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Business Wire
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation and Live Nation Submit Proposal For Caesars Palace Times Square, a World-Class Hotel and Gaming Destination in the World's Most Iconic Entertainment District
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TIMES SQUARE — Today, SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation and Live Nation submitted the official proposal for Caesars Palace Times Square (CPTS), formally kicking off a bid to bring the world's top gaming, entertainment and hotel venue to the heart of the iconic Times Square entertainment district. The proposal would transform an existing office building at 1515 Broadway into a 992-room, five-star hotel, with restaurants featuring local and international culinary innovation, a wellness retreat, world-class gaming and the hottest nightclubs and entertainment curated by Roc Nation. Designed to create transformative excess demand for local hotel rooms, restaurants, retail and entertainment, CPTS will create an economic halo effect for hundreds of existing establishments in neighboring communities, driving more than $26 billion in new spending. By adaptively re-using an existing building easily accessible by more forms of public transportation than any other bidder, CPTS takes an approach that is both the most sustainable and fastest to market. The coalition supporting the bid now includes more than 200 organizations and businesses including local restaurants, hotels, residents, unions and Broadway stakeholders who stand to benefit from—rather than compete with—this exciting new project. Benefits include: $250 million in community benefits: Caesars Palace Times Square is committing $250 million directly to community projects. That will include a transformative, $81 million public safety plan for the surrounding neighborhood designed by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton. It also includes $15 million for a new civil rights museum spearheaded by the Civil Rights Foundation, the establishment of the Manhattan Plaza Capital Trust and $5 million to support the development of the Callen-Lorde Center for Excellence in Sexual Health. $225 million for Broadway: More than 835,000 additional Broadway tickets are projected to be sold annually as a result of the project's boost to demand overall, generating $124 million in annual revenue. Additionally, Broadway workers stand to gain tremendously from direct community investment, including a $32 million investment in child care, student and medical debt assistance, and rent support for Broadway workers as well as $20 million to purchase Broadway tickets for underserved families. Unprecedented revenue for City and State: As the fastest-to-market new gaming proposal, Caesars Palace Times Square is projected to generate transformative economic benefits for New York City and State, with over $7 billion in direct tax and fee revenue and $26.7 billion in local economic impact in its first ten years alone. Thousands of direct, good-paying jobs: The project will directly support more than 3,000 construction jobs and 3,800 permanent CPTS jobs, the vast majority of which are unionized and will be filled by New Yorkers. These permanent hospitality jobs have an average compensation of approximately $120,000 a year when factoring in tips and Caesars' comprehensive benefits. An economic halo effect: CPTS creates long-term demand far beyond its own supply: guests are expected to generate excess demand for more than 13 million meals annually at local restaurants, over 2,400 hotel rooms each night in surrounding hotels, and more than $880 million in incremental annual retail purchases. Through the Caesars Rewards program, over 165 local businesses have already partnered to accept rewards points to ensure the project uplifts the existing Times Square economy rather than competing with it. Ownership Diversity: By utilizing Cadre's unparalleled platform for reaching various individual investors at all income levels, in partnership with Rev. Al Sharpton, CPTS will empower local New York households with opportunities starting as low as $500. Historically, real estate investment has been out of reach for low-income New Yorkers, who have been underserved from opportunities of this scale. By New Yorkers, for New Yorkers: CPTS is a project built by New Yorkers with deep roots in the city—led by SL Green, Manhattan's largest office landlord; Caesars Entertainment, which operates a successful sportsbook delivering significant tax revenues in New York; Roc Nation, the global entertainment powerhouse founded in New York by Jay-Z; and Live Nation, the world's leading live entertainment company with a longstanding presence in Times Square through existing venues. The project is more than just a speculative venture by outsiders—it's a seamless addition to our state's economic and cultural engine that uplifts local businesses, honors neighborhood character, promotes diversity, and strengthens the future of Times Square for all New Yorkers. Commitment to responsible gaming: Caesars will bring its pioneering and well-recognized programs to mitigate problem gambling to CPTS. The programs are guided by the philosophy of ensuring that every guest enjoys their gaming experience for the right reason; to simply have fun. Caesars continues to set the standard for Responsible Gaming in the industry. CPTS goes a step further by committing to having no gaming activity on the ground floor, nor will any tables or gaming devices be visible from the street. Key stats for Caesars Palace Times Square: $5.4 billion in total direct investment $23.2 billion+ in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in the first 10 years of operation 3,800+ permanent jobs at CPTS, the vast majority to be filled by New Yorkers 3,000+ construction jobs $7 billion in direct tax revenue in the first 10 years of operation $26.7 billion in local economic activity in the first 10 years of operation 992 hotel rooms, 150,000+ square feet of gaming, Caesars Sportsbook at The 40/40 Club, the luxurious Qua Baths & Spa Restaurants from renowned chefs including Daniel Boulud, Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, Melba Wilson and Lucali's Reimagined and newly renovated Broadway theater 'Today's submission represents years of hard work, partnership, and belief in New York City's future,' said Brett Herschenfeld, Executive Vice President of SL Green Realty and project lead. 