Published on October 17th, 2023 | by Dr. Jerry Doby
0Roc Nation, Caesars Palace, and SLGreen Hold Community Outreach Event
In a remarkable display of community outreach, Roc Nation, in collaboration with Caesars Palace and SL Green, orchestrated the first of two enlightening community gatherings at the heart of Manhattan. The event, hosted at the Purple Tongue, brought together local residents from Manhattan Plaza and Hell’s Kitchen, shedding light on Roc Nation’s collaborative bid for a cutting-edge gaming facility in Times Square.
The evening, which was officially catered by the renowned Melba’s restaurant, presented a tantalizing preview of what the entertainment facility has in store for the neighborhood. Local attendees were treated to complimentary lunch and dinner, savoring the delectable dishes while gaining insight into the comprehensive community programs integral to Roc Nation’s visionary project.
A Decade of Transformation
The Roc Nation bid for Times Square is not just a momentary endeavor. It signifies a ten-year investment of $206 million in a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. This initiative encompasses a multifaceted network of security enhancements, sanitation improvements, traffic management, and exciting Broadway development plans aimed at breathing new life into the area and rejuvenating the entire city of New York.
A substantial portion of the investment, $10 million, is earmarked for student debt relief in collaboration with Actors’ Equity and Local 802. Additionally, $20 million is committed to extending childcare services to the Broadway workforce, courtesy of partnerships with Bright Horizons and Actors Equity.
Community Engagement with Notable Figures
Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, Angela Rye, CEO of IMPACT Strategies, and renowned New York music artist Fat Joe graced the event to engage with local residents and discuss the neighborhood’s transformation. Angela Rye, reflecting on Roc Nation’s involvement, emphasized the significance of daycare and sanitation investments in New York. She also underscored the enormous potential for job creation, with an impressive 6,000 employment opportunities on the horizon.
Fat Joe resonated with the crowd, highlighting the uniqueness of Roc Nation’s approach. “The facility plans are giving positions to people who look like us,” he enthused. “That’s not what other people are offering.” The acclaimed rapper went on to emphasize Roc Nation’s unwavering commitment to New York, stating, “We’re homegrown, I don’t know what more you would want. We’re for the people.”
Video Credit: Minh Nguyen
A Commitment to the Community
Roc Nation’s roots run deep in New York, with founders hailing from Brooklyn and The Bronx. Their dedication to the neighborhood, characterized by hard work and unwavering commitment, lies at the heart of their bid. This collaboration between Roc Nation, Caesars Palace, and SL Green signifies a powerful economic engine that promises to bring business, customers, and much-needed revenue to the community, the city, and the state. The evening served as a testament to Roc Nation’s pledge to uplift and empower the people of New York, reflecting their devotion to the city that never sleeps.
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