Soloviev Group and Mohegan’s plan will feature 513 units of housing that working families can afford, nearly 5 acres of green space, and 17,000 new jobs
NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Freedom Plaza, the bold $11.1 billion civic and cultural vision for Manhattan’s East Side led by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, shared an overview of the project’s comprehensive housing and traffic plan during the first public hearing of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday, August 28.
During and in advance of the CAC public hearing, numerous endorsements from labor and faith leaders, civic organizations, small businesses, and local residents highlighted the project’s commitment to the creation of housing, jobs, green space, and economic opportunity.
More than 2,000 individuals have already submitted comments to the CAC advocating for Freedom Plaza, joining the 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local small businesses who previously signed a petition supporting the proposal. A recent Tulchin Research poll further confirms this local momentum, finding that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters support the project — with 57 percent of voters in Midtown East specifically in favor.
Public enthusiasm for Freedom Plaza is reflected across the borough.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Jon Harari, President of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, said during the hearing:
“As President of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, I’ve had countless conversations with neighbors about a casino. I’ve also seen how people’s tone changes when they learn about the full vision: affordable housing, the largest park in our neighborhood, a community fund, a world-class resort, and new opportunities for local businesses. Residents go from doubtful to genuinely excited.”
Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, said during the hearing:
“As a faith leader, Diplomat, business owner and native New Yorker, I see opportunities, employment and cooperation and collaboration with New York’s unions, residents, employees and citizens and wholeheartedly support the Freedom Plaza initiative.”
David Garza, President & CEO, Henry Street Settlement, said during the hearing:
“Henry Street Settlement has been helping New Yorkers find meaningful, family-sustaining work for more than 130 years. Employment with high road, responsible, local employers is and always has been the gold standard for our jobseekers and their families. Together with its partners in the Lower East Side Employment Network, Henry Street is committed to partner with Mohegan in planning and developing the on-ramps to 8,000 permanent union jobs at Freedom Plaza. We believe in the potential of these jobs to lift families, change lives, and provide access to meaningful economic opportunity.”
Reverend Brian D. Scott, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church of Harlem, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“This visionary initiative is poised to redefine Manhattan’s landscape with the delivery of essential affordable housing while also establishing an elevated benchmark for community-focused development. We are pleased to see Freedom Plaza champion inclusivity and sustainability and lay the foundation for lasting prosperity that will benefit generations to come.”
Dharmesh Chokshi, 710 Quick Stop Inc., said during the hearing:
“Freedom Plaza is a fantastic and nice project for everyone in the neighborhood. Freedom Plaza will bring working class jobs; businesses will have increased foot traffic, and more customers and tourists to the area.”
MOHEGAN NEIGHBORS
Montville Mayor Leonard Bunnell offered in testimony:
“The Mohegan Tribe is a sovereign nation within the Town of Montville. In my time as Mayor, and before that as a Town Councilor and longtime police officer, I have seen firsthand their commitment to being a responsible neighbor and a reliable governing partner. … They recognize the impact of their operations and take deliberate steps to ensure those impacts benefit the community. They work collaboratively, anticipate needs, and follow through. These traits have made them an indispensable partner to Montville and a trusted operator capable of delivering results anywhere.”
Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom offered in testimony:
“Whether through charitable contributions, volunteer efforts, or supporting youth and family services, the Mohegan Tribe consistently leads with a spirit of collaboration and goodwill. I’ve seen firsthand how seriously they take their role as a regional partner, always striving to do what’s right for the people who live and work here. Their engagement is proactive, thoughtful, and focused on long-term impact. I believe their proposal for Freedom Plaza reflects the same approach, grounded in responsibility, respect for place, and a deep understanding of how to create shared value. I fully support the Mohegan Tribe’s vision and know they will bring their strengths to this new chapter.”
LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Gary LaBarbera, President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“The Building and Construction Trades Council is pleased to see the process moving forward as it is a major step for New York’s working men and women. Every casino that may come to fruition in New York will be built with union labor, ensuring that as the new projects rise, so too will the opportunity to travel the pathway to the middle class for hard working tradesmen and tradeswomen. For that, we are thankful and look forward to these projects continuing to advance.”