'Caesars Palace Times Square is the only proposal that can be delivered quickly, is transit-accessible and sustainable while maximizing economic impact for New Yorkers. Most importantly, it's the only one designed the New York way: prioritizing community investment and collaboration over competition in the heart of New York City. We're proud to stand with Caesars, Roc Nation and Live Nation to deliver a world-class entertainment and gaming destination that strengthens Times Square and serves all New Yorkers.' 'Caesars Palace Times Square builds on a long history of building world-class destinations that drive tourism, create jobs, and deliver lasting value to the communities we serve,' said Thomas R. Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. 'New Yorkers have the opportunity to do something truly extraordinary right in the heart of the most iconic entertainment district in the world. This proposal brings together an unmatched location, unmatched access, and unmatched team to deliver a project worthy of New York.' 'Caesars Palace Times Square is about more than gaming—it's about investing in the soul of New York City,' said Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. 'This unbeatable project will bring new energy to the heart of Manhattan while expanding opportunities for local businesses, artists, and residents. Roc Nation is proud to be part of a team that's building something so inclusive and deeply connected to the people and our NYC community.' 'When we talk about this project, SL Green and Caesars building a casino here in Times Square — it's nothing but smart,' said Mike Hellstrom, Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager, LIUNA/Mason Tenders/Local 79. 'It's the best bet that New York can make in authorising and approving a casino license: right here in Times Square.' "I am proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because I understand how it will benefit New Yorkers across the city and create opportunity for all of our communities," said Assembly Member Jordan Wright. "My constituents wake up every day facing an affordability crisis that threatens to push them out of the city they've called home for generations. This project will face that crisis head-on – it's a lifeline for working-class New Yorkers that will provide thousands of good-paying union jobs and bring in new revenue and long-term economic stability for working people – not just in Midtown, but in every borough." 'For the largest local union of musicians in the world and others, the choice is clear: it's Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Harvey Mars, Recording Vice President of Local 802 AFM. 'There is no Times Square without a thriving Broadway, and this project will not only create desperately needed jobs for our members, but also bring critical benefits like student debt assistance, rental aid, and childcare support – helping artists survive and thrive in New York City. The team behind the project has committed to becoming a true partner to everyone in the live performance community when they win a gaming license including Broadway's theater owners, producers, stagehands, charitable organizations and the millions who come to Times Square to enjoy our shows, and that's why we're proud to say yes to Caesars Palace Times Square.' 'SL Green has made it clear that they intend to be good neighbors and collaborators. They've put in considerable effort to genuinely understand the ecosystem they're entering so they can become positive contributors to a better Times Square and a better Broadway – better for New Yorkers, better for visitors, and better for the Equity actors and stage managers who make Broadway the premier destination it is.' – Actors' Equity Association 'The day Caesars Palace Times Square gets the green light is the day we unlock thousands of local, good-paying jobs,' said Dajaire Blunt, member of LIUNA. 'This project is a once-in-a-generation chance to revitalize one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world. The hardworking union construction workers support Caesars Palace Times Square and we are ready to get to work.' 'Laborers are the skilled hands and proud hearts that built New York City and we are excited about Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Noel Holliday, member of LIUNA. 'The folks behind Caesars Palace Times Square have shown us real respect – with commitments to local hiring, apprenticeship programs, and union labor from start to finish. We are ready to support this project and back that commitment up with real work." 'Caesars Palace Times Square represents more than just a project – it's an investment in the working people who keep New York running,' said John Santos, Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ SEIU. 