Plans to introduce casinos in central Manhattan have been halted after Community Advisory Committees rejected two major proposals. The bids aimed to develop casino and entertainment complexes in Times Square and Hudson Yards. The decision reflects the outcome of the formal review process involving local input and regulatory considerations.
With a decisive 4-2 vote, the committee considering the Caesars Palace bid for an ambitious Times Square overhaul stopped the plan in its tracks, as reported Gothamist. The Avenir proposal at Hudson Yards was also rejected, ending plans for a $7 billion development that included a hotel, residential units, and a public art space. The decision by the Community Advisory Committee effectively brought both Manhattan casino bids to a close. Both proposals were declined following feedback from local stakeholders and community members during the review process.
The decisions reflect the complexities of urban land use and development, where economic projections and community input are both considered. The Times Square casino proposal, supported by backers including Roc Nation, included estimates from developer SL Green of $7 billion in tax revenue for the city and state, as well as increased investment in the surrounding area. These projections were presented during the review process but were not adopted by the Community Advisory Committee, according to an ABC7NY report.
Nevertheless, opposition from the Broadway League proved potent, with President Jason Laks stipulating that the rejection served to "protect the magic of Broadway for the 100,000 New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods". This outcome aligns with Councilmember Eric Bottcher’s comments to Gothamist, highlighting the importance of a "uniquely strong degree of community buy-in"—a standard the applicants did not meet in this case. As a result, the proposed casino projects will need to be reconsidered, while other bidders continue to compete for the three downstate casino licenses that remain available, in accordance with the New York State Gaming Commission's year-end timeline.
As a result, both the high-profile proposal for Times Square and the mixed-use development plan for Hudson Yards now join the list of New York real estate projects that will not move forward. Following the committee’s decision, SL Green CEO Marc Holliday expressed strong criticism of the board’s actions. "What you did here today was a despicable display of cowardice, lack of leadership, lack of consideration for all the people who would benefit from this proposal," Holliday told ABC7NY.
