The proposed Freedom Plaza casino and resort in Midtown East, Manhattan, developed by Stefan Soloviev in partnership with Mohegan Sun, has been rejected following a 4-2 vote by a state-commissioned community advisory committee.
The project, which included hotels, retail, dining, entertainment and more than 1,000 residential units, was the last remaining Manhattan-based bid under consideration for one of three New York City casino licenses.
The committee, composed of members appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and other local officials, approved the decision with minimal discussion, thanking applicants for their engagement.
Over the weekend, developers had announced that the residential units would be permanently affordable and had proposed additional community initiatives, including a museum, community center, daycare and public open spaces.
Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, which led the development, said the project would have "revitalized" Midtown East. He added: "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."
The rejection follows recent votes against Caesars' Times Square proposal and Wynn Resorts' Hudson Yards bid, leaving five active proposals in the city, all outside Manhattan.
Remaining bids include Bally's Bronx casino, a Coney Island boardwalk development, a Hard Rock project near Citi Field in Queens, and two racinos in Yonkers and Queens seeking full casino licences.
Local board approval is required for the proposals to move forward, after which they will be reviewed by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board and ultimately the Gaming Commission. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have both highlighted the potential economic benefits of casinos, including jobs, tourism and local development.
{{QUOTE}} 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{{/QUOTE}
