New York City is about to hit the jackpot with the potential addition of a new casino in Times Square. The proposed project, courtesy of SL Green, could bring a significant economic boost to the region. With three casino licenses up for grabs, the decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on job creation, economic growth, and overall revitalization efforts in the area.
The goal for unions representing over 140,000 New Yorkers has been crystal clear since the legislation was passed in 2022. They are focused on securing projects that will not only provide high-paying union construction jobs but also create thousands of permanent positions in the casino and hospitality industry. This is seen as a crucial step in uplifting the regional economy and ensuring long-term prosperity for the community.
The state has taken important steps to ensure a fair and competitive process for selecting the winning proposals. An open RFP process has been put in place, along with detailed guidelines for evaluating the applications. The creation of a Gaming Facility Location Board further emphasizes the importance of fairness in the selection process. The principle of reviewing all applications simultaneously underscores the need for a level playing field to identify projects that will truly benefit the city, region, and state in the best possible way.
In the upcoming weeks, members of the legislature will have the opportunity to show their commitment to a competitive process by voting on permitted use legislation. This legislation is not about favoring certain proposals over others but rather about allowing every viable project to showcase its potential on an equal footing. By ensuring a fair competition, New York can maximize the economic opportunities presented by the development of three new casinos in the city. It’s a moment that promises significant revenue for the state and the creation of thousands of union careers, providing a much-needed boost to the local workforce. Let’s not allow procedural obstacles or personal interests to derail this process. It’s time to let the best ideas shine and give working New Yorkers a chance to thrive in this new landscape.
