Jay-Z’s vision of bringing a casino to the heart of Times Square has run into new obstacles. It has been reported that today (Wednesday, Sept. 17), New York’s six member community advisory committee voted 4 to 2 against the proposal backed by Roc Nation, SL Green, and Caesars Entertainment.
Get this, the deciding votes came from representatives for Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Senator Liz Krueger, Assemblyman Tony Simone, and Councilman Erik Bottcher. Only the governor and mayor’s appointees supported the plan. Following the rejection, SL Green CEO Marc Holliday lashed out at the outcome, saying critics would have to “live with that history forever.”
Check this out, surprisingly, opposition to the project was loud and clear. The Broadway League and the No Times Square Casino Coalition argued that planting a gaming hub in the theater district would undercut the cultural heartbeat of Manhattan. Former Assemblyman Richard Gottfried summed it up, saying most residents, along with the Broadway industry, strongly believed a casino would “do major damage to that gem.”
But wait, not everyone agreed. Rev. Al Sharpton supported the proposal, calling the decision a setback for representation. “I was here for Jay-Z,” he told reporters. “We haven’t seen Black ownership in the entertainment industry in Times Square. I was disappointed they didn’t break the color line.”
Meanwhile, Broadway leaders celebrated the vote. Jason Laks, president of the Broadway League, said the decision protected both the industry and its workers. “A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here,” he emphasized.
Before you think the fight is over, and although Manhattan rejected the plan, the battle for casino licenses is far from over. Queens has emerged as a strong contender, with hip hop legend Nas partnering with Resorts World New York City on a $5 billion expansion proposal at Aqueduct Park. The ambitious project includes a massive 350,000 square foot casino floor, 3,000 units of workforce housing, and 50 acres of new park space.
Check out what Nas had to say. He called the venture a generational win. “This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard working families who call Queens home, attract top tier talent, and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” he said.
What’s more, unlike Times Square, the Queens community appears fully behind the bid. Betty Braton, chair of Community Board 10, praised Resorts World’s track record of local investment. “They have been with us in good times and tough times, giving both financial support and their time. I know this partnership will only continue,” she stated.
With the Times Square vision now sidelined, and that may just be temporary, Queens may be on its way to becoming New York’s new casino capital.