Freedom Plaza project denied
The vote occurred shortly after a scheduled meeting began at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The two CAC members who voted in favor of the $11 billion project were Gov. Kathy Hochul’s appointee, Nichols Silbersack, and Mayor Eric Adams’ appointee, Jennifer Sta. Ines. That’s despite the developer in charge of the project, Soloviev Group, made a last-minute promise to guarantee that all housing built in accordance with the project’s plans would be affordable units.
“It’s been a very robust review of all the work that’s been done by the community and the applicants,” said Sandra McKee, Chair of the Freedom Plaza CAC. “The question of if to advance the Gaming Facility Location Board has been reviewed. Two positive votes mean the application has been disapproved.”
Despite the project’s fatal blow, Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, said that he and his team were “humbled” by the support the Freedom Plaza project received.
"We believe they recognized what we did – Freedom Plaza was a transformative project that promised benefits that our community deserved and was built upon a sustained engagement with neighbors, civic leaders, and stakeholders across the city that recognized this once-in-a-generation opportunity. We are proud of our partnership with Mohegan [Gaming & Entertainment] and the vision that informed this project, which would have revitalized Midtown East and delivered for workers, residents, and organizations across this city.”
What’s left to come?
The Freedom Plaza was received with more skepticism than several other projects under consideration for an operator’s license. One of the biggest sources of contention was the massive overhaul—larger than any other project called for—that would occur in the area surrounding the casino.
Shortly after the vote was announced by Chair McKee, Manhattan Electds released a statement celebrating the CAC’s decision.
“As elected representatives of Midtown East, we commend the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for conducting an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative process that prioritized gathering comprehensive community input,” read the announcement. Our neighbors on the East Side of Manhattan have communicated to us, and to the CAC, through hours of public hearings, significant concerns regarding increased congestion, public safety, and the potential deterioration of the quality of life this project would introduce into our community.”
With all three Manhattan casino projects dead in the water, this week is even more important for MGM Empire City and Resorts World NYC, the supposed frontrunners for licenses. Both projects would expand already-established racinos if they pass their votes on Thursday.
Bally’s is also working on a bid, but is currently working to meet the suggested amendments they received from their CAC. A final vote must take place before the end of the month.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s Queens project was already approved to advance to the Gaming Facility Location Board, which will announce the licensees in December.
