Roc Nation Casino Bid: NY Community Impact
Roc Nation’s Bold Bet: A Times Square Casino That Puts Community First
New York, NY – In the high-stakes game for one of New York City’s coveted casino licenses, Roc Nation, in partnership wiht Caesars Palace and SL Green, is raising the ante with a proposal that goes beyond flashing lights and gambling tables. Their vision for transforming 1515 Broadway into a state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment destination is anchored by a deep commitment to the surrounding community, promising a transformative approach to urban development.
“When we found out that the license was coming to New York City, we, being born and bred New Yorkers, were excited about it,” Roc nation CEO Desiree Perez told EBONY. “I want to be vrey upfront with the fact that we no this is a money-making business, but there’s a lot that we could do for the community, and we looked at this as if it’s going to make a lot of money, then it can make a lot of money to also benefit the community.”
At the heart of their bid is a pledge to donate $250 million over the next decade to community benefits. This ample investment will focus on bolstering Broadway, enhancing public health, safety, and security in Times Square and its surrounding neighborhoods. moreover, the group has committed to contributing 0.5% of their revenue on an ongoing basis to the West Side Community Fund,ensuring sustained support for local residents and their needs.
The company has launched a $250 million investment plan aimed at enhancing various community services, including Public Safety and Security, Broadway Labor Daycare, Public Health, and youth Arts and Education, among others. As part of this initiative,$83.15 million will be allocated to implement the moast thorough neighborhood safety strategy in the history of Times Square. This plan includes AI cameras, technology upgrades, increased patrols, and community services, all of which were designed by former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton. He stated, “these public safety investments will make Times square the safest commercial district in the world.”
Perez emphasizes that this isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about genuine engagement and understanding the needs of the community. “I spent really a lot of the last five years speaking to the different community boards, sitting in rooms where people would say, ‘I’m completely opposed to a casino,’ and having [those] conversations,” she explains. “I understand that, but there’s a casino license that has been approved for downstate New York, and we may get it, so if we get it, I want to be the best partner in your community.”
The proposal has been meticulously developed in consultation with the community,the NYPD,and local residents,addressing concerns ranging from public safety to sanitation and transportation. The plan outlines the specific allocation of funds and the professionals responsible for bringing these investments to life.
But Roc Nation’s commitment goes even further. Partnering with Cadre founder Ryan Williams, they are offering local households the opportunity to invest in the casino for a minimum of $500. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create the most inclusive ownership model in U.S. gaming history, transforming equitable ownership from a mere aspiration into a tangible reality for New Yorkers.