Community Advisory Committee Rejects Times Square Casino Proposal in Victory for Broadway Coalition

The Community Advisory Committee overseeing the proposed Times Square casino voted against the project this morning, delivering a major setback to the development plans. Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League and member of the No Times Square Casino Coalition, responded to the decision by stating this was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it.

According to a poll released just last week, 67% of registered voters who live in Midtown and on the West Side opposed the proposed Times Square casino. The No Times Square Casino Coalition has grown to more than 35 organizations, including IATSE—the largest union on Broadway representing 7 locals and 168,000 workers across North America—the United Federation of Teachers, social service providers like the Ali Forney Center and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, as well as resident groups like the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association and Westside Neighborhood Alliance.

The coalition's broad membership reflects deep community concerns about the potential impact of a casino on the unique character of the theater district. Laks emphasized that while a casino can go anywhere, Broadway only lives in this specific location, making its protection crucial for both cultural preservation and economic stability. The vote represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate about development priorities in one of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods.