SL Green CEO Marc Holliday is "Not Worried" as Manhattan Rejects Casino Bids in Times Square and Hell's Kitchen
After two rejected bids, only the east side casino project remains in play.
SL Green CEO Marc Holliday seemed unfazed as two casino bids for Manhattan's Times Square and Hell's Kitchen were rejected, leaving only the east side project still in contention. Holliday, the head of the real estate firm behind the east side casino, was overheard telling a group of people to "go run and hide" as they left a midtown conference room where the bids were reviewed.
Despite the setback, Holliday remained confident in the east side project, stating that "it's the best location for a casino in Manhattan." The east side bid, backed by SL Green and Caesars Entertainment, has faced significant opposition from local community groups and politicians.
The rejected bids for Times Square and Hell's Kitchen were met with celebration by opponents of the proposed casinos, who have argued that they would bring increased crime and traffic to the already congested areas. However, some critics have raised concerns about the influence of developers and politicians in the casino approval process.
One such critic is Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who has called for more transparency and accountability in the selection of casino bids. "We need to ensure that the best interests of our communities are being considered, not just the interests of big developers and their political allies," Adams stated.
Despite the controversy surrounding the casino bids, the decision ultimately lies with the New York State Gaming Commission. The commission is expected to announce the winning bid for the east side casino project in the coming weeks.