\n Posted on: September 21, 2025, 11:19h.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on: September 21, 2025, 11:19h.\n <\/p>\n
![\"Avatar](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cropped-4-1-50x50.png\")
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- Freedom Plaza is pledging over 1K affordable housing units<\/strong><\/li>\n
- The casino bid is targeting Manhattan\u2019s Midtown East<\/strong><\/li>\n
- The $11B project is from Soloviev Group and Mohegan<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Freedom Plaza, a more than $11 billion bid for one of New York\u2019s downstate casino licenses, has amended its proposal to include significantly more affordable housing units.<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"Freedom](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-11.59.01\u202fAM-858x572.jpg\")
A rendering of Freedom Plaza, the two skyscrapers and development just to the left of the United Nations Headquarters, is pictured looking south from across the East River in New York City. Freedom Plaza is committed to bringing over 1K affordable housing units to Manhattan in exchange for a casino license. (Image: Freedom Plaza)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Ahead of tomorrow morning\u2019s Community Advisor Committee<\/a> (CAC) vote on the casino resort targeting Manhattan\u2019s Midtown East, Soloviev Group and Mohegan are upping their ante on rent-controlled housing that the complex would bring to New York City.<\/span><\/p>\n
Freedom Plaza has pledged to construct 1,080 residential units on-site at the casino to be built on five acres of undeveloped land at 38th and 41st Streets between FDR Drive and 1st Ave. Freedom Plaza initially said at least 500 would be made \u201cpermanently affordable.\u201d The bid was later amended to include at least 600 affordable units.<\/span><\/p>\n
Now, just hours before the six-person CAC will decide if Freedom Plaza moves to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB), Freedom Plaza says all 1,080 residential properties will be rent-controlled under the city\u2019s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program.<\/span><\/p>\n
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We are prepared to answer the call from elected officials that New York City is in desperate need of affordable housing. The heartfelt testimony of neighbors \u2014\u00a0 particularly young people \u2014 and the thoughtful input of community and civic leaders reinforces this decision,\u201d said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. \u201cSoloviev and Mohegan believe a gaming license is a privilege and an opportunity to leverage its full economic power to deliver social, civic, and community benefits that would not otherwise be possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cHousing is the foundation of stability, and this commitment represents our unwavering investment in New York\u2019s future,\u201d Mohegan CEO Ray Pineault added.<\/span><\/p>\n
CAC Vote<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
After three meetings reviewing Freedom Plaza\u2019s development details and fielding community input, the Community Advisory Committee will vote tomorrow on moving the scheme forward at 10 am local time. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nIf a three-fifths majority, or four, votes in favor of the development, the project will be the first casino bid to be accepted by the GFLB. <\/span>The GLCB will award the three casino licenses by Dec. 1. The state panel can only consider bids that garner CAC support.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
- The casino bid is targeting Manhattan\u2019s Midtown East<\/strong><\/li>\n