The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) held a public hearing to give people a chance to express their thoughts on the proposed Freedom Plaza casino project.
Manhattan's Freedom Plaza is an $11.1 billion venture led by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming (now simply known as Mohegan). Located at 686 1st Avenue, it would transform Manhattan’s East Side with a comprehensive housing and traffic plan. This project has been closely examined as the CAC reviews the application and gathers public feedback.
The five-hour hearing was part of the process leading to a decision on whether the proposal will advance to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. This board will ultimately choose which three out of eight developers will receive a downstate casino license by the end of the year.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for September 15, and the CAC is expected to make a final decision by September 30, 2025.
Widespread Support for Freedom Plaza
The Freedom Plaza plan is gaining substantial support from community members.
During the hearings, individuals had the chance to share their opinions in two-minute speaking slots on a first-come, first-served basis. However, they could not directly question the applicant or the committee.
In both prepared speeches and spontaneous endorsements, leaders from labor and faith communities, civic organizations, small businesses, and residents have voiced strong support for Freedom Plaza.
"As President of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, I’ve engaged in numerous discussions with neighbors about a casino," said Jon Harari, President of the association. "Opinions often shift when people learn about the full vision, which includes affordable housing, a large park, a community fund, a world-class resort, and new opportunities for local businesses."
The project pledges multiple benefits, such as affordable housing, job creation, expanded green spaces, and increased economic opportunities.
"New York City is facing a critical housing crisis that Freedom Plaza will directly address," said Jamie A. Smarr, President and CEO of the NYC Housing Partnership. "Its 513 permanent affordable housing units align perfectly with our mission. I’m particularly excited about the high-quality amenities and public park that everyone will enjoy."
The CAC is also accepting comments via email and mail, ensuring all feedback is considered before the vote.
Over 2,000 people have submitted comments supporting the development, adding momentum to a petition signed by 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local small businesses. A Tulchin Research poll showed that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters back the project, with 57% approval from Midtown East voters.
Highlights of the Freedom Plaza Plan
If approved, Freedom Plaza would reshape 6.3 acres between 38th and 41st Street east of First Avenue.
The plan includes constructing 1,049 new homes, with 513 designated as affordable for working families. It also features nearly 5 acres of public green space and numerous community amenities, such as locally focused retail, shopping and dining options, a daycare center, a food market, a democracy museum, and a community center.
High-caliber offerings from Mohegan and Banyan Tree owners include two hotels, modern gaming options for those 21 and over, and a significant economic boost for the area.
Built entirely with union labor, the project is expected to create 17,000 union jobs during construction and operation, with close to 40,000 jobs generated across the economy. The projected annual economic impact is $3.2 billion.
Latest on Downstate Casino Licenses in New York
Freedom Plaza is one of eight casino license applications under review in the New York City area.
Though licenses were initially expected by late 2025, State Senator Joseph Addabbo suggests they may be delayed until early 2026 due to legislative processes.
Final decisions will occur after the CAC's verdict, involving thorough community and governmental reviews.
Casino Represents a Small Part of the Larger Project
The Soloviev Group prioritizes environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
In Freedom Plaza, they aim to continue this legacy, ensuring the development revitalizes the area while contributing positively to New York City’s growth.
“It’s not that we want a casino in this location. It’s that we want an integrated resort that happens to have a casino, which is less than 10% of the entire square footage of the project,” said Soloviev Group CEO Michael Hershman.
As discussions around the Freedom Plaza project continue, it's clear that it's more than just a casino proposal. It's a vision for a dynamic, community-centered development that seeks to enrich the Manhattan landscape. The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders continue to weigh in and decisions are made that will shape the future of this ambitious initiative.
