No dice! NYC neighbors oppose Times Square Casino in their backyard over crime traffic fears

nypost.com:

Times Square casino backed by rapper Jay Z’s company is a bad idea — and would bring even more traffic and crime to the tourist-packed neighborhood, a new survey said.A whopping 71% of registered voters who live in or near Times Square oppose opening a casino at “The Crossroads of the World” pushed by partners SL Green, Caesars and Roc Nation, according to the survey, released Thursday.Only 23% of voters say they favor opening a casino in Times Square, according to the survey, which was financed by the No Times Square Casino Coalition that includes the influential Broadway League of Theater owners.“The neighborhood has spoken,” said Jeff Daniel, chief strategy officer of The Shubert Organization, a coalition member.“Too often, people forget that in addition to being a major global destination, the Theater District and surrounding neighborhood are a real community,” he added. “The people living in this neighborhood overwhelmingly believe a casino would create massive problems, erode their quality of life, and set back the progress making this a safe, welcoming place for families.”Those surveyed including resident of Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Murray Hill and Gramercy Park.In what may be a troubling sign for all the bidders vying for one of up to three licenses to open a casino in the New York City region, half of the surveyed voters in midtown Manhattan said they are against opening a casino anywhere in the five boroughs.The overwhelming opposition cuts across all major demographic groups, with particularly strong resistance from women and seniors.Less than one in 10 voters, or 9%, think Times Square is the best location for a casino in New York City, the survey said.The poll conducted by Tulchin Research.