'By creating thousands of good-paying union jobs across the trades and service industry, this project offers real careers, real benefits, and real respect for labor. SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation have been at the table with unions from day one, and their commitment to local hiring and union jobs is exactly what New York City needs.' "As a restaurateur and small business owner, I am proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because I know it will benefit restaurants across our city and help our industry and communities thrive," said Beatrice Ajaero, Founder and Owner of Nneji."This project will help drive more customers to restaurants across the city and with the best-in-class Caesars rewards program, they are making it easy for all of us to support each other. This project is a win-win and I am excited to see it support communities from Times Square, to Astoria, and beyond." 'Times Square has always thrived when all of its partners collaborate for the benefit of all,' said Matt Goldman, Executive Director of The Town Hall, a historic, nonprofit venue in Times Square. 'This project brings more audiences, more support, and more investment to the existing venues that define this neighborhood. We enthusiastically support Caesar's bid to make the engine of New York City's economy and culture even stronger and more vibrant.' "As someone who was born, bred, and buttered in Harlem, a small business owner, and President Emeritus of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, I'm proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square," said Melba Wilson, Founder of Melba's Restaurants."As a lifelong New Yorker, I've seen firsthand what our city has endured in recent years, and I believe that Caesars Palace Times Square will help energize and revitalize the city for the future. This project will spark new tourism and economic activity for restaurants across the five boroughs. Thanks to unmatched access to public transportation, visitors heading to Caesars Palace Times Square can easily make their way around the five boroughs to dine at one of the over 20,000 eateries in the city – just as the union workers building and working in it can head home with ease after a day's work." "On behalf of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and our more than 40 hotels throughout New York City, we are proud to back the Caesars Palace Times Square bid," said Maire Griffin, Senior Vice President of Global Communications at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts."As a fellow New Yorker, one thing is clear: Times Square is the epicenter of entertainment in New York City, a global magnet drawing millions of visitors annually, and of all of the casino proposal locations, Times Square makes the most sense as an established hub for tourism. Wyndham's franchisees look forward to sharing our warm Wyndham welcome with all of the new visitors this facility will attract, and we are more than ready to accommodate these guests making sure they can experience all Times Square has to offer." 'New York City's hospitality industry is powered by hardworking servers, cooks, bartenders, dishwashers and more who've kept this city going through its toughest times. Caesars Palace Times Square is the reward they deserve, and they were proud to show up today,' said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. 'It will bring new customers, new energy, and most importantly, new jobs to the heart of our hospitality sector. And by bringing powerful Caesars Rewards partnership opportunities to New York restaurants and bars, our local businesses will see the direct benefit of this transformative project.' 'At the New York State Latino Restaurant Association, we are proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Sandra Jaquez, New York State Latino Restaurant Association. 'Our mission is to uplift and empower minority- and immigrant-owned restaurants through partnerships that fuel recovery and long-term growth and we see this project as a partner that will do exactly that. Caesars Palace Times Square will bring new foot traffic, tourism, and economic vitality to the businesses that make this city thrive.' 'Callen-Lorde is proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because we believe in its commitment to not only the LGBTQ+ community, but communities across New York,' said Donnie Roberts, Executive Vice President for Development and Communications at Callen-Lorde. 'This project's $5 million investment will help us build a new Callen-Lorde Center for Excellence in Sexual Health in Hell's Kitchen, expanding access to critical services like rapid STI and HIV testing and PrEP. We're ready to say yes to Caesars Palace Times Square and hit the ground running to provide culturally competent, compassionate care to even more New Yorkers.' To see and download the full executive summary of the bid, click here. For high-resolution renderings of the Caesars Palace Times Square project, click here. Please note: Images should be credited with either: "Image by Binyan Studios' "Image by Motiv' or "Image by Atlantic Pictures.' The corresponding image credit is noted in the file name.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Community Rallies in Massive Show of Support for Caesars Palace Times Square
