News Summary
Caesars Palace Times Square is seeking local support to develop a casino hotel in New York’s theatre district, which promises over 3,800 permanent jobs and additional community investments. The project includes monthly job fairs aimed at Broadway workers, enhanced public safety funding, and affordable housing commitments. While the proposal has garnered some support, it faces opposition from various organizations concerned about potential negative impacts on the area. A Community Advisory Committee will evaluate the proposal as part of the licensing process to ensure compliance with local needs.
New York City – Caesars Palace Times Square is actively seeking local support for its proposed casino development in the heart of New York’s theatre district. Part of a broader initiative to enhance community investment, the casino aims to host monthly job fairs tailored specifically for members of the Actors’ Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802. This proposal aims to create over 3,800 permanent jobs, while also generating an additional 3,000 construction jobs.
Available positions at the casino will include table games dealers, bartenders, and front-of-house concierges, among others. To better accommodate the schedules of Broadway actors—who often juggle rehearsals, auditions, and performances—the casino has pledged to offer flexible work hours. The job fairs are seen as a way to provide essential support to Broadway workers via consistent employment opportunities.
The proposal has garnered public support from both actors’ and musicians’ organizations. The plans also extend beyond job creation, with commitments of $80 million for public safety enhancements in the surrounding area. This includes dedicated funding for childcare, medical assistance, student debt relief, and ticket access for families from underserved communities. An additional $20 million will be allocated for Broadway theatre tickets specifically aimed at disadvantaged families.
Roc Nation’s CEO has also committed $22.5 million towards affordable housing initiatives and $5 million for the Callen-Lorde LGBTQ+ health clinic, indicating a robust focus on community investment.
Caesars Palace Times Square represents a joint venture involving SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation, and Live Nation. The project seeks to transform an existing 54-story office building at 1515 Broadway, which includes the Minskoff Theatre, into a multi-faceted venue that encompasses a casino, hotel, and additional Broadway theatre space. To proceed with these plans, SL Green Realty has filed an official application with the New York State Gaming Commission, which is expected to announce its decisions by year-end.
The proposal is part of New York State’s initiative to introduce three new casinos within the city’s five boroughs and Yonkers, with a total of eight applications having been submitted for consideration. However, the plan faces significant opposition from various groups, including the Broadway League, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, IATSE, and The Shubert Organization. Critics have expressed concerns about potential adverse effects such as increased street crowding, traffic congestion, heightened crime risk, and a detrimental impact on the city’s tax revenue.
In response to safety concerns, Caesars Palace Times Square is committed to implementing advanced security measures estimated to cost approximately $81 million, ensuring the safety of both the venue itself and the surrounding neighborhoods.
To further integrate the casino project within the local community, a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will assess the proposal. At least four affirmative votes will be necessary for the project to advance in the state’s licensing process.
In conclusion, Caesars Palace Times Square emphasizes its commitment to enhancing local businesses while aiming not to overshadow existing establishments in the theatre district. Through tailored employment opportunities, substantial community investments, and a steadfast dedication to safety, the proposal seeks to forge a positive relationship with the neighborhood.
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Additional Resources
- Playbill: Proposed Times Square Casino Job Fairs
- Google Search: Caesars Times Square Casino
- Caesars Investor Relations: Casino Proposal Submission
- Wikipedia: Caesars Entertainment
- World Casino Directory: Jay-Z and Caesars Casino Bid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Casino Development
- Wall Street Journal: Caesars Palace Times Square Proposal
- Google Search: Broadway Casino Impact
- iGaming Business: Caesars and Jay-Z Presentation
- Deadline: Caesars Palace Times Square Initiative
