, not more office space and CCBA opposes the potential inclusion of a casino. CCBA supports the Protect the High Line campaign to get the Rail Yards plan back on track.”
Sally greenspan
President of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA)
“If you take away the views, you take away the High Line.”
Lives in Chelsea-Elliott Houses and works in Chelsea at Fulton Houses
George Marfo
Aleta LaFargue
President of the Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association
“After decades of community collaboration, developers committed to a mix of up to 5,700 affordable and market rate apartments. This new proposed rezoning plan would eliminate much of this desperately needed housing to make way for increased commercial space in super tall high rise buildings that would obstruct sunlight and river views as well as greatly diminishing the High Line experience, much loved by residents and visitors alike.”
Deborah Glick
Assemblymember for Assembly District 66
“The High Line is a unique and beloved park intended to get New Yorkers and visitors outside and above the congested streets and sidewalks. Any plans that block views from this distinctive vantage point or allow for building closer to the High Line run counter to the High Line Special District and would significantly alter the experience. Preserving the integrity, intent, and enjoyment of cherished New York attractions like the High Line must be prioritized. It would be one thing to accept a greater density of buildings if it were to produce substantial affordable housing, but the City should be preserving our waterfront features as many countries and cities have done successfully, not undermining this enormously successful attraction that draws tourists from all corners of the world and provides New Yorkers with an unparalleled experience.”
COMMUNITY LEADERS SUPPORT THE HIGH LINE
Sally Greenspan
Joe Restuccia
Adam Ganser
Phyllis Waisman
Thuy Pham
Michael Walsh
Cynthia Starke
Donna Nehila
Mark Tekushan
Diane Lazarus
Laurie Marvald
Irene Kelly
Paul Groncki
Jordi Zarroca
Eric Stoneberg
Jasper Stoneberg
Susannah Go
Kevin Li
Jared Look
Carol J. Ott
Anne Heaney
Brenda Berman
Clement Ballas
Marcee Smith
Limor Nesher
Cynthia Solis Yi
Rebecca Sherman
Cecile Moochnek
Matthew Shurka
Paula Yoshioka
Anders Holst
Cory Greenberg
Iris Rosado
Siobhan McCourt
Julie Hatterer
Carmen Torres
Nicole Hinnant
Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz
Josue Martinez
Patricia Rosen
Richard Dolesh
Alejandro Vazquez
Edward Carter
David Lynn
Erica Johanson
Wendy Sykes
Stephanie Brade
More about us
Our campaign is engaging New Yorkers and elected officials to ensure the development of the Western Rail Yards protects the iconic nature and experience of the High Line and benefits our neighboring communities.
Proposed plans for the development of the Western Rail Yards - which include the development of three massive towers and a proposed new casino and were produced without any community input - would negatively impact the experience of millions of visitors and obstruct important and iconic views from the High Line.
The 2009 Agreement. In 2009, community stakeholders and the Related Companies came together to forge an agreement with the Mayor’s office, the City Council, and other elected leaders to rezone the Far West Side, including the Western Rail Yards. The plan included a commitment to 3,454 units of housing (and the possibility of up to 5,700 units), and 4.3 acres of open space with multiple public access points on the Western Rail Yards.
The New Proposed Plan. Related and Wynn Resorts are now applying to the City for approval to replace the original 2009 zoning agreement and make significant changes to the zoning for the Western Rail Yards at Hudson Yards (located between West 30th and West 33rd Street and 11th and 12th Avenues). Their application includes two scenarios, one with a casino and one without.
The new rezoning application reduces the number of housing units by more than 2,000 in the version that includes a casino, reduces access to the planned open space, and dramatically increases the size of the buildings – a design that would substantially increase the negative impact on the High Line. The rezoning’s negative impacts on the High Line will persist in both scenarios, as the rezoning proposes similar changes – including a giant building podium – both with and without a casino.
Our campaign. With the deep support of our neighboring communities, our campaign will engage community stakeholders to solicit their input to help advance the development of the Western Rail Yards in a way that improves upon the 2009 rezoning agreement and preserves the experience on and views from the High Line. We will band together to get the Rail Yards plan back on track and ensure the experience of the High Line and its benefits to our communities are protected.
The decision-making process. The proposed rezoning is subject to the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Process, which requires multiple levels of public review, including approval by the City Council. The casino component of the development plan requires the award of a casino license in a competitive process overseen by the State Gaming Commission.