A proposal to build a casino in Manhattan has been 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) in a four-to-two decision.
The proposed casino would have been located on a vacant lot near the United Nations building at 686 First Avenue. It was planned as an $11 billion project, making it the most expensive among competing proposals. The partnership included the Mohegan Tribe and Banyan Group and featured plans for a below-grade casino, 1,049 housing units, green space, and equity options for city residents.
Despite recent efforts to boost support—including Mayor Eric Adams releasing a report that showed the Soloviev plan would create more jobs than any other casino proposal, and an amendment increasing affordable housing units—the CAC did not approve the project.
“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.”
Opponents of the casino expressed relief at the decision. Sulakshana Jain said at the meeting: “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 local resistance: “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 four committee members who voted against were Sandra McKee (appointed by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez), Reshma Patel (appointed by Assembly member Harvey Epstein), Celeste Royo (appointed by Borough President Mark Levine), and Jasmine Narula (appointed by Council member Keith Powers). Those voting in favor were Jennifer Sta. Ines (appointed by Mayor Eric Adams) and Nichols Silbersack (appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul).
With this rejection—one of three in Manhattan over one week—all proposals for casinos in Manhattan have now been eliminated. Five proposals remain elsewhere: Steve Cohen’s Citi Field project; Thor Equities’ Coney Island development; Bally’s proposal for Throgg’s Neck in the Bronx; Genting’s Jamaica, Queens site; and MGM’s Yonkers location.
Each CAC must vote before September 30 to determine if there is sufficient public support for their respective projects before they can proceed to review by New York State’s gaming commission.
