The head of New York's powerful teachers' union is rejecting a proposal to put a casino in Times Square, the heart of the popular Broadway theater district.
“[A casino] It would weaken the theater district and diminish the unique power of the Broadway industry to provide students with unique educational and career opportunities,” Michael Mulgrew, president of the American Federation of Teachers, told the Post.
Mulgrew pointed to Broadway League programs that give students access to shows, such as Broadway Bridge, which seeks to give all public school 10th graders the opportunity to see a performance before graduation.
“Broadway is an educational treasure for the children of our city and needs to be protected,” he said.
Mulgrew said that thanks to the Broadway League, he personally accompanies students on trips to the theater, many of whom have never seen a show before.
The Theater District includes six public schools from West 34th Street to West 55th Street between 6th and 9th Streets. Star America Preschool, PS 212 Midtown West, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, Repertory Company High School of Dramatic Arts, Professional Performing Arts High School and PS35.
The casino is being proposed by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green and Jay-Z's Roc Nation at 1515 Broadway, home of the Minskoff Theater and the Disney musical “The Lion King.”
UFT is part of the No Times Square Casino Coalition, which includes the Broadway League and 30 other neighborhood and Broadway industry organizations.
Mulgrew said he was approached by the Broadway League, an industry group of 700 theater owners, managers and producers, about joining the opposition, and agreed it was an inappropriate location for a casino. That's what it means.
He said the theater district itself is a world-class tourist mecca and a huge economic source for the city, and it doesn't need a casino.
Mulgrew isn't opposed to casinos being approved elsewhere in the city, where they could serve as an economic anchor and job creator.
“Please put the casino somewhere else!” he said.
“UFT did not do their homework on our project,” a Caesars Palace Times Square spokesperson said in a statement.
“Bringing a world-class entertainment destination to Times Square will actually increase the audience for Broadway shows. And as part of the winning bid, we will be investing tens of millions of dollars in Broadway tickets to New York City students.” and educational programs,” the official said. Said. “The unions representing Broadway actors and musicians support our bid precisely because it will benefit the theater community and Times Square.”
The State Gaming Commission plans to approve up to three casino licenses in the state by the end of 2025, after review by local boards and a statewide siting board early next year.
The state will receive a minimum upfront payment of $500 million from bidders who win casino licenses, with the proceeds going to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Other projects include Wynn/Affiliates' proposal to build a $12 billion gaming facility at Hudson Yards. Billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen plans to build an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field in Queens. Las Vegas Sands proposes to convert the Nassau Veterans Memorial Museum Coliseum into a casino complex. A $3 billion casino and traditional hall is envisioned near the Coney Island boardwalk. Barry's ambitions include opening a gaming facility next to the Ferry Point golf course he acquired from the Trump Organization.
