News Summary
A proposed Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, backed by Jay-Z and SL Green Realty, has been rejected for a New York City-area gambling license. The state-commissioned community advisory committee turned down the $5.4 billion redevelopment plan due to concerns from the Broadway community about potential negative impacts on the theater district. The decision emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural integrity over perceived economic benefits. Other casino proposals in Manhattan also failed to gain community support, reflecting ongoing challenges for developers in securing gambling licenses in the city.
New York – A proposed Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, backed by Jay-Z and SL Green Realty, has lost its bid for a New York City-area gambling license after a state-commissioned community advisory committee rejected the $5.4 billion redevelopment plan. The proposal aimed to transform an office tower into a Caesars-branded hotel, casino, and entertainment complex but faced strong opposition, particularly from members of the Broadway community.
The advisory committee’s decision highlights the concerns raised by Broadway theater owners and producers about the potential negative impact on the vibrant theater district. This rejection of the project indicates a shift in priorities towards preserving the cultural integrity of Broadway over the anticipated economic benefits of a casino.
SL Green’s CEO criticized the advisory committee’s decision, labeling it a “despicable display of cowardice,” and expressed disappointment over the lost opportunities for both the community and the proposed development. On the other hand, the president of the Broadway League shared that the outcome protected “the magic of Broadway” for workers and theatergoers alike. Supporters of the casino had claimed that it would have complemented existing businesses in Times Square, aiming to attract more visitors while generating substantial tax revenue.
The proposed development included plans for nearly 1,000 hotel rooms, a nightclub, and 150,000 square feet of gaming space, further raising the stakes in the ongoing debate about gambling expansion in highly regarded areas like Times Square. The location, 1515 Broadway, is currently occupied by the Minskoff Theatre, which is famous for its long-running production of “The Lion King.”
Critics expressed considerable worry that a casino in this iconic location would detract from the vibrancy that defines Broadway and potentially lead to increases in crime, arguing that gambling establishments do not enhance the cultural ecosystem of the area. The contentious nature of this debate highlights a broader concern within the community regarding the impact of gambling on established cultural landmarks.
Various influential figures in the New York community, including activist AL Sharpton, criticized the decision, suggesting that it perpetuated historically white control over Times Square’s entertainment sector. The community advisory committee’s decision is significant as it requires local board approval for any future proposal to be presented to the state Gaming Commission, which is set to award casino licenses in December.
On the same day the Caesars Palace proposal was rejected, two other casino proposals in Manhattan also failed to receive community board approval, illustrating the uphill battle for developers in securing a gambling license within the city. Other contenders for the available licenses include projects in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, Citi Field in Queens, and locations in the Bronx.
This debate over casino development in New York has been ongoing since a 2013 referendum allowed for the establishment of up to seven full casinos in the state, with the current licensed facilities located upstate. As the state moves forward towards the licensing decision this December, the priorities of New Yorkers, especially concerning the balance between economic gains and cultural preservation, remain at the forefront of discussions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bloomberg: Caesars Times Square Casino Bid Ends
- Wikipedia: Casino
- The New York Times: Times Square Casino Proposal Vote
- Google Search: Caesars Palace Times Square Casino
- Rolling Stone: Times Square Casino Proposal Rejected
- Google Scholar: New York Times Square Casino
- ABC7 New York: Times Square Casino Final Vote
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Casino Gambling
- Commercial Observer: Caesars Palace Times Square Rejected
- Google News: New York Times Square Casino
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
