Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 17, 2025
Times Square Casino Project Rejected by Community Committee
TLDR
- Broadway supporters gained a strategic victory by blocking the Caesars Palace casino, protecting their economic interests and cultural dominance in Times Square.
- The Community Advisory Committee voted against the casino after reviewing poll data showing 67% local opposition and input from over 35 coalition organizations.
- This decision preserves Broadway's cultural magic and protects the livelihoods of 100,000 New Yorkers while maintaining the neighborhood's unique character for future generations.
- A grassroots coalition of Broadway unions, social services, and resident groups successfully defended Times Square's theatrical heritage against casino development.
Impact - Why it Matters
This decision has far-reaching implications for New York City's cultural and economic landscape. The rejection protects Broadway's status as a global entertainment destination and preserves the livelihoods of thousands of theater workers, restaurant employees, and tourism-related businesses. For residents and visitors, it maintains Times Square's family-friendly atmosphere and prevents potential increases in crime, traffic congestion, and problem gambling that often accompany casino developments. The overwhelming community opposition, backed by polling data, demonstrates that urban development projects must balance economic interests with preserving neighborhood character and cultural institutions that define New York's identity.
Summary
The Community Advisory Committee has delivered a significant blow to the proposed Times Square casino project by voting against its development. This decision represents a major victory for the No Times Square Casino Coalition, a grassroots campaign that has grown to include over 35 organizations including IATSE (the largest Broadway union representing 168,000 workers), the United Federation of Teachers, social service providers like the Ali Forney Center and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and numerous resident associations.
Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League and coalition member, emphasized that this vote protects "the magic of Broadway" for the 100,000 New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods and the tens of millions of annual visitors. The coalition's opposition is supported by compelling data, including a recent poll showing 67% of registered voters in Midtown and the West Side oppose the casino. The diverse coalition includes theater industry leaders, restaurants like Sardi's and Joe Allen, community groups, and social service organizations, demonstrating widespread concern about the project's potential impact on the unique character of Times Square and Broadway.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Times Square Casino Project Rejected by Community Committee
