Published on: December 4, 2024, 09:39h.
Last updated on: December 4, 2024, 09:39h.
The largest teachers union in New York City is against the proposal to bring a $4 billion integrated resort casino to Times Square.
On Wednesday, Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, a union representing nearly 200K educators, school-related professionals, child care providers, nurses, and adult education instructors, said his organization strongly opposes bringing Las Vegas to the Crossroads of the World.
A casino would undermine the Theater District and dilute the distinctive power of Broadway, an industry that offers unique educational and career opportunities for our students,” Mulgrew told The New York Post. “Broadway is an educational goldmine for the children of our city, and it needs to be protected.”
Times Square is situated in the heart of Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway, 7th Ave., and 42nd St. The approximately five-block area from 42nd north to 47th is a vibrant hub for the Theater District and attracts around 50 million visitors annually.
No Place for Gambling
Mulgrew argues that a casino is not suitable for Times Square, with six public schools within walking distance of where Caesars Entertainment and NYC real estate giant SL Green have proposed converting 1515 Broadway — the long-standing home of Viacom/CBS, MTV Networks, and Nickelodeon — into a resort casino. One Astor Plaza is also home to the Minskoff Theater, where “The Lion King” has been running since 2006.
Although Times Square has some slightly seedy attractions, including the Naked Cowboy, Mulgrew believes the tourist and entertainment destination should remain free of a casino.
“Put the casino somewhere else,” Mulgrew stated.
Mulgrew’s teachers union is the latest entity to oppose the Caesars Palace proposal.
The No Times Square Casino Coalition is supported by 25 neighborhood associations, alliances, coalitions, churches, and businesses. Members of the coalition include the Broadway League, the Hell’s Kitchen Block Association, Sardi’s, Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association, 54 Below, the American Bus Association, and the National Organization for Women in New York City.
Caesars Support
A spokesperson for the Caesars project in Times Square informed The Post that the resort will only benefit the theater district and nearby businesses. The development team is also dedicated to blending into the neighborhood as a positive attraction.
Introducing a world-class entertainment destination to Times Square will actually expand the audience for Broadway shows, and we will offer tens of millions of dollars in Broadway tickets to New York City students and educational programs as part of a successful bid,” the Caesars representative explained. “The unions representing Broadway actors and musicians endorse our bid because we will benefit the theater community and Times Square.”
Among the 17 labor unions supporting the Caesars project are the Actors Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians. The resort proposal also has the backing of numerous construction groups.
The Caesars project is just one of several casino proposals for New York’s downstate area. The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to select the three winners by the end of next year.
Other companies preparing submissions include MGM Resorts, Genting, Hard Rock International, Las Vegas Sands, Mohegan, Wynn Resorts, and Bally’s.