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Read Full BioThe Freedom Plaza casino proposal near the UN on Manhattan’s East Side was voted down 4–2 today by its Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
The rejection follows similar knockbacks to Caesars Palace in Times Square and The Avenir in Hudson Yards last week. This means there will be no new casino built in Manhattan, with all remaining projects based outside the area.
The $11.1 billion development was put together by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming, and projected $3.2 billion in annual economic input.
The project promised to create 17,000 jobs, and more than 12,000 residents had signed a petition supporting the bid. Businesses also lent support, with 250 local companies signing the petition.
At the two CAC hearings, other residents raised concerns about traffic and crime. They also questioned the wisdom of adding one of the world’s largest casinos to Midtown Manhattan.
The concerns outweighed the benefits for four of the six members of the CAC. To pass, at least four of the six committee members had to vote in favor of the proposal.
Five Casinos Now Vie for Three Casino Licenses
The failures of the Freedom Plaza, Caesars, and The Avenir leave five projects remaining for three downstate casino licenses. The proposals left are based in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Yonkers, and two in Queens.
Still in the running are:
- Bally’s Bronx at Ferry Point
- The Coney in Brooklyn
- MGM Empire City in Yonkers
- Metropolitan Park at Citi Field (Queens)
- Resorts World NYC at Aqueduct Racetrack (Queens)
Each must win CAC approval by Sept. 30 before moving to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board. The Metropolitan Park and MGM Empire City proposals had their second hearings last week, and both faced opposition.
The $8 billion proposal from Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International received voices of support before opponents took to the stage, forcing the meeting to be adjourned.
Meanwhile, opponents of the MGM proposal warned of increased traffic and crime. Mike Spano, Mayor of Yonkers, emphasized the jobs and tax revenue a complete casino in the area would bring.
Support for Resorts World, But Doubts Remain in the Bronx and Brooklyn
Resorts World NYC is viewed as one of the strongest contenders and faced no opposition in its second CAC hearing. Over 50 speakers testified, with every single one supporting the project.
Bally’s Bronx development at Ferry Point proposes redeveloping the Trump Golf Links into a casino and entertainment complex. The project aims to bring jobs and investment to the Bronx, but also faces some community opposition.
The Coney in Brooklyn envisions a casino and entertainment hub in Coney Island, marketed as a boost for tourism and the local economy. Critics similarly worry about traffic congestion and crime in the neighborhood.
Next week will reveal the results of the CAC votes on the remaining five proposals.
