A proposal to build a casino in Manhattan has been officially rejected, ending the possibility of such a development in the borough. The Soloviev Group’s plan, known as “Freedom Plaza,” was voted down by a community advisory committee (CAC) with four members opposing and two supporting the project.
The committee members who voted against the proposal were Sandra McKee, Reshma Patel, Celeste Royo, and Jasmine Narula. Those in favor were Jennifer Sta. Ines and Nichols Silbersack.
The Freedom Plaza project would have been an $11 billion investment near the United Nations building at 686 First Avenue. It included plans for a below-grade casino, 1,049 housing units—recently amended to be all permanently affordable—and green space. The proposal also offered equity options for city residents through partnerships with the Mohegan Tribe and Banyan Group.
Despite recent efforts to boost support—including a report from Mayor Eric Adams highlighting job creation potential and an increase in affordable housing units—the proposal did not secure enough votes. “We are proud of our partnership with Mohegan and the vision that informed this project that would have revitalized Midtown East and delivered for workers, residents, and organizations across this city,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. “Manhattan is the undisputed capital of the world, and it deserved a fully integrated resort that would have attracted visitors while serving the needs of its community.”
Local residents who opposed the casino expressed relief after more than a year of campaigning against it. Sulakshana Jain commented on their grassroots effort: “We have not deployed the kind of money and muscle power that the promoters had. This is a very beautiful and prestigious neighborhood. It’s historic.” Tania Arias described her efforts to organize opposition: “This would would have been half a block from the U.N., looked at as the center of diplomacy. The last thing we needed was a casino in our midst.”
The CACs are responsible for determining public support for each casino proposal before they advance to consideration by New York State’s gaming commission.
With three proposals now rejected within one week—all located in Manhattan—there are five remaining bids for three available state licenses: Steve Cohen’s Citi Field project; Thor Equities’ Coney Island plan; Bally’s proposed Bronx site; Genting’s Jamaica, Queens bid; and MGM’s Yonkers location.
All CAC votes must be completed by September 30.