Local residents, small business owners, labor unions, Broadway workers, elected officials and community leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, fill Duffy Square to fight for project that includes enormous investment in jobs and $250 million in public benefits ***Photos and video HERE*** NEW YORK, June 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A coalition of local residents, small business owners, Broadway workers, labor unions, community leaders, elected officials, hotels and iconic entertainment venues filled Duffy Square in an overwhelming illustration of community support for Caesars Palace Times Square—the proposal for a world-class gaming and entertainment destination from SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation. The boisterous rally of over 1,000 people is the culmination of four years of community outreach and engagement, including hundreds of meetings with a diverse array of residents, businesses and community organizations. The final proposal that will be submitted tomorrow to the State of New York reflects the input and priorities shared across hundreds of hours of presentations and listening sessions, and is designed to uniquely benefit the surrounding community and all of New York City. Caesars Palace Times Square is the only gaming proposal designed the New York way. The proposal would re-imagine an existing office building at 1515 Broadway, located in the heart of New York City's iconic entertainment district, and will be intentionally designed with a limited number of restaurants and hotel rooms to generate business for dozens of existing establishments in surrounding neighborhoods. The coalition supporting the bid now includes more than 200 organizations and businesses including local restaurants, retailers, hotels, residents, unions and Broadway stakeholders who stand to benefit from—rather than compete with—this exciting new project. In addition to those economic benefits, Caesars Palace Times Square is committing to $250 million directly to community projects. That will include a transformative, $80 million public safety plan for the surrounding neighborhood designed by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton. It also includes $20 million towards Broadway theater tickets for disadvantaged families and $5 million to support the Callen-Lorde Center for Excellence in Sexual Health planned programming in Hell's Kitchen. Members of the community will be able to invest directly in the project as part of a partnership with Reverend Al Sharpton and Ryan Williams, founder of Cadre, that will provide investment opportunities starting at $500. The rally included inspiring remarks from Reverend Al Sharpton, the legendary civil rights leader, who said: "Caesars Palace Times Square isn't just about entertainment—it's about empowerment," said Reverend Al Sharpton. "This project is setting a historic new precedent by giving everyday New Yorkers, especially those from historically excluded communities, the chance to invest in and benefit from the future of this city. It's a seat at the table in folks' own neighborhood." In addition to Rev. Sharpton, speakers included representatives from: Construction unions who will benefit from a projected 3,000 union construction jobs, including LIUNA/Mason Tenders/Local 79 Theater unions representing Broadway actors and musicians, including Actors Equity and Local 802 - American Federation of Musicians Hospitality unions including 32BJ SEIU and Hotel Trades & Gaming Council Small business owners and leaders who will benefit from a surge in economic demand and foot traffic from the project and access to 60 million Caesars Rewards members for the first time. Local residents and community leaders from around Hell's Kitchen who support community investments in their quality of life such as upgraded security measures, sanitation improvements, and a new tree planting program. The hotel industry, which stands to benefit from new demand for rooms at their midtown properties as a result of Caesars Palace Times Square. Elected officials including Assembly Member Jordan Wright. "I am proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because I understand how it will benefit New Yorkers across the city and create opportunity for all of our communities," said Assembly Member Jordan Wright. "My constituents wake up every day facing an affordability crisis that threatens to push them out of the city they've called home for generations. This project will face that crisis head-on – it's a lifeline for working-class New Yorkers that will provide thousands of good-paying union jobs and bring in new revenue and long-term economic stability for working people – not just in Midtown, but in every borough." "For the largest local union of musicians in the world and others, the choice is clear: it's Caesars Palace Times Square," said Harvey Mars, Recording Vice President of Local 802 AFM. "There is no Times Square without a thriving Broadway, and this project will not only create desperately needed jobs for our members, but also bring critical benefits like student debt assistance, rental aid, and childcare support – helping artists survive and thrive in New York City. The team behind the project has committed to becoming a true partner to everyone in the live performance community when they win a gaming license including Broadway's theater owners, producers, stagehands, charitable organizations and the millions who come to Times Square to enjoy our shows, and that's why we're proud to say yes to Caesars Palace Times Square." "The day Caesars Palace Times Square gets the green light is the day we unlock thousands of local, good-paying jobs," said Dajaire Blunt, proud member of LIUNA. "This project is a once-in-a-generation chance to revitalize one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world. The hardworking union construction workers support Caesars Palace Times Square and we are ready to get to work." "Laborers are the skilled hands and proud hearts that built New York City and we are excited about Caesars Palace Times Square," said Noel Holliday, member of LIUNA. "The folks behind Caesars Palace Times Square have shown us real respect – with commitments to local hiring, apprenticeship programs, and union labor from start to finish. We are ready to support this project and back that commitment up with real work." "Caesars Palace Times Square represents more than just a project – it's an investment in the working people who keep New York running," said John Santos, Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ SEIU. "By creating thousands of good-paying union jobs across the trades and