Reader Poll: Do You Support The Plan To Open A Casino In Times Square?

MIDTOWN, NY — A plan to open a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square is nearing the finish line for its public review process, and is expected to be put to its first vote within the next month.

The casino, which would be on Broadway between 44th Street and 45th Street, is one of eight applicants vying for three contracts to open a casino in the five boroughs.

The Caesars Palace Times Square casino venture is brought on by Jay-Z's entertainment company Roc Nation, as well as SL Green and Caesars Entertainment, and has support from several trade unions and companies in the area.

The casino, if approved, would convert an already-existing building into a hotel with three restaurants, a nightclub, a spa and, of course, gambling space. In order to sweeten the deal, the casino's owners have promised more than $100 million in programs to support the surrounding neighborhood.

"My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth and enrichment for the community, and everyone who visits the Empire State," Jay-Z said.

Though the website for Caesars Palace Times Square calls itself a "vital plan" for the neighborhood, several neighborhood groups have opposed the project, saying it could significantly change the neighborhood and harm existing businesses and residents.

"This casino remains an existential threat to Broadway and our entire neighborhood," Jason Laks, president of the Broadway League, said at the first public hearing on Aug. 13.

"If you approve this casino, it will mean fewer jobs and fewer people working on Broadway. The developers have chosen to put a casino on Broadway's doorstep to profit off the tourists and audiences the theater industry brings to Times Square."

However, other locals at the public hearing said nearby establishments could gain business and foot traffic from the deal.

"Local businesses will directly benefit from the Caesars rewards point exchange program, which will allow businesses and restaurants to accept Caesars rewards points," Jerrell Gibbs said at the public hearing in support of the project.

"The Caesars Palace project will keep the light shining bright in Times Square and make sure New York City remains the best place to visit and live in the world."

A Community Advisory Committee will vote on whether to approve the project by Sept. 30, before the application goes before the Gaming Facility Location Board for a final vote before the end of the year.

New Yorkers: What do you think about the plan? Take our reader poll:

To watch the public hearing, click here.

The Caesars Palace Times Square casino, if approved, would be located at 1515 Broadway.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.