As the voting process to choose casino candidates in New York begins, some aren’t making the cut
Two high-profile casino bids in Manhattan were knocked out of contention this week after local advisory committees voted against their advancement, narrowing the race for up to three downstate New York licenses.
On Wednesday morning, both Caesars Palace Times Square and The Avenir near Hudson Yards failed to secure enough support from their respective Community Advisory Committees (CACs). Each committee voted four-to-two against the proposals, effectively ending their paths to licensing consideration by the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board.
The Caesars Times Square plan, backed by SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation, and Live Nation, promised a $5.4 billion redevelopment of the 1515 Broadway tower. Developers projected 3,800 permanent jobs and pledged $250 million in community support, including safety upgrades and funding for a civil rights museum. Despite these incentives, the project faced fierce pushback from Broadway’s theater community, which argued a casino would threaten the character and stability of Times Square.
Actress and producer LaChanze, speaking after the vote, called the rejection a victory for residents and local workers. SL Green’s Marc Holliday, however, blasted the decision, calling the committee’s action “despicable.”
The Avenir, a $7 billion project from Silverstein Properties, envisioned a casino and 1,000-room hotel near the Javits Center. It promised 4,000 full-time jobs, new housing, and nearly $100 million in funding for the MTA. Silverstein’s leadership expressed frustration that their request for a voting delay was denied, arguing they were asked to amend the proposal only hours before the final meeting. Still, committee members said the process had been lengthy and transparent, and most felt ready to cast their votes.
With the Manhattan bids eliminated, six proposals remain in the running, including developments near Citi Field, in Coney Island, and in the Bronx, along with upgrades for Resorts World Queens and MGM’s Yonkers facility. The state gaming board is expected to decide on license awards before year’s end.