service industry, this project offers real careers, real benefits, and real respect for labor. SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation have been at the table with unions from day one, and their commitment to local hiring and union jobs is exactly what New York City needs." "As a restaurateur and small business owner, I am proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because I know it will benefit restaurants across our city and help our industry and communities thrive," said Beatrice Ajaero, Founder and Owner of Nneji. "This project will help drive more customers to restaurants across the city and with the best-in-class Caesars rewards program, they are making it easy for all of us to support each other. This project is a win-win and I am excited to see it support communities from Times Square, to Astoria, and beyond." "Times Square has always thrived when all of its partners collaborate for the benefit of all," said Matt Goldman, Executive Director of The Town Hall, a historic, nonprofit venue in Times Square. "This project brings more audiences, more support, and more investment to the existing venues that define this neighborhood. We enthusiastically support Caesar's bid to make the engine of New York City's economy and culture even stronger and more vibrant." "As someone who was born, bred, and buttered in Harlem, a small business owner, and President Emeritus of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, I'm proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square," said Melba Wilson, Founder of Melba's Restaurants. "As a lifelong New Yorker, I've seen firsthand what our city has endured in recent years, and I believe that Caesar's Palace Times Square will help energize and revitalize the city for the future. This project will spark new tourism and economic activity for restaurants across the five boroughs. Thanks to unmatched access to public transportation, visitors heading to Caesars Palace Times Square can easily make their way around the five boroughs to dine at one of the over 20,000 eateries in the city -- just as the union workers building and working in it can head home with ease after a day's work." "On behalf of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and our more than 40 hotels throughout New York City, we are proud to back the Caesars Palace Times Square bid," said Maire Griffin, Senior Vice President of Global Communications at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "As a fellow New Yorker, one thing is clear: Times Square is the epicenter of entertainment in New York City, a global magnet drawing millions of visitors annually, and of all of the casino proposal locations, Times Square makes the most sense as an established hub for tourism. Wyndham's franchisees look forward to sharing our warm Wyndham welcome with all of the new visitors this facility will attract, and we are more than ready to accommodate these guests making sure they can experience all Times Square has to offer." "New York City's hospitality industry is powered by hardworking servers, cooks, bartenders, dishwashers and more who've kept this city going through its toughest times. Caesars Palace Times Square is the reward they deserve, and they were proud to show up today," said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. "It will bring new customers, new energy, and most importantly, new jobs to the heart of our hospitality sector. And by bringing powerful Caesars Rewards partnership opportunities to New York restaurants and bars, our local businesses will see the direct benefit of this transformative project." "At the New York State Latino Restaurant Association, we are proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square," said Sandra Jaquez, New York State Latino Restaurant Association. "Our mission is to uplift and empower minority- and immigrant-owned restaurants through partnerships that fuel recovery and long-term growth and we see this project as a partner that will do exactly that. Caesars Palace Times Square will bring new foot traffic, tourism, and economic vitality to the businesses that make this city thrive." "Callen-Lorde is proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because we believe in its commitment to not only the LGBTQ+ community, but communities across New York," said Donnie Roberts, Executive Vice President for Development and Communications at Callen-Lorde. "This project's $5 million investment will help us build a new Callen-Lorde Center for Excellence in Sexual Health in Hell's Kitchen, expanding access to critical services like rapid STI and HIV testing and PrEP. We're ready to say yes to Caesars Palace Times Square and hit the ground running to provide culturally competent, compassionate care to even more New Yorkers." About Caesars Palace Times SquareNew York City has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in Times Square and New York City with significant commitments to public security, sanitation, and live performances as well as partnerships with neighboring theaters, restaurants, hotels, and landlords. Caesars Palace Times Square will revitalize and reenergize New York's economic engine and cultural capital. SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation are partnered on a bid to win one of three new gaming licenses and convert the existing office building at 1515 Broadway into a world-class gaming and entertainment destination. View source version on Contacts Jack Lynch,
Business Wire
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Community Rallies in Massive Show of Support for Caesars Palace Times Square
