Caesars Palace Times Square Casino Proposal Faces Marathon Public Hearing

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearing highlighted the intense debate surrounding the proposed renovation of 1515 Broadway in the heart of Times Square. Unlike Monday's considerably shorter MGM Empire City hearing, the Caesars session stretched late into the evening as community members, union representatives, and industry professionals voiced passionate arguments both for and against the project.

The CAC must conduct at least one additional hearing before casting their binding vote by September 30th. Four of six committee members must approve the project for it to advance toward potential licensing, making these community sessions crucial for the proposal's future.

Executive Leadership Champions Tourism Revival

Caesars CEO Tom Reeg made his first appearance at a public presentation, emphasizing the project's potential to revitalize international tourism to New York City. His presence underscored the company's commitment to the Times Square venture, particularly significant given recent visitation declines in Las Vegas, Caesars' primary market.

"This is a unique partnership in the entertainment capital of the world, and we can really create something special that'll attract international tourists and their spending power that'll benefit New York's economy for decades to come," Reeg declared during his presentation.

SL Green CEO Marc Holliday reinforced his company's local credentials as the city's largest commercial landlord, offering personal guarantees about traffic mitigation and congestion reduction. The executives highlighted key project advantages, including ground-level accessibility restrictions for the casino floor, minimal construction impact through existing building utilization, and anticipated spillover benefits for neighboring businesses due to capacity limitations.

Reeg detailed plans to extend Caesars Rewards program benefits to local businesses through a "hub-and-spoke" model, addressing the company's current absence in New York markets. The closest existing Caesars property operates in Atlantic City, making the Times Square location strategically valuable for customer retention and expansion.

Union Support Clashes with Theatre Community Opposition

The extended public comment period exposed deep divisions within the community, particularly between trade unions backing the project and theatre industry professionals opposing it. Construction & General Building Laborers' Local 79 provided strong representation, with multiple speakers emphasizing employment opportunities and economic benefits.

"The simple fact is that there will be a gaming license awarded to New York City, and this is the proposal that makes the most sense," stated Billy King, Local 79's recording secretary, reflecting organized labor's unified support.

However, theatre community representatives delivered fierce opposition, with Broadway League President Jason Laks making serious allegations about restricted hearing access for casino opponents. These claims prompted CAC Chair Carl Wilson to request a state gaming commission investigation into the access allegations.

Danny Whitman from Broadway Cares emphasized the theatre industry's massive economic contribution, noting that "Broadway added $15 billion to the New York City economy" last year. His passionate plea to committee members highlighted concerns about potential negative impacts on the established entertainment ecosystem.

Celebrity endorsements provided notable support, with rapper Fat Joe and radio host Charlamagne Tha God praising the project's entertainment value and economic potential. Their appearances, facilitated through Roc Nation connections, demonstrated the proposal's entertainment industry backing beyond traditional casino operations.

Local residents remained split approximately 50-50 on the project, with supporters noting Times Square's pandemic-related decline while opponents expressed concerns about increased congestion and diminished quality of life. The Caesars proposal promises roughly 3,000 construction jobs, significantly fewer than competing bids but still representing substantial local employment opportunities.

The hearing's intensity and duration reflect the high stakes surrounding New York's casino licensing process, with Times Square's iconic status making this particular proposal especially contentious among community stakeholders.