The Avenir CAC Hearing Shows Strong Support, Some Residents Still Opposed

The first Community Advisory Committee (CAC) public hearing for The Avenir casino bid in Manhattan’s West Side drew a crowd that leaned in favor of the $10 billion proposal.

Labor unions, business groups, and many residents showed support, but some Hell’s Kitchen neighbors voiced concern that the casino would bring traffic, shadows, and long-term harm to the community.

The Avenir, backed by Silvestein Properties, Rush Street Gaming, and Greenwood Gaming, will feature a 200,000 sq ft casino (about 12% of the project’s footprint), a 1,000-room Hyatt Destination hotel, and a 1,000-seat concert hall. It will also feature 2,000 apartments, with approximately 500 units designated as affordable housing.

The Avenir is one of eight competing casino applicants vying for three highly coveted downstate New York casino licenses. The winners are expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Developers Promise Jobs, Housing, and Infrastructure

The August 27 meeting started with a pitch by the developers. Similar to the initial CAC hearing in July, Silverstein tied the project to the company’s New York legacy. The company’s CEO, Lisa Silverstein, recalled its role in rebuilding Lower Manhattan.

“We revitalize lower Manhattan through rebuilding the World Trade Center, making it safer and the largest walk-to-work population in America.”

She framed The Avenir as a neighborhood project and a legacy development: “We’re committed to providing 2,000 apartments with 25% being affordable. That’s 500, should we be awarded the license for the casino”.

Silverstein also pledged 4,000 union construction jobs and 5,000 permanent jobs, calling her company “one of the most diverse real estate companies.”

The company’s COO, Dino Fusco, highlighted infrastructure improvements, including the potential of a new West Side subway station.

“We believe that the best chance of getting the MTA to deliver a subway station at 41st and 10th is by building the Avenir.”

Fusco added that the project “has evolved so significantly over the past three years as we have met with and collected feedback from so many members of the community.” He referenced the addition of a food hall and an increase in affordable units as a result of neighborhood feedback.

Environmental consultant Connor Lacefield assured the committee that traffic impacts would be minimal. “The Avenir’s vehicle trips would be a very minimal addition to the neighborhood traffic. Only about 2% of the total trips”.

Developers also emphasized safety. Bill Dunto, Silverstein’s longtime head of security, pledged a dedicated NYPD outpost and expanded street patrol.

The presenters highlighted to the six-member CAC that the casino floor would occupy only 12% of the project’s total area. Housing, culture, and community amenities will occupy most of the space.

Supporters Outnumber Opponents

In total, there were 109 speakers, with supporters dominating. They cited Silverstein’s track record, jobs, and cultural investments.

Kelly McGowan, a 35-year Battery Park City resident, said: “They [Silverstein] are a developer who has taken into account the real needs of a community and balancing that for development.”

Peter Myers of the Building and Construction Trades Council testified: “Mr. Silverstein’s Avenue project is one example of casino development in New York City that will ensure New Yorkers have access to permanent, professionally trained, good-paying jobs and strengthen the city and the state’s economy.”

Nonprofits also endorsed the plan. Covenant House Senior Vice President Todd Monahan said: “The Avenir will provide Covenant House with much-needed funding and will expand and enhance our program so we can achieve the critical outcomes on behalf of our youth.”

Artist Res Ones, who grew up nearby and is part of the Silverstein Art Family, emphasized the cultural aspect: “Being part of the Silverstein family helped me to grow, helped me realize my worth…This whole thing is about bringing people together.”

Others called the development a chance to fill an “empty lot” and finally bring vitality to the area. A lifetime resident named Chris said:

“Filling in that hole with a beautiful building would really bring connectivity and life into an area that right now really just feels very disconnected.”

Residents Raise Concerns Over Neighborhood Impact

Still, a vocal group of Hell’s Kitchen residents objected, warning of traffic, schools, and quality-of-life strains.

Brian, who lives on 43rd and 10th, urged the CAC to reject the bid: “Casinos are not built so people will want to go outside and spend their money in surrounding stores or shops. This casino is short-term financial gain for a few with long-term damage to the community.”

Victoria, another resident, voiced traffic concerns:

“Traffic patterns here are already dangerous…Ongoing construction for the next decade or more for the Port Authority makes traffic a nightmare. But this is about more than traffic. It’s about the quality of life of the people who live here.”

Others criticized outreach efforts. Allison, a parent, testified: “Honestly… this process has failed to engage the community. I didn’t know that this was happening. I found out because of a random Twitter post. No one in my building knew.”

Some opponents focused on the casino itself. One resident argued: “Putting a casino a subway ride away from millions of people will harm families of problem gamblers… Up to 90% of casino profits come from problem gamblers. Gaining tax revenues by exploiting them is a very poor bargain.”

Next Steps

The CAC will hold a second public hearing on September 8. The committee must vote by September 30 on whether to advance the application in the licensing process.

To pass, the Avenir must receive a two-thirds majority. If it does, it will move to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board for final review and approval.