In brief
The Freedom Plaza development, which included plans for over 1,000 residential units and various community amenities, was denied by a state-commissioned panel on a 4-2 vote. The proposal aimed to enhance Midtown East but failed to gain enough local support. City officials expressed surprise over this outcome, as it could have provided jobs and tourism stability.
NEW YORK (Echosphere) — A proposed Mohegan Sun casino and resort project near the United Nations headquarters has been rejected by a state-appointed community panel, which voted 4-2 against the Freedom Plaza development on Monday.
This development sought not only to establish a casino but also to include hotels, retail shops, dining options, entertainment venues, and a significant number of residential units—over 1,000 of which aimed to be permanently affordable.
The advisory committee, comprised of members appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and other local officials, expressed gratitude to the developers for their proposals but ultimately decided against moving forward. Their decision was made with minimal discussion.
In a last-ditch effort to sway community opinion, the developers announced their commitment to affordable housing just days before the vote, alongside plans for a museum dedicated to democracy, a community center, daycare services, and public green spaces.
Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group overseeing the project, argued that the development would have revitalized Midtown East and attracted visitors while serving local needs. He emphasized Manhattan's status as a global center, claiming it deserved an integrated resort.
Community sentiment, however, remains critical, as two other significant casino proposals—a Caesars Palace casino backed by Jay-Z in Times Square and another in Hudson Yards—were also voted down by local boards the previous week.
Now, five proposals remain in consideration for up to three state gambling licenses in the New York City area. These include a Bally’s casino on a Bronx public golf course, a gambling hall for Coney Island's iconic boardwalk, and a Hard Rock casino near Citi Field.
Locals and city officials continue to debate the economic implications of casino developments. Mayor Adams expressed his surprise at the rejections, citing the potential for job creation and tourism stability that casinos can bring, arguing such projects should not be halted at the local level.
State gambling regulators are expected to make their final decisions regarding the licenses by December.
