Broadway Theaters and Community Rally Against Proposed Times Square Casino

The Broadway theater community, alongside local residents and non-profit organizations, is taking a stand against the proposed Times Square casino by developer SL Green. A rally is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, at 9am, preceding the first public hearing by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Times Square casino proposal. The opposition is rooted in concerns that the casino would harm Broadway's economic vitality, exploit vulnerable populations, and introduce quality of life issues for the community.

In a show of solidarity, marquees at 16 Broadway theaters, including the Majestic and the St. James, will display a 'No Times Square Casino' message during peak hours on Wednesday. This visual protest aims to draw public attention to the cause and encourage community members to voice their opposition to local elected officials. The rally and marquee action underscore the widespread resistance to the casino, with a recent Tulchin Research poll indicating 71% opposition among Midtown residents.

The coalition against the casino has grown to include 35 organizations, representing a broad spectrum of community interests. Notable members include IATSE, the largest union on Broadway, the United Federation of Teachers, and social service providers like the Ali Forney Center. The coalition argues that the casino proposal is out of step with the neighborhood's post-pandemic recovery and resurgence, as evidenced by Broadway's record-breaking season. The upcoming CAC hearing represents a critical opportunity for the community to formally express its opposition to the project.