A recent survey conducted by an alliance of residents and community organizations around Times Square shows that local residents are concerned that a casino will exacerbate crime and traffic issues, impacting quality of life. They strongly oppose the establishment of a casino in Times Square. The casino project is supported by rapper Jay Z’s company and driven by a collaboration of SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation.
According to a survey sponsored by the “No Times Square Casino Coalition,” a staggering 71% of registered voters are against the opening of a casino in this popular tourist destination. The coalition includes influential members such as the Broadway League of Theater Owners, who believe that the establishment of a casino will have a negative impact on the theater district and surrounding community.
The New York Post reported that Daniel, the Chief Strategy Officer of The Shubert Organization, stated that nearby residents have voiced their opinions. The theater district and surrounding community are not only globally important tourist destinations but also real neighborhoods. Most residents in the area believe that opening a casino would erode quality of life and hinder it from being a safe, welcoming gathering place for families.
The survey results indicate that less than one-tenth of voters (9%) believe that Times Square is the best location in New York City to open a casino. Residents from Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Murray Hill, and Gramercy Park participated in the survey. Half of the respondents from midtown Manhattan expressed their opposition to opening a casino in any of the five boroughs of New York City.
Overwhelming opposition spans across major demographic groups, with particularly strong resistance from women and the elderly. The survey found that:
(1) 81% of respondents are concerned that opening a casino in Times Square will worsen the already congested traffic, with 62% saying they are “very concerned.”
(2) 80% are worried that the casino will bring more crime to the area, with 61% expressing being “very concerned.”
(3) 80% believe that opening a casino will lower the comfort level of residents in the area in terms of their lives and work, with 60% saying they are “very concerned.”
Moreover, about 72% of survey participants believe that a casino in Times Square will exploit addicts; 66% think it will fuel sex trafficking and prostitution; and about two-thirds are concerned that the casino will divert business from nearby Broadway shows, theaters, restaurants, and local small businesses.
In response to residents’ concerns, collaborating companies such as SL Green and Caesars Entertainment, who support the project, stated that Caesars Palace Times Square is an investment in New York that has garnered strong support from residents, local businesses, and the Broadway community. They are prepared to make significant investments in health, safety, and traffic mitigation to revitalize the theater district.
However, the regulatory authorities in New York State are not expected to issue any casino licenses until 2025.