Avenir casino bid in New York now in committee’s hands following second hearing
Summary
The community advisory committee (CAC) charged with recommending whether Silverstein Properties’ Avenir casino bid should advance has completed its second public hearing. Around 200 speakers addressed the nearly five-hour session at the Javits Centre, bringing the total of participants across both hearings to more than 300. The CAC must hold a binding vote by 30 September; four of six members must back the project for it to be forwarded for state consideration for one of three downstate licences.
Support for Avenir is strong among unions, business groups and several community organisations, while many immediate local residents — particularly from nearby subsidised housing — have voiced opposition. Silverstein positions Avenir as a catalyst for a $7bn mixed-use development including a 1,000-room Hyatt-managed hotel and about 2,000 housing units (roughly 500 affordable), and projects roughly 8,000 jobs.
Key Points
- The CAC held its second hearing for the Avenir bid at the Javits Centre; around 200 speakers spoke at the session, bringing total testimony to 300+ across two hearings.
- The committee must vote by 30 September; four of six members must approve for the project to proceed to state officials.
- Supporters include unions, business groups, Covenant House and Rethink Food; opposition is concentrated among local residents nearest the site.
- Silverstein argues the casino will anchor a $7bn mixed-use development to activate the Javits area, including a 1,000-room Hyatt hotel and 2,000 housing units (c.500 affordable).
- The developer forecasts about 8,000 jobs from the project; it has repeatedly modified its proposal to win community backing.
- The CAC may call additional hearings before making its binding recommendation, but none have been scheduled yet.
Content summary
The Avenir hearings showcased a typical split: institutional players, unions and some community organisations emphasised jobs, housing and economic activation for the Javits area, while many immediate neighbours fear disruption and predatory development. Silverstein has consistently reframed the proposal — changing designs, partners and community commitments — to build support. The project’s ultimate fate now primarily rests with the local CAC, which must weigh the volume and composition of public testimony when it votes.
The hearing highlighted competing visions for midtown Manhattan: proponents frame Avenir as an urban-renewal engine that will knit hotels, residences and events to the underused Javits corridor; opponents argue the site could be developed without casino gaming and worry about community impacts.
Context and relevance
This decision matters for anyone tracking urban development, casino licensing and New York’s post-pandemic recovery strategy. It’s part of a wider contest for three downstate licences that will shape job creation, housing commitments and the future use of major Manhattan waterfront parcels. The outcome will signal how much weight local sentiment carries in a process dominated by economic and union arguments.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you care about how midtown Manhattan is redeveloped — jobs, housing, and whether casinos become anchors for major projects — this is a fast way to catch up. We’ve done the legwork: two hearings, 300+ speakers, a looming 30 September vote and a developer promising a $7bn transformation. Local residents vs unions = the classic tug-of-war — good to know which way it’s leaning.
Author style
Punchy — this is neighbourhood-scale politics with big-dollar stakes. If the CAC backs Avenir, the decision will materially affect development patterns in midtown; if it doesn’t, the site may remain vacant while other bidders press their cases.