Theater workers' union opposes Jay Z-backed casino bid for Times Square: 'Not good for Broadway'
HOV may be getting the hook.
The union that represents the bulk of Broadway theater workers wants to tear up “The Blueprint” for a proposed Times Square casino backed by rapper Jay Z.
“A casino in New York would add a new dimension to New York Citys vibrant entertainment industry but placing it amidst our theater district would be a mistake,” the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees told The Post in a statement.
“Casinos are self-contained and are designed to keep patrons inside for as long as possible,” the union added.
“Meanwhile, our iconic theater district and Broadway are still recovering from the financial hardship brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The glittering casino plan for 1515 Broadway in the heart of Times Square is being developed by SL Green, Caesars and billionaire rapper Jay-Zs entertainment company, Roc Nation.
But there’s growing resistance to the idea of a gambling attraction on the Great White Way.
A survey released in May claimed a whopping 71% of registered voters who live in or near Times Square oppose opening a casino at The Crossroads of the World.”
The poll wasfinanced by theNo Times Square Casino Coalitionthatincludes the influentialBroadway League.
“Having a casino in Times Square is not going to increase attendance at our venues,” said Carl Mulert, national business agent of IATSE’s’ Local 829, which represents thousands of stage, lighting and costume designers as well as other workers.
Already “problematic” traffic would only get worse in the tourist destination, he said.
“It’s already incredibly congested. We don’t want more,” Mulert said. “It’s not good for Broadway.”
The Actors Equity Association and Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians both support the casino bid.
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Brett Herschenfeld, executive vice president of SL Green, said those unions’ members agree “a new gaming and entertainment destination will make the theater industry stronger.
“They are joined by 17 local unions of the Building & Construction Trades Council that support Caesars Palace Times Square and believe a new entertainment destination will bring strong, well-paying jobs to New York City,” Herschenfeld said in a statement.
The Times Square casino proposal is just one of several plans backed by big money in and around the Big Apple.
Others include a pitch from Mets owner Steven Cohen to open a venue near CitiField in Queens, a Related Companies/Wynn proposal to open a gaming site in Hudson Yards and aThor Equities and partners proposal for Coney Island.
Those proposals also face community and political opposition.
State gaming regulators are expected to award up to three licenses in the NYC area by the end of next year. Winning bidders would be required to pay the state a minimum $500 million license fee.
