No dice, hova!
Locals think a Times Square casino backed by rapper Jay-Z’s company is a bad idea and will bring more traffic and crime to the tourist-filled area, a new study says. It was revealed.
A whopping 71% of registered voters living in or near Times Square oppose opening a casino at the “Crossroads of the World” promoted by partners SL Green, Caesars and Roc Nation, according to a poll released Thursday. are doing.
The government-funded survey found that only 23% of voters said they were in favor of opening a casino in Times Square. Opposed to Times Square Casino Coalition That includes the influential Broadway Federation of theater owners.
“Neighbors spoke out,” said Jeff Daniel, chief strategy officer at the Shubert Organization, a coalition member.
“Too often, people forget that in addition to being a major global destination, the theater district and surrounding area is a true community,” he added. “People who live in this area overwhelmingly believe that casinos will cause large-scale problems, harm the quality of life, and reverse the progress made in making our area a safe and welcoming place for families.”
Those surveyed include residents of Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Murray Hill and Gramercy Park.
In what may be a worrying sign for all bidders vying for one of up to three licenses to open casinos in the New York City area, half of voters surveyed in midtown Manhattan said they had five They responded that they are against opening a casino anywhere in the ward. .
The overwhelming opposition spans all major demographic groups, with particularly strong resistance from women and the elderly.
Less than one in 10 voters, or 9%, believe Times Square is the best location for a casino in New York City, the survey found.
The Tulchin Research poll of 400 registered voters conducted April 22-24 had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points. We also found:
- 81% are concerned that Times Square casinos will worsen traffic conditions in an already congested area, with 62% saying they are “very concerned.”
- 80% of respondents are concerned that casinos will attract more crime to their area, with 61% saying they are “very concerned.”
- Eighty percent said a casino would make the area less amenable to people who live and work there, and 60% of them said they were “very concerned.”
About 72% of voters said Times Square gambling halls would exploit compulsive gamblers.
Additionally, 66% said they would engage in sex trafficking or prostitution, and about two-thirds said they would siphon business from nearby Broadway shows, theaters, local restaurants and small businesses.
Voters also expressed skepticism about the use of drones as a security measure in Times Square.
A majority of voters (35%) say drones make them less safe, only 20% say they make them safer, and 41% say they make no difference.
Mark Jennings, executive director of Project Find, a nonprofit that provides housing groups for people in need, said his group is “concerned” about the proposal.
“Casinos can exploit and endanger communities like ours,” Jennings said. “With this poll, we can see for the first time that the public’s voice is being reflected in this discussion, and they don’t want casinos to prey on their neighbors.”
The Times Square Casino Consortium did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the newspaper.
The Times Square proposal is one of several plans backed by big money in and around the Big Apple, including Mets owner Stephen Cohen’s pitch to open a venue near Citi Field in Queens. Only.
State regulators are not expected to issue licenses until 2025.
