As the final public hearing for the Jay-Z-supported Caesars Palace Times Square casino proposal wrapped up Thursday night, the Community Advisory Committee faced a key question: Is it possible for Broadway to coexist with a casino in Midtown Manhattan?
The hearing, held at the Broadhurst Theatre on West 44th Street, showcased the neighborhood’s vibrant dynamics, featuring boos, cheers, and even musical performances.
Opponents labeled the $5 billion project as a potential threat to Broadway, while supporters argued it would usher in a new era for Times Square, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and enhancing safety.
The initiative, led by SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, aims to transform the vacant office site at 1515 Broadway into a 24/7 casino and entertainment hub, including 992 hotel rooms, a Caesars Sportsbook at The 40/40 Club, and restaurants helmed by renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud and Gordon Ramsay.
Additionally, the plan incorporates a wellness retreat and spa, a renovated Broadway theater, and over $80 million for private security, continuous NYPD support, and cultural investments, including a Civil Rights Museum and assistance for small theaters, alongside a proposed $250 million community benefits fund.
While over 500 individuals expressed interest in speaking, almost 200 voiced their opinions, predominantly against the project. Many, including actors and local residents, argued that the casino would divert audiences and funds from Broadway, exacerbate traffic, and take advantage of vulnerable communities.
Despite this, proponents, mainly union workers and small business owners, contended that the casino would create thousands of union jobs and attract over a million additional hotel guests annually, thus diversifying Times Square’s ownership.
