Times Square Casino Plans Fail as Proposals Rejected
The push to establish a casino in the heart of Manhattan suffered a major setback this week after two high-profile proposals were rejected in the first round of advisory committee votes. On Wednesday morning, Community Advisory Committees (CACs) voted against projects slated for Times Square and Hudson Yards, eliminating both from consideration for one of three downstate casino licenses available in New York.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Times Square proposal, Caesars Palace Times Square, was backed by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green Realty, Jay-Z's Roc Nation, and Live Nation. It aimed to redevelop an existing Midtown tower into a large-scale gambling and entertainment complex. The CAC responsible for the project voted it down by a four-to-two margin.
Support had come from representatives of the mayor and governor, while delegates appointed by local elected officials voted no. Following the vote, SL Green chairman Marc Holliday sharply criticized the decision, accusing members of denying the community and state significant benefits.
Supporters of the Times Square project had touted a $5.4 billion investment plan that promised to deliver 3,800 permanent jobs and $250 million in local support initiatives. The commitments included $15 million earmarked for a civil rights museum and safety improvements in the heavily trafficked Times Square district.
Despite these pledges, the plan faced staunch resistance from the Broadway League and local residents, who argued that a casino would disrupt the cultural and business environment of the theater district. Community activists celebrated the defeat, with several Broadway figures emphasizing that the decision represented a victory for preserving the character of Times Square.
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The Avenir Also Loses Favor
The second Manhattan proposal, The Avenir, was a $7 billion plan spearheaded by Silverstein Properties to develop a complex near the Javits Center. It was to feature 1,000 hotel rooms, a casino, and new housing options, including affordable units.
The project also pledged close to $100 million for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Despite a late request from Silverstein to delay the vote after receiving last-minute amendment instructions, the CAC voted against the plan by a four-to-two margin.
Supporters, including Mayor Eric Adams' representative Nabeela Malik, argued the process had been rushed. Opponents such as former Assemblymember Richard Gottfried insisted the committee was ready to decide after months of review.
Silverstein executives expressed frustration after the outcome. Chief Operating Officer Dino Fusco said the company had invested significant time and effort to accommodate feedback from both the committee and community members. He described the timing of the amendment request and the refusal to delay the vote as disappointing, noting that the company's work included commitments to housing and transportation improvements.
The rejection of these projects means neither Times Square nor Hudson Yards will advance to the state-level review process conducted by the Gaming Facility Location Board. That board, established under the New York State Gaming Commission, is expected to make final selections for up to three downstate casino licenses before the end of 2025.
Six projects remain in contention, including proposals for Coney Island, Throggs Neck, and a site near Citi Field. Additionally, two existing gaming facilities — Resorts World in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers — are seeking full casino licenses. Each of the remaining proposals has faced its own community opposition, with debates centering on issues such as neighborhood character, economic impact, and infrastructure strain.
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