A coalition of Broadway theater owners and producers, downtown Manhattan community and tenant organizations, and well-known Theater District restaurants such as Sardi’s and Joe Allen’s are among the members of a new coalition opposed to a proposed Times Square casino.
The No Times Square Casino Coalition cites potential liabilities of a Times Square casino such as traffic congestion, economic disruption and social harm, including making the area “less welcoming to families,” and is calling on state gaming officials to review neighborhood proposals to to refuse.
“After decades of upheaval that has revitalized the neighborhood and made it a prime destination for locals, businesses and tourists, Times Square is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, the trade association, said. representing theater owners and producers. “We don’t want that progress to be jeopardized by a casino.”
The new coalition was formed in response to last year’s announcement by Caesars Entertainment and Manhattan real estate company SL Green that they intended to apply for permission to build a casino at Caesars Palace at 1515 Broadway, the same building that Disney’s hosted a long-running musical. is. The lion king. In December, Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation, joined the companies’ effort.
New York State’s Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to review applications for new casinos in the city this year, with competition for licenses increasing, the new coalition says. Other potential casino operators have proposed locations in the districts.
Details of Caesars’ proposal were released last October, and the concept quickly faced opposition from the Broadway League and was backed by the Actors’ Equity Association, the union representing actors and stage managers, citing the potential for new jobs, among other things. has.
“We believe Times Square offers the best location for a new resort casino that can attract tourists and benefit local businesses,” SL Green CEO Marc Holliday said at the time. “We are excited to pursue this license with Caesars and our many local partners. Our approach will ensure that underrepresented communities benefit from both employment and investment opportunities.”
The No Times Square Casino Coalition announced its formation today, saying its membership includes The League, The Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association, The Hell’s Kitchen Block Association,
The West 47th – 48th Streets Block Association, The Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association, The Clinton Hell’s Kitchen Chelsea Coalition for Pedestrian Safety, Times Square Church, Encore Community Services, The American Bus Association, and The Student & Youth Travel Association.
While the names of most of these organizations are likely to be recognizable only to residents of Times Square’s various neighborhoods, their membership base also includes some of the area’s best-known theater restaurants. In addition to Sardi’s and Joe Allen, membership also includes Italian restaurant Orso and popular pre- and post-show bar Bar Centrale.
Max Klimavicius, owner of Sardi’s, said: “No matter how much promoters try to emphasize glitz and glamour, a Times Square casino has the potential to unravel the fabric of the Theater District and jeopardize the prosperity of its restaurants . “
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
