Hippodrome office building has joined the growing opposition against the proposed Caesars Times Square casino project in New York City. The proposed project is a collaboration between Caesars Entertainment, SL Green real estate developer, and Jay-Z's Roc Nation entertainment agency.

Andy Gottesman, principal of The Hippodrome, expressed concerns about the casino's potential impact on the delicate balance between office workers, theater-goers, and tourists in Times Square. He emphasized that the area is already thriving without this development.

The opposition comes two weeks after the United Federation of Teachers rejected the casino proposal, citing concerns about disrupting the area's status as an "educational goldmine" for children.

Gottesman referenced Vornado Realty Trust's recent decision to abandon similar casino plans near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, suggesting this indicates potential negative impacts on commercial tenant retention and acquisition.

The Times Square casino project has divided local opinion:

Opposition:

• No Times Square Casino Coalition (approximately 36 local businesses and community groups)
• The Hippodrome office building
• United Federation of Teachers

Support:

• Various Times Square business entities
• Multiple labor groups citing job creation potential
• Unions backing thousands of potential new union jobs

The proposal is part of a larger competition for three downstate casino licenses in New York City, with other major projects including the Related Cos. and Wynn Resorts partnership planning an integrated resort at the Western Rail Yards on Manhattan's West Side.

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