The claim:

The developer says that a “new community green park – the size of Bryant Park – with access to the High Line” is included in the proposed re-rezoning.


Fact check:

The original zoning always planned a green area surrounded by open space.

The proposed changes to the green space bear little resemblance to Bryant Park. Bryant Park is defined by a generous central lawn that is 1.1 acres that sits within a 6.2-acre park that is surrounded by trees, generous pathways, and seating. In contrast, the proposed green space is raised far above the High Line, is much narrower than Bryant Park, and would be flooded with shadows from adjacent super-tall towers.

In addition, the proposed open space is less accessible to the public than the open space prescribed in the 2009 zoning plan.

The claim:

While the developer asserts that its proposed plan will result in “more spend in the local community,” their business model suggests otherwise.


Fact check:

A self-contained casino/resort with 15 restaurants will keep visitors and community residents away from the restaurants and nightlife that the West Side has to offer. (Note that this contrasts with other casino development plans that say they will incentivize their guests to patronize local establishments.)

The claim:

The developer touts “1,500 new apartments, including hundreds of affordable housing units” in their proposed plan.


Fact check:

The new plan actually represents a reduction from a commitment to a mix of up to 5,700 affordable and market rate apartments in the 2009 community-informed development plan to only 1,507 units (or 2,877 units in the non-resort proposal) in the new proposed rezoning plan to make way for increased commercial space in super-tall high-rise buildings.

The claim:

The developer describes a “historic investment in our community” with a “new public K-8 school”.


Fact check:

This is a requirement that was prescribed as part of the 2009 community-informed development plan, approved by the Department of City Planning, City Council, and Mayor’s Office.

The claim:

The developer describes a “historic investment in our community” with the creation of “5,000 permanent union careers and 35,000 union construction jobs”.


Fact check:

Any development project will yield the same investment in jobs. The 2009 community-informed development plan allows over 5 million of gross square feet of new construction, and offers the same opportunities for union careers and union construction jobs.

The claim:

The developer’s CEO said recently, “We think we have lots of public support for this project…”


Fact check:

Not a single public official has said a positive word about their project.