NEW YORK, NY [September 19, 2025] – Freedom Plaza, the bold $11.2 billion civic and cultural vision for Manhattan’s East Side led by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, submitted a memorandum to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday, September 18, 2025, expressing appreciation for the committee’s thoughtful review of the application that will provide historic, legally-binding community benefits across downstate New York.
“As two mission-based organizations, Soloviev and Mohegan believe a gaming license is not just a business opportunity, but a privilege and opportunity to harness the immense economic engine of the gaming facility to provide much needed community, social and civic benefits that would not otherwise be possible without it,” wrote Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group and Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan.
Also highlighted in the memorandum is the appointment of Michael Browne, the outgoing Chief of Safety and Security Services at the United Nations Headquarters, as Special Advisor. “The safety and security of Freedom Plaza and the surrounding community are of paramount importance, and Michael's unparalleled experience and familiarity with this area will further strengthen our plan," said Hershman.
Throughout the last two years, Freedom Plaza leadership has engaged thousands of residents, activists, advocates, and civic leaders to talk about the public benefits that Freedom Plaza will bring together. Organizations listed below have recognized the impact of this once-in-a-generation project and have offered support and feedback on priorities that matter to them—from union jobs to a career pathway to housing that working people can afford to the new green space to the hundreds of millions of dollars in community benefits that will be contributed by the developers to the Community Reinvestment Fund over the next twenty years.
These individuals join the 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local small businesses who previously signed a petition supporting the proposal and echo a September 2025 poll conducted by Tulchin Research that found nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters support the project and 58 percent of voters in Midtown East specifically in favor. This matches two public hearings at which more than 58 percent of those that participated spoke in favor of the project, addition to more than 5,000 individuals who have submitted testimony to the CAC.
Marc Morial, CEO, National Urban League: "I have been proud to champion inclusive economic policies and projects across the nation, including our new 17-story Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem. The same philosophy guides Freedom Plaza. With more than 1,000 new residences—including more than 500 permanently affordable units under NYC’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing Program—this project concretely addresses the housing crisis, unlocking pathways for working families and direct access to a sprawling 4.77-acre park called Freedom Plaza Park will foster a self-sustaining, inclusive neighborhood hub."
Jamie A. Smarr, President, NYC Housing Partnership: "Freedom Plaza aligns perfectly with our mission to create equitable housing opportunities. By including affordable housing alongside high-quality amenities, this development will provide vital resources for the East Side’s working families, helping to address New York City's housing crisis."
Chris Ward, Interim President and CEO, Waterfront Alliance: “The Waterfront's Alliance is delighted to work with the Freedom Plaza to pursue this WEDG certification. WEDG certification is an independent process. It has 143 different criteria which brings value to the development along our waterfront. It's independent. The Freedom Plaza will be applying for this project. And what it truly brings to this community is a difference between just economic development, but rather community transparency. The Waterfront WEDG program is dedicated to hearing from the community, building from the community up. We are delighted that the waterfront portion of this project will be evaluated pursuant to the WEDG program, which exactly brings the kind of sustainability, accessibility, and resiliency for the New York City waterfront that we have seen regenerated throughout all five boroughs.”
Steve Levin, CEO, Solar One: “Soloviev and Mohegan Sun have been pretty extraordinary in their outreach in terms of how to engage with the local hiring process, and how to match that up with sustainable development. Their sustainability program which we have seen is impressive. It involves all electric HVAC systems which is you know reduces the use of fossil fuels. And just their level of engagement around doing local hiring and working with the nonprofit sector to train individuals in green jobs, bringing them into full-time long-time employment. I'd also be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the significant amount of affordable housing that is proposed as part of this project.”
Melanie Aucello, President, 344 East 28th Street Tenant Association: “As a NYCHA tenant leader, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that thoughtful development can have on our neighborhoods. Freedom Plaza’s commitment to creating over 500 affordable housing units is desperately needed and a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of working families in our city. I commend Soloviev Group and Mohegan for their dedication to inclusive development that benefits all New Yorkers.”
Sherrill Kazan, Public Space Advocate, Area Resident, President, World Council of Peoples for the United Nations: “As a longtime advocate for community-focused green spaces and public gardens, I appreciate the emphasis Freedom Plaza has placed on maximizing open space in its design. The open spaces in our unique, international neighborhood are essential to support sustainability and wellbeing, enhance quality of life, and enable our community to gather across generations and cultures.”
