Protesters, Including Theater and Women's Advocacy Groups, Dissent Against Caesars' Times Square Casino Plan
The Anti-Times Square Casino Union expands, adding theater and women's groups, alongside the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA), to its ranks on Tuesday.
In a statement, the union confirmed that the Theater Development Fund (TDF) and the New York City chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) are now among the groups speaking out against plans for a casino hotel in Times Square. The Times Square casino group is headed by Caesars, real estate developer SL Green, and Jay-Z's Roc Nation entertainment agency.
The CCBA, NOW, and TDF joining forces with the Anti-Times Square Casino Union happened about a month after a poll disclosed that 71% of the respondents were against a gaming establishment in the theater district, with 59% strongly opposing the plan. Meanwhile, some local businesses and residents reportedly have positive feelings towards a potential Caesars casino settling in Times Square.
Now, the Anti-Times Square Casino Union consists of more than two dozen organizations such as community groups, restaurants, and a church.
Some Question the Logic of Times Square Casino
Confidence in Caesars and SL Green's casino project needs to be built among Times Square locals and politicians. There are worries that a gaming venue could escalate crime rates and pose a traffic predicament in an already overcrowded area.
Sally Greenspan, President of The Council of Chelsea Block Associations, expressed her thoughts in the statement, saying, "New York's distinctive attractions embody our cultural identity and power our economic viability. Tourists and people from all over the country and the world come to enjoy Times Square - Broadway shows, the lighting, the music, the restaurants, the streetscape. It doesn't make sense to introduce an industry that could potentially harm the very heart of Times Square."
Caesars and SL Green aim to address concerns that a casino in Times Square could negatively impact other businesses in the area. Those opposed to the casino fear it would keep guests confined to the gaming tables and slot machines, decreasing their desire to explore the neighborhood by going out for dinner and attending Broadway shows.
To tackle this concern, Caesars agreed to link its Caesars Rewards program to some small businesses in Times Square, and SL Green believes a Times Square casino will stimulate over seven million additional meals purchased at local restaurants while boosting annual Broadway ticket sales by more than $65 million.
NOW Voices Additional Worries
Developing a new casino hotel is similar to any other commercial or residential property development project. While it may hold some appeal to bring a gambling establishment to one of America's busiest cities, there could be unexpected consequences.
As NOW NYC President Sonia Ossorio suggested, Times Square's proximity to a major transportation hub could lead to an increase in sex-related crimes if a casino is added there.
She stated in the statement, "A casino on top of Times Square and in close proximity to the Port Authority Bus Terminal would serve as a magnet for human trafficking and the sex trade. I'm proud to join the people who live in this community, know it best, and share the same concern."
