Unions back New York Times Square casino plan

Seventeen trade unions have approved plans for a casino in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. 

With 11 bidders vying for the three downstate casino licenses, the unions have responded positively knowing that the new developments will provide work for their members.

Among the contenders waiting for approval, are the Times Square Casino and CitiField Casino, while in NYC, Caesars Entertainment has partnered with developer SL Green and Roc Nation. 

They plan to refurbish an office complex at 1515 Broadway in the middle of the action in Times Square, but with more than half a dozen theatres in the vicinity, there is opposition. Those businesses believe casinos would keep people inside their premises, depriving them of footfall and revenue.

Other organized labor groups have confirmed the rejection of the project, after seven members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union joined the No Times Square Coalition on July 25.

Ed Pinnich, chief operations officer for SL Green told amNY Monday. “With Caesars Palace as our partner, I think the proposal is much more encouraging to make sure that the surrounding hotels, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues understand that we’re coming in to increase hotel space, increase millions of more meals and not just at 1515 Broadway where we’d have the casino but the adjacent retail locations.” 

Pinnich claimed that the delivery of the Times Square Casino project would create 6000 jobs, with the development including 250,000 square feet of gaming space and a 950-room hotel tower and restaurant complex.

The proposal has been supported by a letter signed by the trade union collective and sent to three elected representatives in Manhattan. The groups stated their backing to the SL Green, Caesars, and Roc Nation plan, citing their “proud history” of recognition and collaboration with organized labor.

With the casino licenses set to be granted next year, all of the proposals require local approval to an extent before the New York State Gaming Commission will give full consideration to the bids. 

Image credit: Pexels

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