Melissa Fleischut, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Restaurant Association: “The Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City is an avant-garde approach to economic development. This program goes beyond traditional incentives and investments, bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the potential of socially responsible development. Local restaurants will have unprecedented access to a larger customer base, prosperous partnerships and brand awareness exceeding what many owners would be able to achieve independently. It must serve as an example for future ventures. I applaud Mohegan and the Soloviev Group for their commitment to social responsibility and championing this effort.”
Adam Ganser, Executive Director, New Yorkers for Parks: “The design is a central component of this project and adds a 5-acre park space to an area right now that is not really accessible at all. It includes 7,000 square feet of children's playground, a dog run, accessible comfort stations, food kiosks, etc, including a 700-foot promenade overlooking the East River. Further, the design team is actively looking at ways to enhance the waterfront adjacent to the site including the idea of extending the park across the FDR to the water's edge which would comply with the Waterfront Alliance's WEDG guidelines, which is extremely important to the waterfront across the city.”
Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, President of the Jewish Labor Committee: "This project represents one of the most significant opportunities in a generation to create good, union jobs for working New Yorkers. No other currently proposed development in New York City comes close. We’re talking about 25,900 union construction jobs and 13,400 permanent union positions. These aren’t hypothetical numbers; this is the type of job creation that is worth the fight, providing strong wages, family-sustaining benefits, and workplace protections. These jobs can help people build a life, raise a family, and retire with dignity. That’s what this project offers — and that’s why it has my full support."
Carolo Scissura, President and CEO, New York Building Congress: "Freedom Plaza offers a globally competitive, responsibly planned, and community-oriented destination at the heart of our great city. It's a one-stop-shop to achieve tourism, hospitality, and the tax-generating potential we need to move New York into the future."
Jessica Walker, President and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce: “The mandate for the downstate casino process is clear: generate maximum revenue and long-term economic impact. And while there are valuable elements to the casino proposals across the region, only Manhattan can deliver the kind of transformational, billion-dollar investment that the state urgently needs.
Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom and 20-year chaplain of the NYPD: "With a bold commitment to exceed New York State’s 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal, Freedom Plaza aims for 40% MWBE inclusion in operations and allocates 30% of construction contracts and retail food opportunities to homegrown MWBEs. These are not symbolic gestures, but rather real chances for families to build generational wealth, for entrepreneurs to grow, and for justice to manifest in tangible form."
Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ: “As the largest union of property service workers in the nation, SEIU 32BJ is thrilled to support Freedom Plaza, a project that will create meaningful, good jobs with labor standards that our members have fought hard for. This development aligns with our efforts to improve the lives of workers and ensure that New Yorkers have access to good-paying jobs.”
Janine Trevins, Artistic Director, TADA! Youth Theater: "Our nonprofit just celebrated its 40th year and for decades we have produced original musical theater productions, offered free pre-production training and positive youth development programs. We've seen many changes to the city over these 40+ years and believe that the Freedom Plaza will be a great change. TADA! has been part of the meetings for some time and like that the community has had a voice in this plan. The park plan is beautiful, and the family-friendly Museum of Democracy will serve as a welcome addition to the city's cultural landscape. The outdoor amphitheater and community space will be ideal for educational programming, performances, and community events, especially by motivated young New Yorkers."
Rich Maroko, President, The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council: “The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council is excited to support Freedom Plaza, a development that will bring high-quality, permanent hospitality jobs to New York City. As the union for hotel and casino workers in New York, we know that this proposal will offer real opportunities for working people and strengthen the city’s economy.”
Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 9: “District Council 9 is proud to stand behind the Freedom Plaza project. With thousands of jobs for our members and a commitment to community development, this project is exactly the kind of investment New York’s working families need. We’re looking forward to being a part of its success.”
William Lynn, Business Manager and International Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30: “IUOE Local 30 is always focused on ensuring that our members have access to high-quality job opportunities that support their skills and expertise. We recognize the potential for significant employment in this project and appreciate the commitment to union labor. We look forward to seeing opportunities that will allow our members to contribute to New York’s future while maintaining the high standards of our trade.”
