Community Voices Unite: Panel Rejects Freedom Plaza Casino Proposal Near United Nations Headquarters

A community panel recently turned down a casino proposal near the United Nations, marking the third such rejection in Manhattan. This decision likely means no casinos will open in the borough soon.

The Freedom Plaza plan, which aimed to bring nearly 1,100 affordable housing units, was rejected by a 4-2 vote. Reshma Patel, a committee member, shared her concerns. She felt the revenue forecasts were overly optimistic and stressed the importance of investments that truly benefit the community, rather than ones that may increase traffic and crime.

Now, five casino projects are still in the running for three licenses in downstate New York. These include proposals in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Westchester County. Just last week, another committee rejected a casino in Times Square and another on Manhattan’s west side.

The $11 billion Freedom Plaza project, developed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, claimed it would create around 8,000 permanent jobs. It featured plans for a casino, hotels, a wellness center, a museum, and a large park. Just before the vote, the developers pledged to make all residential units affordable.

Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, expressed disappointment yet mentioned the support they received from local communities. He believed the project could have revitalized Midtown East.

However, William Fowler, a spokesperson for City Hall, criticized the panel’s decision, claiming it missed out on potential jobs and investments. He argued that having more proposals would lead to better options for the community.

Conversely, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez supported the rejection. She highlighted that local residents had consistently expressed their opposition to a casino in that location. She emphasized the significance of putting community needs before profit.

Experts in urban development suggest that community engagement is crucial in such decisions. As seen in this case, local voices can significantly impact proposals that alter the landscape and quality of life in their neighborhoods.

The ongoing debate reflects a broader trend in city planning, where communities are increasingly asserting their preferences against top-down developments.



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