Caesars reports major support for Caesars Palace Times Square at public hearing
Summary
The public hearing process for the Caesars Palace Times Square proposal has concluded and Caesars reports a clear majority of public support. Two in-person hearings drew hundreds of supporters (with many turned away due to capacity limits) and thousands of written submissions to the Community Advisory Committee. The bid is led by SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, Live Nation and JAY-Z’s Roc Nation and is pitched as a world-class gaming and entertainment destination that will boost Times Square and Broadway.
Key Points
- Two public hearings plus thousands of emails and written submissions showed majority public support for the project.
- Hundreds attended in person; additional supporters were turned away when hearings exceeded capacity.
- A coalition of more than 300 organisations backs the proposal — local restaurants, hotels, Broadway workers, unions, community leaders and elected officials.
- Project partners: SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, Live Nation and Roc Nation (JAY-Z).
- Supporters claim the development will deliver generational economic growth, uplift local businesses and support Broadway.
- Prominent backers quoted include Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, SL Green EVP Brett Herschenfeld and Reverend Al Sharpton, who emphasised diversity in ownership and opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.
Content summary
Caesars says the public input phase delivered strong, broad-based backing from residents, small-business owners, hospitality and entertainment workers, labour unions and civic leaders. Proponents argue the scheme will safeguard Times Square’s status as a global entertainment hub, generate jobs and support nearby businesses and Broadway theatres rather than compete with them. Organisers highlight examples from other cities and position the project as community-first and transformational for the neighbourhood.
Context and relevance
This proposal touches central issues for New York City: tourism, entertainment district resilience, local jobs and diversity in ownership on Broadway. The public hearing is one step in a wider regulatory and planning process; the Community Advisory Committee received the testimony and will factor public input into subsequent reviews. For stakeholders in gaming, hospitality, live entertainment and urban development, the outcome could reshape economic activity in Times Square.
Author style: Punchy — this write-up focuses on the political and commercial weight behind the bid and why the public response matters.
Why should I read this?
Because if you care about Times Square, Broadway or who gets to build the next big entertainment project in New York, this is the bit where the public made its feelings known. The story tells you who’s backing it, why they think it’ll help local businesses and why diversity in ownership is being put front and centre — quick, relevant and worth a skim if you follow urban development or live entertainment.