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A coalition of local residents, small business owners, Broadway workers, labor unions, community leaders, elected officials, hotels and iconic entertainment venues filled Duffy Square in an overwhelming illustration of community support for Caesars Palace Times Square—the proposal for a world-class gaming and entertainment destination from SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation. The boisterous rally of over 1,000 people is the culmination of four years of community outreach and engagement, including hundreds of meetings with a diverse array of residents, businesses and community organizations. The final proposal that will be submitted tomorrow to the State of New York reflects the input and priorities shared across hundreds of hours of presentations and listening sessions, and is designed to uniquely benefit the surrounding community and all of New York City. Caesars Palace Times Square is the only gaming proposal designed the New York way. The proposal would re-imagine an existing office building at 1515 Broadway, located in the heart of New York City's iconic entertainment district, and will be intentionally designed with a limited number of restaurants and hotel rooms to generate business for dozens of existing establishments in surrounding neighborhoods. The coalition supporting the bid now includes more than 200 organizations and businesses including local restaurants, retailers, hotels, residents, unions and Broadway stakeholders who stand to benefit from—rather than compete with—this exciting new project. In addition to those economic benefits, Caesars Palace Times Square is committing to $250 million directly to community projects. That will include a transformative, $80 million public safety plan for the surrounding neighborhood designed by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton. It also includes $20 million towards Broadway theater tickets for disadvantaged families and $5 million to support the Callen-Lorde Center for Excellence in Sexual Health planned programming in Hell's Kitchen. Members of the community will be able to invest directly in the project as part of a partnership with Reverend Al Sharpton and Ryan Williams, founder of Cadre, that will provide investment opportunities starting at $500. The rally included inspiring remarks from Reverend Al Sharpton, the legendary civil rights leader, who said: 'Caesars Palace Times Square isn't just about entertainment—it's about empowerment,' said Reverend Al Sharpton. 'This project is setting a historic new precedent by giving everyday New Yorkers, especially those from historically excluded communities, the chance to invest in and benefit from the future of this city. It's a seat at the table in folks' own neighborhood.' In addition to Rev. Sharpton, speakers included representatives from: Construction unions who will benefit from a projected 3,000 union construction jobs, including LIUNA/Mason Tenders/Local 79 Theater unions representing Broadway actors and musicians, including Actors Equity and Local 802 - American Federation of Musicians Hospitality unions including 32BJ SEIU and Hotel Trades & Gaming Council Small business owners and leaders who will benefit from a surge in economic demand and foot traffic from the project and access to 60 million Caesars Rewards members for the first time. Local residents and community leaders from around Hell's Kitchen who support community investments in their quality of life such as upgraded security measures, sanitation improvements, and a new tree planting program. The hotel industry, which stands to benefit from new demand for rooms at their midtown properties as a result of Caesars Palace Times Square. Elected officials including Assembly Member Jordan Wright. "I am proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because I understand how it will benefit New Yorkers across the city and create opportunity for all of our communities," said Assembly Member Jordan Wright. "My constituents wake up every day facing an affordability crisis that threatens to push them out of the city they've called home for generations. This project will face that crisis head-on – it's a lifeline for working-class New Yorkers that will provide thousands of good-paying union jobs and bring in new revenue and long-term economic stability for working people – not just in Midtown, but in every borough." 'For the largest local union of musicians in the world and others, the choice is clear: it's Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Harvey Mars, Recording Vice President of Local 802 AFM. 'There is no Times Square without a thriving Broadway, and this project will not only create desperately needed jobs for our members, but also bring critical benefits like student debt assistance, rental aid, and childcare support – helping artists survive and thrive in New York City. The team behind the project has committed to becoming a true partner to everyone in the live performance community when they win a gaming license including Broadway's theater owners, producers, stagehands, charitable organizations and the millions who come to Times Square to enjoy our shows, and that's why we're proud to say yes to Caesars Palace Times Square.' 'The day Caesars Palace Times Square gets the green light is the day we unlock thousands of local, good-paying jobs,' said Dajaire Blunt, proud member of LIUNA. 'This project is a once-in-a-generation chance to revitalize one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world. The hardworking union construction workers support Caesars Palace Times Square and we are ready to get to work.' 'Laborers are the skilled hands and proud hearts that built New York City and we are excited about Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Noel Holliday, member of LIUNA. 'The folks behind Caesars Palace Times Square have shown us real respect – with commitments to local hiring, apprenticeship programs, and union labor from start to finish. We are ready to support this project and back that commitment up with real work." 