Times Square casino plan blocked by community advisory committee

A community advisory committee voted on September 17 to block a proposal to build a casino at 1515 Broadway in Times Square, a decision that appears to halt a high-profile bid from SL Green Realty, Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation and Live Nation to convert the Midtown office tower that houses the Minskoff Theatre into a casino, hotel and entertainment complex. The committee’s 4-to-2 vote prevents the project from advancing to the state panel that would consider awarding one of three downstate casino licenses.

Proponents, led publicly by Roc Nation and its founder Shawn Carter, known as JAY-Z, framed the plan as an economic and cultural boon for New York. The proposal envisioned a Caesars Palace-branded destination above the Minskoff, which is home to Broadway’s The Lion King, along with a luxury Nobu hotel, celebrity chef restaurants, nightlife venues programmed by Roc Nation, and a Caesars Sportsbook lounge. Project backers predicted roughly 3,800 permanent jobs and tens of billions in gross gaming revenue and broader economic impact over a decade, while pledging $250 million in community support over 10 years and ongoing donations to local funds, according to company statements.