The Hippodrome office building has joined the opposition against the proposed Times Square casino hotel project in New York City, spearheaded by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Jay-Z's Roc Nation entertainment agency.

Andy Gottesman, principal of The Hippodrome, expressed concerns that the casino would disrupt the delicate balance between office workers, theater-goers, and tourists in the area. The building, located at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, believes the development would negatively impact nearby office tenants.

This opposition follows the United Federation of Teachers' recent stance against the casino, citing concerns about disrupting the area's educational value for children.

The Hippodrome points to Vornado Realty Trust's October 2023 decision to abandon similar casino plans near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station as precedent. Gottesman suggests Vornado's withdrawal stemmed from concerns about tenant retention and acquisition.

The Times Square casino proposal has garnered mixed reactions:

Opponents:

• No Times Square Casino Coalition (approximately 35 local businesses and community groups)
• The Hippodrome
• United Federation of Teachers

Supporters:

• Various Times Square businesses
• Labor unions (citing potential creation of union jobs)

The project is part of a larger competition for three downstate casino licenses in New York City, with other major proposals including a partnership between Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts for the Western Rail Yards location.

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