Crain’s: Casinos get city-level green light as council approves zoning change
April 17, 2024 The New York City Council approved zoning changes that pave the way for casino development in selected commercial and manufacturing areas of the city, while excluding residential neighborhoods. This move, proposed by Mayor Eric Adams, aims to ensure that New York City’s casino contenders remain competitive with projects in other parts of the state. The decision was contentious, with a final vote of 35-15 reflecting opposition from both conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats over concerns about the local impact of casinos. The zoning changes are part of a broader state-led process, with three downstate licenses expected to be awarded in 2025. Although the changes are designed to streamline the development process for potential casinos, they have sparked debate over their long-term impact on community dynamics and local governance.