Broadway makes final push against Caesars Times Square casino bid

Broadway theatre workers and residents voiced opposition on Thursday to a proposed Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, as the project heads to a decisive vote by a local advisory committee. 

The $5.4 billion plan, backed by developer SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation, would retrofit an office tower at 1515 Broadway into a casino, hotel and entertainment complex. Supporters argue the location at the heart of Manhattan’s theatre district would bring jobs, tourists, and spending, while critics warn it threatens Broadway’s character.

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which has heard more than 12 hours of public comments, the most of any downstate New York casino bid, is due to vote Wednesday morning at the Times Square Alliance building. The proposal requires a two-thirds majority to advance to state-level consideration for one of three licences.

At a final hearing on Thursday, more than 175 speakers addressed the panel. Theatre workers, clad in red “No Times Square casino” shirts, voiced fears of congestion, crime, and predatory gambling practices.

“A casino threatens to overwhelm this unique neighbourhood character,” said Patricia White, president of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764. “There are plenty of empty lots in the city. There’ll be jobs there. Go there.”

Proponents highlighted minimal construction impact, as the project would retrofit an existing office tower rather than build new, and pledged spillover benefits for local businesses through Caesars’ rewards programme.

“Our project has the least possible impact on the surrounding community,” said SL Green CEO Marc Holliday. “We will not disrupt the streetscape because the building already exists. We will not displace critical housing opportunities, as 1515 Broadway is an office building.”

Former New York police commissioner Bill Bratton, the project’s security chief, promised round-the-clock patrols and surveillance to make Times Square “safer everywhere for everyone.”

Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, enlisted to make the final pitch, underscored the project’s diversity credentials. “If this casino is established, it will be the first time we will have an institution on Broadway that has diversity on an ownership level,” he said. “Jay-Z is nobody’s token; he’s the token booth.”

Labour views were split. Some unions opposed the project, but others said it would free up alternative sites for affordable housing. “Every other proposed site would take away from a possible site for affordable housing,” said Una Adams of Laborers Local 79.

Caesars has pledged 3,000 construction jobs, the lowest of any bid, but points to its operational track record alongside MGM, Hard Rock, and Genting.

“I don’t think it’s just about gambling,” said local resident Rita, a supporter. “I think it’s more about steady paycheques, more opportunities, and giving local businesses a boost.”