'Caesars Palace Times Square represents more than just a project – it's an investment in the working people who keep New York running,' said John Santos, Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ SEIU. 'By creating thousands of good-paying union jobs across the trades and service industry, this project offers real careers, real benefits, and real respect for labor. SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation have been at the table with unions from day one, and their commitment to local hiring and union jobs is exactly what New York City needs.' "As a restaurateur and small business owner, I am proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because I know it will benefit restaurants across our city and help our industry and communities thrive," said Beatrice Ajaero, Founder and Owner of Nneji."This project will help drive more customers to restaurants across the city and with the best-in-class Caesars rewards program, they are making it easy for all of us to support each other. This project is a win-win and I am excited to see it support communities from Times Square, to Astoria, and beyond." 'Times Square has always thrived when all of its partners collaborate for the benefit of all,' said Matt Goldman, Executive Director of The Town Hall, a historic, nonprofit venue in Times Square. 'This project brings more audiences, more support, and more investment to the existing venues that define this neighborhood. We enthusiastically support Caesar's bid to make the engine of New York City's economy and culture even stronger and more vibrant.' "As someone who was born, bred, and buttered in Harlem, a small business owner, and President Emeritus of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, I'm proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square," said Melba Wilson, Founder of Melba's Restaurants."As a lifelong New Yorker, I've seen firsthand what our city has endured in recent years, and I believe that Caesar's Palace Times Square will help energize and revitalize the city for the future. This project will spark new tourism and economic activity for restaurants across the five boroughs. Thanks to unmatched access to public transportation, visitors heading to Caesars Palace Times Square can easily make their way around the five boroughs to dine at one of the over 20,000 eateries in the city -- just as the union workers building and working in it can head home with ease after a day's work." "On behalf of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and our more than 40 hotels throughout New York City, we are proud to back the Caesars Palace Times Square bid," said Maire Griffin, Senior Vice President of Global Communications at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts."As a fellow New Yorker, one thing is clear: Times Square is the epicenter of entertainment in New York City, a global magnet drawing millions of visitors annually, and of all of the casino proposal locations, Times Square makes the most sense as an established hub for tourism. Wyndham's franchisees look forward to sharing our warm Wyndham welcome with all of the new visitors this facility will attract, and we are more than ready to accommodate these guests making sure they can experience all Times Square has to offer." 'New York City's hospitality industry is powered by hardworking servers, cooks, bartenders, dishwashers and more who've kept this city going through its toughest times. Caesars Palace Times Square is the reward they deserve, and they were proud to show up today,' said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance. 'It will bring new customers, new energy, and most importantly, new jobs to the heart of our hospitality sector. And by bringing powerful Caesars Rewards partnership opportunities to New York restaurants and bars, our local businesses will see the direct benefit of this transformative project.' 'At the New York State Latino Restaurant Association, we are proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square,' said Sandra Jaquez, New York State Latino Restaurant Association. 'Our mission is to uplift and empower minority- and immigrant-owned restaurants through partnerships that fuel recovery and long-term growth and we see this project as a partner that will do exactly that. Caesars Palace Times Square will bring new foot traffic, tourism, and economic vitality to the businesses that make this city thrive.' 'Callen-Lorde is proud to support Caesars Palace Times Square because we believe in its commitment to not only the LGBTQ+ community, but communities across New York,' said Donnie Roberts, Executive Vice President for Development and Communications at Callen-Lorde. 'This project's $5 million investment will help us build a new Callen-Lorde Center for Excellence in Sexual Health in Hell's Kitchen, expanding access to critical services like rapid STI and HIV testing and PrEP. We're ready to say yes to Caesars Palace Times Square and hit the ground running to provide culturally competent, compassionate care to even more New Yorkers.' About Caesars Palace Times Square New York City has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in Times Square and New York City with significant commitments to public security, sanitation, and live performances as well as partnerships with neighboring theaters, restaurants, hotels, and landlords. Caesars Palace Times Square will revitalize and reenergize New York's economic engine and cultural capital. SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation are partnered on a bid to win one of three new gaming licenses and convert the existing office building at 1515 Broadway into a world-class gaming and entertainment destination.
