Labor Unions Back Ambitious Times Square Casino Project
Date: 2024-08-13 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: CASINO
A proposal to build a casino-hotel in Times Square recently received the backing of 17 labor unions, giving the ambitious project a major boost. The initiative is being led by a partnership between Caesars Entertainment, real estate developer SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. The project would transform an office building at 44th Street and Broadway into a luxury entertainment, hospitality, and gaming hub that promises to revitalize the iconic New York City neighborhood.
In a letter addressed to key Manhattan officials, including Borough President Mark Levine, State Assemblyman Tony Simone, and City Councilman Eric Boettcher, labor unions expressed their enthusiastic support for the Caesars Palace Times Square proposal. They emphasized the economic potential of the project, noting that a thriving Times Square would have a positive impact on the entire city.
The unions that supported the initiative include such important groups as Steamfitters Local 638 and the International Fraternal Electrical Workers Local Union No. 3. They believe that the construction of the casino will create many jobs and boost economic development in the area.
Conflict of Interest: Broadway Theaters vs. Unions
The project has faced some opposition. Some theater groups, such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Employees (IATSE) and the Theater Development Fund (TDF), have expressed concerns that the casino could draw visitors away from local theaters, harming the cultural environment of the area. Despite this, union leaders are confident that the project will attract millions of new visitors each year, which will ultimately benefit surrounding businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores.
Support from labor unions is considered a key element in moving the project forward. The unions emphasized their long-standing partnerships with both Caesars and SL Green, noting that the companies have a proven track record of working with organized labor.
The consortium has already received support from Broadway labor groups like Actors Equity and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802. In addition, the developers are promising to invest billions of dollars in the project, including not only building the casino but also improving local infrastructure, safety, and sanitation.
Labor leaders say the casino will be a catalyst for economic development, bringing more than 10 million new visitors to New York City each year. This influx of tourists is expected to boost local businesses and provide a much-needed economic boost to Times Square, which is still recovering from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
