Theater owners on Broadway have stepped up their fight against plans to build a casino in Times Square. They are warning that this project could put the future of New York’s famous Theater District at risk.
Playbill Inserts Urge New Yorkers to Oppose Caesars’ Times Square Casino
In the last week, people going to shows have found something they did not expect in their Playbills – a leaflet asking them to speak out against the casino plan. Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation are backing this plan. The flyers tell theatergoers to push state and local officials, saying that the proposed gambling spot would hurt local businesses, make crime and traffic worse, and might force some theaters to shut down.
The Broadway League, which represents 24 theaters, is handing out pamphlets as part of a plan to get public backing before a crucial advisory vote at the end of September. League President Jason Laks says the industry sees the casino as a direct threat to Broadway’s cultural and financial ecosystem, reported The New York Post. He cautions that if the plan goes ahead, it could lead to fewer people attending shows and job cuts.
The casino would be built at 1515 Broadway, a tall building that now houses the Minskoff Theatre, where The Lion King plays. Those behind the project claim it would involve big upgrades and bring in new money for the area.
Caesars Palace Stresses Jobs and Tourism Benefits Despite Community Concerns
Caesars Palace Times Square has brushed off the criticism as baseless. A company spokesperson said the project aims to add to, not rival Broadway. The spokesperson also pointed out that many entertainment unions and local businesses back the bid, mentioning promises to create jobs, boost tourism, and sell more tickets.
Big names, including rapper Fat Joe and radio host Charlamagne tha God, have supported the project. They spoke at a recent public hearing, along with people from Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, in favor of the casino’s possible economic effects.
Despite the ongoing efforts, many locals in the neighborhood remain skeptical. Community organizations and area activists claim that a casino might change the neighborhood’s identity and put pressure on public resources.
Digital signs around Times Square now display messages that read “No Times Square Casino,” indicating the growing opposition at the grassroots level. The final call rests with a six-member Community Advisory Committee, which includes people from city and state offices. Their input will play a crucial role in the state’s decision to grant a license for the project.