Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioThe first Community Advisory Committee (CAC) public hearing for the proposed $11 billion Freedom Plaza casino project in Manhattan drew a packed crowd at Scandinavia House on August 28.
Much of the testimony leaned in favor of the bid. Numerous residents, labor groups, nonprofit leaders, and local business representatives attended to endorse the proposal, which promises to create 17,000 jobs and provide much-needed affordable housing.
Still, the mood was split. Some residents raised concerns about traffic and crime. They also questioned the wisdom of adding one of the world’s largest casinos to Midtown Manhattan.
Following the meeting, Freedom Plaza issued a press release stating that over 2,000 individuals had submitted supporting comments to the CAC. They join 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local businesses who previously signed a petition in support.
Developers Pitch Housing, Parks, and Jobs
The hearing opened with presentations from Freedom Plaza’s developers, the Soloviev Group, in partnership with Mohegan Gaming.
Soloviev CEO Michael Hershman set the tone: “I apologize to all of you for not bringing to the table Hollywood celebrities to support our project, but that’s not us. We’re just neighborhood folks”.
Hershman framed Soloviev’s roots as multi-generational New Yorkers with “children and grandchildren that live in the neighborhood.” He said: “We want what’s best for the neighborhood as well.”
Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan, stressed community culture over corporate profits: “We’re not a corporate board that’s worried about our next earnings call. We’re worried what’s best…for 13 generations to come”.
The developers once again emphasized that the casino would occupy only 10% of the project’s footprint. It would also be entirely underground, with no flashing lights or large screens visible from the street. Hershman described it as “unobtrusive…you won’t even be able to see it from First Avenue.”
Jamie Smarr, CEO of the NYC Housing Partnership, called the housing plan unprecedented:
“This is the only proposal that has a truly comprehensive inclusionary housing project…It is the most comprehensive inclusionary housing plan that I have ever seen in my 30 years of public service.”
Smarr noted Council District 4 has produced “zero units of inclusionary housing” in the past decade. He framed Freedom Plaza as a “tremendous opportunity.”
CAC Questions Focus on Housing
The six-member CAC pressed the team on guarantees on affordable housing, a hot topic among the Manhattan casino bids. A Tulchin Research poll from earlier this year revealed that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan residents support the Freedom Plaza project. The pledge of over 500 affordable housing units primarily drove the support.
Developers responded that they had “taken measures to put into place a restrictive declaration” to ensure they deliver the promised 513 affordable units.
When asked whether 100% affordable housing was possible, Smarr replied that the baseline commitment was “approximately 50% affordable.” He added that under the 2008 zoning, the site had been slated for “100% market rate condos.”
The CAC also raised the lack of three-bedroom units. Developers said they were “certainly happy to consider that and…come back at our next meeting.”
Supporters Speak Out
The testimony period opened with loud backing from residents, labor, and nonprofit leaders.
Former NYPD detective Bo Dietl promised that security would be airtight: “I will guarantee you one thing. I will give my 40 years of experience plus my 15 years on the police department to make sure this is the most secure.”
Local 3 Union member Michael Grunner said: “This project creates 17,000 high-paying quality union jobs…Such jobs are crucial to strengthen the dwindling middle class of New York City.”
Emma Wolf, who lives down the street from the proposed site, declared:
“Those who boo the loudest likely do the least…Let’s give jobs to blue-collar individuals without bowing to rich whites pretending to care for those who they disenfranchise…If you think that this city is not for the people building it, you are sick and selfish. I support the Freedom Plaza. I support the American dream”.
Avi, another resident, said:
“Freedom Plaza is more than a development. It’s a chance to make New York more livable. It means hundreds of affordable homes…It means a new park and riverfront space where kids can play and neighbors can gather. It means jobs, investment, and real opportunities for the community.”
Dayton Connor, speaking as a young adult, added:
“When I look at Freedom Plaza, I don’t just see a new development. I see opportunity…This project is projected to create 17,000 new union jobs. For my generation, that means a pathway to careers that pay fair wages, provide stability, and open the door for advancement.”
And Reverend Robert Lindon tied the project to values: “Freedom calls us to build a city where people can thrive. Democracy calls us to make decisions that lift up the many and not just up the few, not just a particular zip code”.
Opponents Push Back
Some residents and civic leaders delivered sharp opposition. They focused on common casino concerns echoed at other hearings, such as crime, congestion, and neighborhood impact.
Chris Chen, a Tudor City resident, warned:
“This proposal to develop a casino within our peaceful residential neighborhood in Manhattan must be stopped…There is substantial evidence linking casinos to increases in crime including theft, fraud, violence, public safety concerns with influx of people, money, alcohol, and drugs.”
Josh Arnon, a lifelong Waterside Plaza resident, said:
“Frankly, the entire project is an insult to the collaborative spirit of the United Nations…The overwhelming community opposition to this plan is astounding. This plan will destroy virtually all small businesses in the area, and it is difficult to overstate the plan’s effect on traffic and congestion.”
Reed Richtor, who described himself as a casino industry veteran, stated bluntly:
“I don’t have any moral opposition to gambling itself…But here’s the thing: precisely because I know the industry so well, I want to be crystal clear. I do not want a casino in our neighborhood. Every casino I’ve ever been involved with…has one thing in common. What I’ll call degeneracy.”
Judith Gross, president of the Eleanor Roosevelt Independent Democrats, told the CAC:
“Our neighborhoods would be directly affected by this proposal…On July 21st, ERID members unanimously passed a resolution strongly opposing the plan for the casino.”
And Michael Cohen, another nearby resident, said:
“I think casinos destroy communities…My main concern is that I think it’s gonna have a negative effect on youths. Like I think a lot of kids think it’ll be a negative influence to have gambling right there, right where they’re living”.
Overall Sentiment: Support Strong, But Division Remains
The August 28 meeting highlighted the familiar divide seen at public hearings for most of the eight casino bids. While unions, business owners, and nonprofits spoke strongly in favor, some nearby residents and civic groups voiced equally strong opposition.
As Murray Hill Neighborhood Association president John Harrari summed up:
“People here have different views. So I’m just here to speak on behalf of myself…There’s fear and anger when people hear about a casino. But I’ve also seen curiosity and excitement when people understand the full vision.”
The CAC will host another public meeting on September 15. Then it must vote by September 30 on whether to advance Freedom Plaza to the Gaming Facility Location Board.
