The Fate Of Caesars Palace In Manhattan Has Been Decided

MIDTOWN, NY — A Community Advisory Committee voted 4-2 to reject the plan to build a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square on Wednesday morning, the first of eight proposals to be rejected.

The casino, proposed for 1515 Broadway between 44th Street and 45th Street, was one of eight applicants vying for three contracts put forth by the state's Gaming Facility Location Board 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.

"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 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.

Ahead of the vote, Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represents parts of Midtown and Manhattan's west side, voiced his opposition to the plan.

"Following countless conversations with constituents in coffee shops, living rooms and on street corners, extensive public engagement, and careful deliberation, I have reached the decision not to support the two remaining casino license applications in Council District 3," Councilmember Erik Bottcher wrote in a statement posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Another casino application located in Hell's Kitchen, called The Avenir, is being voted on today as well.

"This is not a decision I took lightly. All economic development opportunities deserve strong consideration. I believe casinos must clear a particularly high bar, requiring a uniquely strong degree of community buy-in, before being sited in a neighborhood. Despite extensive outreach by the applicants, that level of support has not materialized," Bottcher wrote.

When Patch polled its readers, 78 percent (458 votes) said they do not support the plan, and 19.9 percent (117 votes) said they do support the plan.

This is a developing story and will be updated. For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.