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Read Full BioNearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters support the Freedom Plaza, New York, project by Soloviev Group and its operator partner, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment.
A recently conducted poll by Tulchin Research shows 64% support for the project on Manhattan’s east side next to the United Nations headquarters. Among those living in the Midtown East neighborhood (where the project will be built), there is 57% approval.
The high approval rating is driven by respondents’ overwhelming support for more affordable housing units (91%) and parks and green spaces (83%).
In addition to a casino, the project will feature permanent housing, including 513 affordable units. There will also be a 4.7-acre publicly accessible green space.
The Freedom Plaza project is one of several hopefuls to receive one of three downstate New York casino licenses. The process, which started in 2022, is nearing a crucial point with applications due on June 27. Expectations are for a decision in December.
Freedom Plaza, New York, Project Details
According to its website, Freedom Plaza will bring “unparalleled benefits to the neighborhood.” Plans for the 6.3-acre project from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue include:
- 295,000 sq ft. casino
- 1,251 hotel rooms
- 1,047 apartments (513 affordable housing units)
- 4.7-acre park
- 56,000 sq. ft. meeting and conference center
- 41,000 sq. ft. wellness center
- 1,456 parking spots (20% EV)
Freedom Plaza will also bring 8,000 union-backed permanent jobs and nearly $1 billion in tax revenue. The project also plans to reinvest at least $5 million annually to support civic and social-service initiatives.
Opposition and Withdrawals of Other Manhattan Casino Proposals
In addition to a favorable opinion among residents, Freedom Plaza claims to have the backing of 26 leading labor organizations and workforce development partners. The support is a contrast from other Manhattan casino proposals, some of which have already withdrawn.
Last month, Wynn Resorts ended its pursuit of a $12 billion casino project in the Hudson Yards neighborhood. Wynn cited local opposition and rezoning issues as the primary factors for its withdrawal.
Opposition to the project came from several local organizations, such as Friends of the High Line and Community Board 4. Lawmakers, including New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher, also opposed the Hudson Yards casino project.
Two other Manhattan casino hopefuls have also withdrawn. In April, retailer Saks Fifth Avenue decided not to pursue opening a casino above its flagship store. Meanwhile, last fall, developer Vornado Realty Trust ended its pursuit of a casino near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station.
There’s still one more Manhattan project that hopes to get one of the licenses. Caesars Entertainment and developer SL Green Realty, backed by rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, plan to build a casino in Times Square.
The project has gathered support from union and entertainment industry representatives, but faces opposition from others, like the theater industry.
According to speculations, some local politicians believe that a Manhattan casino could be a challenging project to implement.
Many Suitors After the Three New York Casino Licenses
Whether New York will have a Manhattan casino is yet to be seen. There’s a tight competition for the three licenses, which will cost $500 million.
Two strong frontrunners are Resorts International’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting’s Resorts World New York in Queens. Both are operational racinos, which already contribute to tax revenue and would easily convert to full-scale casinos.
Another prominent contender that has already received approval from the New York Assembly is an $8 billion casino project near Citi Field in Queens. Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International back the project.
In contrast, another gambling giant, Bally’s Corporation, recently hit a roadblock as the New York City Council declined to vote on advancing its Bronx casino project. The company still has time, but the window is closing.
Meanwhile, last month, the New York City Planning Commission approved plans for a 1.3 million-square-foot casino complex in Coney Island. Thor Equities and many partners are behind that project.