CNN
09-04-2025
- CNN
Most of Bourbon Street should be closed to cars following New Orleans truck attack, report recommends
Most of New Orleans' Bourbon Street should be closed off to vehicles, creating a permanent pedestrian plaza, a report recommends, three months after a truck plowed into a New Year's Day crowd, killing 14 people and injuring at least 35. The tragedy took place in the city's bustling French Quarter, which had no strong barriers to protect the area from speeding vehicles like that 6,000-pound truck, CNN previously reported. The report released by the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) said an 'elevated threat environment demands a new security approach for the French Quarter for everyday business operations.' The mass killing raised questions about how the city secured Bourbon Street and how a heavy-duty truck was able to drive onto one of the most pedestrian-heavy roads in the US. The report was prepared by global consulting firm Teneo, whose risk advisory arm is led by former New York Police Department Commissioner Bill Bratton, and the review was carried out by a risk assessment team composed of a group of counterterrorism and police experts who conducted dozens of interviews. CNN has reached out to the city of New Orleans for comment. The assessment found Bourbon Street is 'extremely vulnerable to a vehicle ramming attack any time of year' and that such attacks remain a persistent security threat. The city's staffing shortages, inadequate vehicle barriers, along with weak interagency coordination and collaboration have challenged its ability to address 'growing threats,' said the report. The New Orleans Police Department should establish a plan marking the locations of vehicle barriers throughout the city and covering key intersections, while also considering placing 'all available metal barriers' throughout the city, the report says. It also recommends the police department 'review its officer placement along the parade route and throughout the French Quarter to ensure that officers are regularly positioned throughout the routes rather than grouping together and leaving several blocks without police personnel.' Additional officers should be placed at 'key locations,' it says, to create a 'highly visible show of security and overall sense of safety.' Trash bins should be removed from parade routes, it continues, due to the risk of a 'nefarious actor placing a weapon or IED' along the route. In a statement, the NOPJF said: 'The loss of innocent lives, the terror unleashed upon our beloved city, and the enduring pain felt by countless families demand nothing less than an honest evaluation of our security systems, our community's trust, and our law enforcement practices.' The statement acknowledges 'progress is needed' and says some of Teneo's suggested security measures 'should only be implemented after careful consideration for the needs of the citizens of our unique city.' The attack came after a private security consulting firm warned in a 2019 report that the risk of terrorism in the French Quarter – specifically mass shootings and vehicular attacks – remained 'highly possible while moderately probable.' That 2019 report strongly recommended safety structures known as bollards –– vertical posts that can be anchored in place or move up and down –– be fixed and improved 'immediately.' In addition to the missing sturdy bollards, which were under repair, the city's portable steel barriers were in the down position during New Year's celebrations, CNN previously reported. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, visited the city twice in the months prior and used Meta smart glasses to film the street and plan out the attack, according to the FBI. Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, drove a pickup truck into the crowd just after 3 a.m. and then opened fire, the FBI said. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a cherry picker forklift, and Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police. Mayor LaToya Cantrell held a news conference Monday to announce public safety measures ahead of the city's French Quarter Fest, which will begin on Thursday and last through Sunday. Road closures will be in place throughout the French Quarter, banning vehicles on Bourbon Street, along with several others. 'We are built to host and ready to show the world that we are a welcoming, safe city and open for business,' Cantrell said in a statement.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Bourbon Street should be closed to traffic, security report recommends
A security review commissioned in the wake of the deadly New Year's Day terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans recommends closing off a majority of the historic corridor to traffic and turning it into a permanent pedestrian zone. The report from former New York City Police Chief Bill Bratton and his global consulting firm Teneo, obtained by CBS affiliate WWL-TV, recommends making approximately eight blocks along Bourbon Street a pedestrian zone, from Canal to Dumaine Street. "Teneo Risk remains firm that restructuring Bourbon Street as a permanent pedestrian plaza is the safest and most secure way to mitigate against a future vehicle ramming attack on Bourbon Street and the immediate cross street corners feeding into Bourbon Street," said the report. The recommendation is likely to face pushback as New Orleans business owners and residents opposed a similar idea last month, according to WWL-TV. Teneo's security report is only a recommendation and city officials will make the final decision on future safety precautions. "Ultimately, it is up to the city and the community to determine its risk tolerance for a solution and configuration that deviates from our recommendation," the report states. It also recommends deploying individual police officers along more blocks of parade routes, increasing the use of barricades, drone surveillance and video surveillance, as well as removing all trash containers from the parade route to prevent potential placement of bombs. The report was commissioned after the deadly New Year's Day terror attack on Bourbon Street when a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers. Fourteen people were killed before the attacker died in a shootout with police. Dozens of others were injured in the attack. Weapons and two potential improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, were found in the vehicle, authorities said. FBI bomb technicians also found two functional IEDs in coolers in the area. The suspect was seen placing the devices in surveillance video footage, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said at the time. Both devices were rendered safe, and two other items were determined to not be IEDs, he said. Supreme Court pauses order mandating return of Maryland man deported to El Salvador What is a bear market and how will Trump's tariffs effect small businesses? RFK Jr. wants CDC to stop recommending fluoride in water
