The Community Advisory Committee overseeing the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square casino voted against the project this morning, delivering a significant setback to the plan that has faced fierce opposition from Broadway unions, local residents, and elected officials. Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League and a member of the No Times Square Casino Coalition, issued a statement celebrating the vote as a protection of Broadway's unique cultural and economic value.
'This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it. A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here,' Laks said. He expressed gratitude to committee members and local elected officials—State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Tony Simone, Borough President Mark Levine, and Council Member Erik Bottcher—for 'looking at the facts, listening to the residents, and standing up for this neighborhood and the theater community.'
The vote aligns with public sentiment; according to a poll released last week, 67% of registered voters in Midtown and on the West Side opposed the proposed casino. The No Times Square Casino Coalition, a grassroots campaign that has grown to more than 35 organizations, includes major Broadway unions such as IATSE—representing 7 locals and 168,000 workers across North America—the United Federation of Teachers, social service providers like the Ali Forney Center and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and resident groups like the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association and Westside Neighborhood Alliance.
The coalition's broad base reflects concerns that a casino would undermine the neighborhood's character and the livelihoods of those who depend on Broadway. Broadway supports over 100,000 jobs and draws tens of millions of visitors annually. Opponents argue that a casino could detract from the area's cultural appeal and exacerbate issues like congestion and problem gambling.
The vote is a key hurdle for Caesars Palace and its partners, who had proposed the casino as part of a larger redevelopment of the Times Square area. The Community Advisory Committee's recommendation is non-binding but carries significant weight in the state's licensing process. The New York State Gaming Commission will ultimately decide on casino licenses, with decisions expected later this year.
For now, Broadway advocates and local residents are celebrating the committee's decision as a win for community voices over corporate interests. 'This demonstrates that when residents and small businesses stand together, we can protect what makes our neighborhood special,' a coalition spokesperson said.
