Still, the Actors’ Equity Association, a union representing actors and stage managers, supports the casino’s bid.
Actors Equity said in a statement, “The proposal from the developers of Times Square Casino is a game-changer in increasing security and safety around Times Square, with increased security staff, enhanced sanitation and new cameras. “We applaud the developer’s commitment to making the neighborhood safer for both artspeople and audiences alike.”
Months before the formal bidding process begins, growing tensions between leading local brokers could make tenants using traditional offices the most profitable gambling market in the country. It foreshadows an upcoming battle for developers hoping to profit from the market. are becoming increasingly scarce.
a State commission to start this month It said the process would begin by Jan. 6 to review the casino’s application, with a location decision not to be made “until late 2023 at the earliest.”
In a letter seeking support for the casino, SL Green and Caesars said gambling proceeds could be used to more than double the number of “public security officers” in Times Square and deploy surveillance drones. rice field.
According to the letter, the new casino will bring more than 50 new artificial intelligence camera systems “strategically located throughout Times Square, each capable of monitoring more than 85,000 people per day.” The plan was developed by former New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.
Bratton did not respond to a request for comment.
“As New Yorkers, it’s our duty to make sure Times Square keeps up with the times and doesn’t go back to what I call the good old days of the ’70s or early ’90s,” he said. . Mark Holliday, CEO of SL Green. “And when it comes to crime, we all remember what it was like, and you know, revealing drug use.”