Community Advisory Committee Rejects Times Square Casino Proposal
TL;DR
Broadway supporters gained a strategic victory by blocking the Caesars Palace casino, protecting their economic interests and cultural dominance in Times Square.
The Community Advisory Committee voted against the casino after reviewing poll data showing 67% local opposition and input from over 35 coalition organizations.
This decision preserves Broadway's cultural magic and protects the livelihoods of 100,000 New Yorkers while maintaining the neighborhood's unique character for future generations.
A grassroots coalition of Broadway unions, social services, and resident groups successfully defended Times Square's theatrical heritage against casino development.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!
The Community Advisory Committee overseeing the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square casino has voted against the project, marking a significant setback for the development. This decision follows growing opposition from local residents and organizations concerned about the impact on Broadway and the surrounding community.
Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League and member of the No Times Square Casino Coalition, emphasized the importance of protecting Broadway's unique cultural and economic role. He stated that the vote safeguards the livelihoods of approximately 100,000 New Yorkers dependent on Broadway and preserves the experience for millions of annual visitors. Laks expressed gratitude to committee members and local elected officials, including State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Tony Simone, Borough President Mark Levine, and Council Member Erik Bottcher, for their support of the neighborhood and theater community.
Recent polling data underscores the depth of local opposition, with 67% of registered voters in Midtown and the West Side opposing the casino proposal. This sentiment is reflected in the broad coalition against the project, which includes over 35 organizations such as IATSE, the largest union on Broadway representing 168,000 workers across North America, the United Federation of Teachers, and social service providers like the Ali Forney Center and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Resident groups such as the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association and Westside Neighborhood Alliance are also key members of the coalition.
The rejection of the casino proposal has significant implications for urban development and cultural preservation in New York City. It highlights the tension between commercial interests and community values, particularly in areas with rich cultural heritage. The decision may influence future development projects in Times Square and similar districts, emphasizing the importance of community input and the protection of existing economic ecosystems. For the theater industry, this outcome reinforces the stability of Broadway as a global entertainment hub, ensuring continued economic benefits and cultural vitality for the city.
The full details of the poll can be found in the Tulchin Research Memo – NYC Theater District Casino Public Opinion. The coalition's diverse membership, including organizations like the American Bus Association and the National Organization for Women NYC, demonstrates the wide-ranging concerns about the potential impacts of a casino in Times Square.
Curated from citybiz
