The planned casino in Times Square has sparked an intense debate, putting a rift between New York theater workers as talks about possible new casino developments in downstate New York and the heart of the Big Apple gain momentum. The controversy has reached a crescendo with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) New York Theater Locals allying with the No Times Square Casino Coalition. Yet, not all actors are picking the same side in this high-stakes game of chance.
Casino Development: A Double-Edged Sword?
The IATSE, backed by the Broadway League and numerous groups, stands resolute in opposing the casino scheme. This coalition argues that placing a casino smack dab in the theater district is like doubling down on a losing hand. They highlight that there are far better locations for New York’s limited casino licenses that won’t compromise the integrity of this historic locale.
The recent rally saw a surge of IATSE locals voicing their rising concerns. Their message—loud and clear—was echoed in the New York Post: a casino near Broadway would be a costly blunder that offers no substantial economic boon and could worsen current issues like traffic congestion.
Casinos are designed like moonlit dens, aimed at keeping patrons inside for as long as possible. Meanwhile, our symbolic theater district and Broadway are still rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic.
IATSE statement
This proposed casino, a collaborative effort by Caesars, SL Green, and Roc Nation, which is owned by none other than rapper Jay-Z, is slated to rise at 1515 Broadway, right in the heart of Times Square. But a poll funded by the No Times Square Casino Coalition showed that 71% of locals are not playing this hand, fearing the project’s potential downsides.
A House Divided: Split Opinions in the Theater Community
But hold your horses—it’s not a unanimous bet against the casino among the theater industry’s players. The Actors’ Equity Association has thrown its chips on the table in support of the Caesars Palace Times Square project. They are convinced that SL Green and other stakeholders will enhance the area’s allure and herald long-term economic prosperity by working hand in glove with locals.
They’ve truly invested the effort to grasp the ecosystem they’re diving into, aiming to be positive contributors to a richer Times Square and a more vibrant Broadway.
Actors’ Equity Association spokesperson
Brett Herschenfeld, the Executive VP at SL Green, emphasized that the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, another leading Broadway group, is also backing the casino venture. According to Herschenfeld, the project promises to bring about meaningful job opportunities to the neighborhood, particularly in building and construction. He remains optimistic that a new entertainment hub will energize the theater industry through ongoing collaboration.
The final decision on this wager lies in the hands of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State legislature. The stakes are high, as the future of Times Square teeters on the edge of transformation. A casino could significantly reshape the iconic theater district and its satellite businesses. The impending verdict will wield immense influence on the city’s entertainment landscape and its rich cultural fabric.
