A state-commissioned community advisory committee has ended Caesars’ hopes of developing a casino resort in the heart of Times Square, New York, rejecting it in a 4 to 2 vote that joint developer SL Green described as ‘cowardice.’
Local board approval was needed for the project to be considered by the state Gaming Commission, which will grant three casino licenses for New York City in December.
Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green, said: “This was a despicable display of cowardice, a complete lack of consideration for all the people who would benefit from this. We met the standard and then some. The only ones with the courage to stand up are the governor and the mayor’s appointees, and everybody else runs and hides. Go run and hide. What you did, the benefits you denied this community and this city and state, you have to live with that history forever
A spokesperson for Caesars said: “We are disappointed by today’s decision and process. Caesars Palace Times Square was a visionary proposal that aimed to address long-standing challenges through meaningful private investment.
“The project would have enhanced public safety, reduced congestion, and supported the economic vitality of hundreds of local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to theaters and retail establishments. It also included commitments to community health, emergency services, arts access for underserved groups, and inclusive decision-making for local residents. Most importantly, it would have created thousands of stable, union jobs and brought diversity and inclusivity to both gaming ownership and Broadway.
“We are proud of the work we’ve done over the past five years and grateful to the hundreds of organizations, businesses, Broadway artists, labor unions, and residents who supported this effort. Their courage and commitment to a better future for Times Square have been inspiring.
“While we disagree with the outcome of this process, we remain committed to advocating for positive change in the city we love. We’ve built strong relationships with a community that is eager for progress, and we hope that those who opposed this project—both in the public and private sectors—will now bring the same energy and resources to solving the very real challenges facing Times Square.”
Laura Smith, who was deployed to the Caesars Times Square CAC by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said: “As the mayor’s representative on this committee, I want to express my disappointment that today’s vote was scheduled earlier at the request of some CAC members. By moving today’s vote forward, we have effectively lost two weeks of deliberation.”
New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher added: “Casinos must clear a particularly high bar, requiring a uniquely strong degree of community buy-in before being sited in a neighborhood. Despite extensive outreach by the applicants, that level of support has not materialised.”
The post Community advisory committee’s vote to end Caesars’ dream of Times Square casino branded a ‘display of cowardice’ appeared first on G3 Newswire.
A state-commissioned community advisory committee has ended Caesars’ hopes of developing a casino resort in the heart of Times Square, New York, rejecting it in a 4 to 2 vote that joint developer SL Green described as ‘cowardice.’ Local board approval was needed for the project to be considered by the state Gaming Commission, which will…
The post Community advisory committee’s vote to end Caesars’ dream of Times Square casino branded a ‘display of cowardice’ appeared first on G3 Newswire.