Times Square Casino Plan Spurs Heated Debate at First Public Hearing

The argument over a suggested Caesars Palace casino in Times Square grew more intense Wednesday as the first of two public meetings attracted big crowds, lively testimony, and visible protests from both backers and critics.

Times Square Casino Plan Gets Union Support and Star Power at Crowded Meeting

The proposal supported by SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation, aims to change 1515 Broadway into a 150,000-square-foot gambling and entertainment complex. This complex would include a hotel with 1,000 rooms, places to eat, and spaces for shows. The project competes with seven others to obtain one of just three downstate casino licenses.

At Scandinavia House in Manhattan, over 150 people spoke to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), a six-person group that will decide if the plan moves on to state review, as reported by CBS News. People lined up outside in the hot summer weather, and some complained they could not get into the building.

Union workers in construction and hospitality made up most of the casino supporters. They stressed how the project could create thousands of jobs, both for building and long-term work. Those in favor said it would attract tourists, breathe new life into the area, and boost the economy for years to come. People from groups like Callen-Lorde and the Lower East Side Ecology Center also backed the plan. They pointed out the developers’ promises to invest in and work with the community.

Celebrities like rapper Fat Joe and radio host Charlamagne showed up to back the bid. People from Laborers Local 79 and SMART Local 137 talked about promises to pay fair wages, make neighborhoods safer, and help New Yorkers join the middle class.

Broadway Signs Light Up with ‘No Times Square Casino’ Before Big Meeting

People against the project felt just as passionate. Broadway actors, theater workers, and folks who live nearby said the casino might pull audiences away from shows, putting tens of thousands of theater jobs at risk. The Broadway League said Times Square’s culture and economy depend on its theaters, not casinos. They also warned about possible problems like more crime and human trafficking that could affect how people live there.

Before the hearing, digital billboards on several Broadway theaters displayed the message “No Times Square Casino” in a unified display of opposition. Many speakers criticized the outreach process, arguing that nearby community groups had not been involved. Some wondered if scheduling the hearing across town during work hours made it tough for Broadway workers to show up.

The developers argue that the casino would spark a wider Times Square revival, increasing demand for hotels, restaurants, and shops while promising millions in public and community investments.

The CAC needs to hold another hearing before voting on the plan by September 30. If it gets the green light at the local level, the proposal will move on to the state Gaming Facility Location Board, which will pick the three winning projects.