Ahead of the choice, Jay-Z spoke to City & State New York, explaining why he believed the on line casino may very well be transformative. “New York City is the entertainment capital of the world,” he mentioned. “I’ve always looked at opportunities that can shift culture while uplifting communities, and Caesars Palace Times Square is exactly that.” He additionally insisted {that a} on line casino wouldn’t diminish Broadway’s presence. “Our vision is to build a destination that not only attracts visitors but also gives New Yorkers a place they’re proud to enjoy. A casino here doesn’t compete with Times Square – it complements it.”

Despite his optimism, Broadway management welcomed the committee’s transfer. Jason Laks, president of the Broadway League, launched an announcement praising the end result as a safeguard for the theater district. He pointed to the 1000’s of New Yorkers whose jobs depend upon Broadway and the tens of millions of vacationers who journey to expertise it. In his phrases, “a casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.”

The response from SL Green CEO Marc Holliday was far much less measured. He referred to as the choice by the committee “despicable,” criticizing the members straight after the vote, in accordance with journalist Nick Garber.

The committee’s rejection has shut down the Times Square on line casino plan, leaving its future unsure. While Jay-Z framed the mission as a possibility to spice up tradition, vitality, and enterprise within the metropolis, native leaders and residents seem decided to maintain Broadway on the middle of the neighborhood.