17 Unions Support New York Times Square Casino Plan

Seventeen trade unions have approved plans for a casino in New York City’s Times Square. A total of 11 bidders thus far are seeking the three downstate casino licenses. The unions have responded positively knowing that the new developments will provide work for their members.

New York Times Square casino plan proposal is supported by a letter signed by the trade unions

The proposal has been supported by a letter signed by the trade union collective and sent to three elected representatives in Manhattan. Of course, the groups endorse SL Green and Roc Nation.

Per amNY’s Barbara Russo-Lennon, in the letter addressed to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assembly Member Tony Simone, and Council Member Erik Bottcher, the unions said the developer and entertainment groups have a “proud history” of working with organized labor.

Caesars Entertainment has also partnered with developer SL Green and Roc Nation. They plan to refurbish an office complex at 1515 Broadway in the middle of Times Square.

“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,” SL Green COO Ed Pinnich told amNY.

Casino in Times Square would create 6,000 jobs for New York City

Pinnich said the casino in Times Square would create 6000 jobs. The development includes 250,000 square feet of gaming space, a 950-room hotel tower, and a restaurant complex.

According to amNY, the casino licenses are set to be granted next year. All of the proposals require local approval before the New York State Gaming Commission will give full consideration.

However, more than half a dozen theaters in the vicinity oppose all future casino projects. Those businesses argue that casinos would hurt them financially because they would keep tourists inside their gaming premises.

Other organized labor groups have reported similar opposition. Seven members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union joined the No Times Square Coalition on July 25.

“Times Square is the worst place a casino could be located,” the coalition said in a statement. “It would threaten the very fabric of the Theater District and all the businesses and workers who rely on its success.

“More than 71% of people who live in the neighborhood oppose the casino. [They] cite worsening traffic congestion, increasing crime, and making the area less pleasant to live and work as major concerns.”

In other words, the trade unions face an uphill battle.