One theater union voices opposition to Caesars NY casino

Caesars Palace Times Square, the casino proposed for New York City by Caesars Entertainment, developer SL Green and rapper Jay-Z, has run into new union opposition.

Under the Caesars NY casino plan, partners have pledged to invest $250m for improvements in Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen. It was originally opposed by theater owners. But the plan has gained support from several Times Square tenants.

The International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees (IATSE), however, has come out against the project.

“A casino in New York would add a new dimension to New York City’s vibrant entertainment industry, but placing it amidst our theater district would be a mistake,” the IATSE told the New York Post Thursday (25 July) in a statement.

“Casinos are self-contained and are designed to keep patrons inside for as long as possible. Meanwhile, our iconic theater district and Broadway are still recovering from the financial hardship brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Report: Local residents against casino plan
The No Times Square Casino Coalition recently released a report that it claims shows heavy neighborhood opposition. The coalition said 71% of registered voters living in or near Times Square oppose the plan. The coalition is an anti-casino group that includes the influential Broadway League.

“Having a casino in Times Square is not going to increase attendance at our venues,” said Carl Mulert, national business agent of IATSE Local 829, which represents thousands of stage, lighting and costume designers as well as other workers, according to the Post.

Mulert noted that it would worsen a traffic problem that already is bad.  “It’s already incredibly congested. We don’t want more,” Mulert said. “It’s not good for Broadway.”

Broadway union support exists
The Actors’ Equity Association and Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians support the Caesars NY casino bid.

According to the Post, Brett Herschenfeld, executive vice president of SL Green, said those unions’ members agree “a new gaming and entertainment destination will make the theater industry stronger.

“They are joined by 17 local unions of the Building & Construction Trades Council that support Caesars Palace Times Square and believe a new entertainment destination will bring strong, well-paying jobs to New York City,” Herschenfeld said in a statement.