BREAKING NEWS: Manhattan’s hopes for its first casino have been extinguished following a crucial vote by the Community Advisory Committee. In a decisive 4-2 vote on September 22, the panel rejected the final casino proposal known as “Freedom Plaza,” effectively halting plans for what could have been a transformative $11 billion development near the United Nations.
This decision marks a significant setback for Manhattan’s aspirations to compete in the casino market. The Freedom Plaza project, backed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan, was designed to include over 1,000 affordable homes and community reinvestment initiatives. However, community pushback over concerns related to traffic, public safety, and neighborhood quality proved insurmountable.
The rejection of Freedom Plaza follows the earlier dismissal of two more prominent casino proposals: one for Times Square, supported by Caesars Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and another in Hudson Yards by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts. With all three proposals now officially turned down, Manhattan has effectively lost its opportunity to secure up to three downstate casino licenses.
Local officials and residents expressed their relief over the decision, emphasizing the potential strain a casino could place on an already congested infrastructure, particularly during high-profile events like the General Assembly. Community members were vocal about their fears of increased traffic and disruption in the area surrounding the UN complex.
Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, lamented the lost opportunity, arguing that a casino could have brought vital economic benefits and job creation to Manhattan. Similarly, Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan, expressed disappointment, stating that the review process did not adequately consider the socio-economic advantages their proposal would have delivered.
City Hall reacted sharply, with a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams calling the rejection a profound loss for the borough, claiming it meant Manhattan forfeited billions in potential investment, housing, and educational improvements.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to five remaining proposals outside of Manhattan. These include a casino project adjacent to Citi Field in Queens backed by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, a Coney Island project by Thor Equities, and a proposal for the former Trump golf course in the Bronx. Additionally, two existing racinos, Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct and MGM Empire City in Yonkers, are also in the running.
As state regulators are set to issue licenses by December, the pressure mounts for these proposals to secure local approvals. However, growing political opposition, particularly concerning the Coney Island development, may complicate their paths forward.
Casino executives had previously viewed Manhattan as the premier location for new gaming ventures. However, the recent series of rejections suggests that the future of New York’s gambling landscape may largely unfold in the outer boroughs, altering the trajectory of casino development in the city.
As this story develops, stay tuned for updates on potential new sites and the evolving landscape of New York’s gaming industry.
