Latest news with #TonySimone
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Hudson Yards casino plan dropped after backlash to complex near NYC High Line
A controversial proposal to build a $12 billion casino complex in Hudson Yards near the High Line was dropped in the face of fierce community opposition, officials said Monday. The Wynn Resort-Related Companies partnership announced it withdrew the bid, which was due for submission next month. 'After careful consideration, we have decided not to lodge an application for a gaming license in New York City,' Wynn Resorts said in a statement. 4 A rendering of Related Companies/Wynn's plan for a casino in Hudson Yards — which has been canceled. Related Companies and Wynn Resorts 4 Two state legislators representing the West Side of Manhattan opposed the casino plans. Related Companies and Wynn Resorts Wynn cited 'persistent opposition' for the withdrawal. 'The recent rezoning process has made it clear to us that there are uses for our capital more accretive to our shareholders, such as investment in our existing and upcoming developments and stock buybacks, than investing in an area in which we, or any casino operator, will face years of persistent opposition despite our willingness to employ 5,000 New Yorkers,' it said in a statement. 'We sincerely thank those who have supported our efforts, including our partners at Related Companies, and continue to believe that their proposed Hudson Yards West development is an outstanding opportunity for New York City.' The proposal was opposed by Friends of the High Line and Community Board 4. It's just the latest proposal to get scuttled on Manhattan's West Side. 4 Assemblyman Tony Simone said that he is 'philosophically opposed' to the casino project. Related Companies and Wynn Resorts 4 Assemblywoman Deborah Glick told The Post that she is concerned with the proposed casino's proximity to the High Line. Kristy Leibowitz Efforts to have sports stadiums have also been blocked over the years. The state Gaming Commission is expected to award up to three casino licenses in the New York City area by year's end. This is a developing story.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
State senator introduces urgent bill to ban controversial farming tactic before it spreads — here's why experts say it can't wait
A newly proposed bill to ban octopus farming in New York state could put an end to the controversial practice before it can get off the ground — or out of the water, as the case may be. The bill, introduced in mid-April, is sponsored by Monica R. Martinez in the state Senate and by Tony Simone in the Assembly. If passed, the legislation would outlaw aquaculture that aims to raise any species of octopus for human consumption. It would also prohibit the business sale, possession, and transport of farmed octopuses in the state. While there are no such octopus farms in New York at present, the state would join California and Washington in preemptively banning the practice, according to World Animal News. In March 2023, the BBC reported that the world's first octopus farm had been proposed in Spain, to the great concern of scientists and animal advocates. The proposal raised a number of environmental and ethical concerns. For one, as WAN noted, because octopuses are carnivorous and "require a high volume of food, about three times their own body weight," overfishing for feed is a risk of commercially farming the creatures. Commercial farming practices could also introduce pollutants and otherwise disrupt delicate marine ecosystems, per WAN. The ethical questions involved are serious as well. Octopuses are curious, highly intelligent, exceptionally skilled creatures. In captivity, they're notorious for breaking out of aquarium tanks. The BBC reported that a 2021 study led to the animals "being recognised as 'sentient beings'" in the United Kingdom's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. Attempting to contain them in the sort of system typical of a commercial farm would likely border on cruelty and could lead to concerning behavior. The new bill comes after a pair of laws, also sponsored by Martinez, were passed by the NY legislature to restrict animal trafficking and assign stricter punishments for animal cruelty. If passed, the octopus farming ban would result in a daily fine of $1,000 per offense, according to WAN, and the fines would be collected by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The bill is still in its early stages. Next, it needs to pass through the Environmental Conservation Committee before ultimately it can be brought to votes in the Senate and the Assembly. Should the U.S. government ban all products tested on animals? Absolutely No way Only certain kinds of products Let each state decide Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penn Station revamp plans proposes moving Madison Square Garden
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Penn Station is a busy place. Grand Penn Community Alliance has unveiled new plans for the area around and under Penn Station and they're heading to Washington, D.C. More Local News The group says they're scheduling meetings with federal transit agencies in the coming weeks. The group is made up of engineers, architects, and planners. They call this the ' first outside proposal to be formally submitted.' It includes a new train hall, a new public park, and double the number of platforms. This proposal requires Madison Square Garden to move across 7th Avenue to the open lot formerly the home of the Hotel Pennsylvania. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State MSG has not commented on the recent plans. Supporters of this proposal are calling on deal-makers in the city and Washington. Grand Penn Chief Architect Alexandros Washburn gave a presentation and took questions. More Transit News 'Something better can be done. We don't have to accept the status quo,' he said. Other proposals are also circulating including a plan from ReThinkPennNYC. That proposal does not require tearing down apartments. Last week, NY Assemblymember Tony Simone announced a plan focused on housing. He's calling on the state to come back to the table. The state of New York had been working on plans for years with developers that included office towers to finance the program. The MTA has transformed the concourse and opened new access. Governor Kathy Hochul paused the next part of the discussion in 2023. The administration continues to work on advancing work and development at the site. 'Governor Hochul is laser focused on fixing Penn Station now. The railroad partners are in the process of completing preliminary design for the Penn Reconstruction project and concurrently soliciting input from community stakeholders through the Station Working Advisory Group,' wrote a spokesperson. At the completion of that process, the governor expects an official request for proposals to be released. They're encouraging the private sector to and concepts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
