Casino Proposals in NYC Include Cultural Institutions
Although history museums and blackjack tables may appear to attract different crowds, two developers believed that integrating cultural venues into their casino project proposals in New York City would win community support.
SL Green Realty, the largest commercial landlord in Manhattan, aimed to transform a Times Square tower into a gaming resort through a $5.4 billion investment, partnering with Caesars Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Their plan included financing the $15 million development of a civil rights museum, a long-cherished vision of social justice advocate Reverend Al Sharpton.
Meanwhile, the Soloviev Group, a major property owner, collaborated with Mohegan Sun to propose an $11.2 billion casino complex on a vacant site on First Avenue. This proposal featured plans for new apartment buildings and five acres of waterfront parkland, as well as a museum focused on freedom and democracy, exhibiting works from international artists and sections of the Berlin Wall.
Ultimately, both proposals were rejected. Community Advisory Committees (CAC), representing key elected officials in New York City and State, turned down the bids, citing strong local opposition, concerns about traffic congestion, and potential negative impacts on community quality of life.
After the September 17 vote, SL Green CEO Marc Holliday expressed his frustration, stating, “What you did here today was despicable, a display of cowardice.” In contrast, Soloviev Group CEO Michael Hershman acknowledged his humility in light of the process and argued that Manhattan deserved a resort that would enhance its appeal and serve community needs.
Several developers withdrew before the June 27 submission deadline, and other proposals, including one for Coney Island, were rejected as well. As of September 29, plans to expand existing racinos in Yonkers and Ozone Park, along with a new project in the Bronx, have received approval from their respective CACs.
Despite the inclusion of cultural institutions, community leaders remained unmoved. Richard Gottfried, a former Manhattan assemblyman, indicated the civil rights museum did not significantly influence the committee’s considerations. Some competitors viewed the addition of a cultural venue as merely a political tactic. The future of the proposed museums now hangs in the balance, with Soloviev Group investigating continued development, while SL Green has referred inquiries about the civil rights museum to the National Action Network, which confirmed ongoing support but remained mum about its future location.
In discussions about combining casinos with cultural institutions, Tom Finkelpearl, former commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, compared it to luxury developments that also host performance spaces. Although he recognized potential benefits, he cautioned that museums must weigh the implications of such partnerships on their reputations.