Rich Maroko, President, The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
Stuart Appelbaum, President of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union and East Side resident wrote in an op-ed published by the Commercial Observer:
“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.”
William Lynn, Business Manager & International Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 9, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
Leslie Abbey, CEO, Hot Bread Kitchen, offered in submitted testimony:
“Hot Bread Kitchen is excited to partner with Mohegan as they work to bring quality jobs and new training and upskilling opportunities for New Yorkers.”
Tracey Capers, Executive Director, The HOPE Program offered into testimony:
“Since its founding, HOPE has empowered New Yorkers to build sustainable futures through comprehensive training, jobs, advancement and lifelong career support. We are proud to join Mohegan in helping to provide the critical workforce preparation and help realize 8,000 permanent union jobs at Freedom Plaza. We are excited to collaborate with Mohegan’s other workforce partners around the City to help bridge the gap between community and workplace and begin to address the monumental challenge of filling thousands of new union positions.”
Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO, New York Building Congress, offered in submitted testimony:
“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.”
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League, wrote in an op-ed published by the New York Daily News:
“In offering a meaningful stake in the evolution of this large-scale place-making project, which includes development of needed housing, a huge destination park, and hospitality, dining and entertainment hub in Midtown Manhattan, this project goes beyond rhetoric. Perhaps most importantly, Freedom Plaza commits at least $5 million annually to a Community Reinvestment Fund dedicated to civic, educational, environmental, and justice-oriented programs. With oversight from an independent Community Advisory Board, these funds will honor local priorities – from beautification and arts festivals to youth development, sustainability, and tenant support.”
Jamie A. Smarr, President and CEO of the NYC Housing Partnership, offered in a statement:
“New York City is facing a critical housing crisis that Freedom Plaza will directly address. The project’s 513 permanent affordable housing units aligns perfectly with the Housing Partnership’s mission to create real housing opportunities for middle class New Yorkers. I am most excited by Freedom Plaza’s high-quality amenities that all families will be able to access, alongside the huge public park and iconic museum that everyone will be able to enjoy. This is a standard-setting community development and an opportunity that cannot be passed on.”
PARKS AND GREEN SPACE
Dan Biederman, urban redevelopment and public space expert, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“Freedom Plaza’s public spaces will be beautiful and provide the entire side of Manhattan with amenities that are not available outside of Bryant and Central parks. By integrating community opinions from the outset, this 4.77 acre project has ensured that its green spaces and programming meet the everyday needs of Midtown East residents. The combination of a central lawn, waterfront promenade, and cultural installations bring much-needed green space for recreation, relaxation, cultural programming, and children’s play to the area. As we’ve seen in other successful revitalizations, when a space is thoughtfully managed and actively used, it becomes safer and economically beneficial. Freedom Plaza has the potential to become a model for how development projects can also add public spaces that truly elevate urban life around them.”
HOSPITALITY
Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance, offered in submitted testimony:
“We recognize their efforts to build strong partnerships with local hospitality businesses both operating on-site and with those throughout the surrounding community. Their commitment to offering local restaurants and bars no-cost participation in their dining rewards program is also noteworthy, as it supports economic growth to the greater hospitality sector outside of their premises. Additionally, a member of the New York City Hospitality Alliance recently visited a Mohegan Gaming property. Speaking with employees anonymously, they were impressed by the staff’s professionalism and the collaborative, family-like environment the workers told us about, which ownership separately shared that they strive to cultivate.”
About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a $11.1 billion mixed-use development from Soloviev Group and Mohegan, spanning 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue on Manhattan’s East Side. The project will deliver 1,049 new homes—including 513 units that working families can afford—alongside nearly 5 acres of public open space, locally oriented retail, and a wide range of shopping and dining options, plus a daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and community center. Two world-class hotels from Mohegan and the owners of Banyan Tree will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including modern gaming for those 21 and over. Built entirely with union labor, Freedom Plaza will support 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union jobs during construction and operations and nearly 40,000 jobs overall throughout the economy, while generating $3.2 billion in annual economic impact. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.
About Soloviev Group
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm’s most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than 6 acres on Manhattan’s East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature nearly 5 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.
About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.
Project video and rendering is available for download here, courtesy Soloviev Group.
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SOURCE The Soloviev Group
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