There have been years of planning for Caesars Times Square, but Broadway has always pushed back. This week, everything comes down to a vote.
Caesars Palace Times Square has the most famous location of all the proposed casinos in downstate New York. Times Square is the centre of New York City, a popular tourist destination, and the home of the Broadway theatre and entertainment business.
For these reasons, stakeholders SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation have said that their project is the best of the eight that were submitted, three of which were in Manhattan. Also, the casino would be a $5.4 billion renovation of an office building at 1515 Broadway, which means that the construction and housing effects would be fewer than those of any new construction project.
The theatre industry, on the other hand, has been the casino's largest enemy since it sees it as a threat to its business. At the casino's second and last public hearing on Thursday at the Broadhurst Theatre in Manhattan, Broadway workers and union representatives came out in full force to make their last fight against Caesars Times Square.
More than 175 people spoke out at the six-hour marathon hearing. The community advisory committee (CAC) for the project heard more than 12 hours of public comments, which was the most for any proposal.
in 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the CAC will vote on Caesars Times Square in the Times Square Alliance building. For the plan to move forward to the state for one of three downstate casino licenses, it needs to get a two-thirds majority vote (four out of six).
Sharpton was brought in for the last presentation.
It was not necessary, but representatives from all three partners were in the room again on Thursday for another presentation. The main arguments were repeated: little impact on construction; extra benefits for local companies; and working with other theatrical and community groups.
"Our project has the least possible effect on the community around it," said SL Green CEO Marc Holliday. "We won't change the look of the streetscape because the building is already there." 1515 Broadway is an office block, thus we won't take away important dwelling options.
Bill Bratton, the project's security chief and two-time police commissioner, has stressed how safe the surrounding regions will be. He talked about a security plan that calls for constant monitoring and patrols. He stated this will make Times Square "safer everywhere for everyone."
Instead of Jay-Z, the founder of Roc Nation, SL Green and Caesars asked Reverend Al Sharpton, a long-time civil rights leader, to make the final pitch on Thursday.
Sharpton added, "If this casino is built, it will be the first time we have a place on Broadway that has diversity at the ownership level." "And you don't just get a token; Jay-Z isn't a token; he's the token booth."
Red or purple for Caesars Times Square
There were two main colours in the public comment part of the hearing: red for people who were against the casino and purple for people who were for it. Many of the people wearing red "No Times Square Casino" shirts and holding signs were connected to Broadway.
Patricia White, president of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764, said, "A casino threatens to overwhelm this unique neighbourhood character." "There are a lot of empty lots in the city. There will be work there. "Go there."
Times Square isn't mostly a place where people live, but people who live nearby have fought against the traffic, congestion, and violence that a casino could bring to such a bustling neighbourhood. Stakeholders have promised that this extra traffic will be good for local theatres and businesses.
Caesars Times Square doesn't have the right amenities for its estimates, because the plan was for people to organically go to nearby places. To back up this guarantee, Caesars has promised to make its rewards program available at adjacent businesses that work with them. Still, a lot of people weren't sure.
Resident Guy Kroll said, "If you've ever been to a Caesars casino, I could sit in there in my pyjamas and gamble. They don't care." "They want my dollar if I have it in my pocket." They take advantage of folks who don't have money.
Not everyone agrees with dissent.
Even though Broadway and its army of red were convincing, the little group wearing purple "Yes Caesars Times Square" clothes held its own. Theatre unions made a strong case, but other labour leaders made the opposing case.
Una Adams, the director of organising for Labourers Local 79, said, "Every other proposed site would take away from a possible site for affordable housing." "Our members need affordable housing, and I hope that my child can grow up in New York City in affordable housing that can be built on one of those other sites."
The Caesars CAC now has to think about a lot of things about a project that could have the most effect on where it is built. For instance, no homes would be moved, but no new ones would be erected. Freedom Plaza and Avenir, the other two bids for Manhattan, both include apartments.
There would be union jobs, but the project's promised 3,000 construction jobs are the fewest of any bid. But when it comes to running casinos, Caesars is one of the most experienced companies, along with MGM, Hard Rock, and Genting.
A resident called Rita stated, "I don't think it's just about gambling. I think it's more about steady pay cheques, more chances, and helping local businesses."
