Teachers' union leader rejects casino plan in Times Square

In recent weeks, a proposal for a casino in Times Square has faced significant opposition from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City. The head of the UFT, Michael Mulgrew, has articulated strong objections to the plan, citing concerns that the casino would detract from the cultural and educational importance of the Broadway theater district. Mulgrew emphasized that Broadway serves as an essential educational resource for students in New York, providing unique opportunities and experiences through initiatives like Broadway Bridges, which aims to ensure that all public school students have the chance to see a performance prior to graduation. The proposed casino, located in a prime area of Times Square at 1515 Broadway, is being pitched by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z. Mulgrew's opposition aligns with a broader coalition, the No Times Square Casino Coalition, which includes The Broadway League and over 30 other theater and community organizations. According to Mulgrew, the theater district is a vital economic driver for the city, attracting tourists globally; thus, situating a casino in this area is unnecessary and potentially damaging. Furthermore, Mulgrew does not object to the establishment of casinos elsewhere in the city where they could be beneficial as economic anchors. He advocates for placing such establishments in locations where they can contribute positively without jeopardizing the distinctive character of the theater district, stating emphatically, "Put the casino somewhere else!" This highlights his view that the casino would not only dilute the cultural significance of Broadway but would also threaten the educational opportunities it provides to local students. In response to the UFT's opposition, a spokesperson for Caesars Palace Times Square argued that the casino would actually boost the Broadway audience, asserting that the project would include offering millions of dollars in Broadway tickets to students as part of their bid for the casino license. This statement suggests a conflicting perspective on the impact a casino could have on the theater community and its outreach efforts. The state Gaming Commission is expected to review proposals and approve up to three casino licenses by the end of 2025, following comprehensive evaluations by local panels. The revenue generated from successful bidders is projected to reach at least $500 million per license, benefiting local agencies such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Given the current climate of discussions surrounding this proposal, the future of the Times Square casino remains highly contentious.