In brief
The proposed Mohegan Sun casino resort, part of a larger development at Freedom Plaza near the United Nations headquarters, was rejected by a state-commissioned community advisory panel. The decision followed a lack of support despite developers' last-minute offers for affordable housing and community investments. Other high-profile casino proposals in Manhattan have also been turned down recently, leaving five projects competing for gambling licenses in the New York City area with a final decision expected in December.
NEW YORK (AP) — There will be no casino in Manhattan after a community panel rejected a proposed Mohegan Sun resort near the United Nations headquarters. The Freedom Plaza development, which also called for hotels, retail, dining, entertainment, and housing, was denied by a state-commissioned community advisory committee on a 4-2 vote Monday. Committee members, appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and other local politicians, cast their votes with minimal discussion, thanking the applicants for their efforts.In an effort to gain local support, developers announced they would make the over 1,000 residential units permanently affordable. Initially, they proposed community investments, such as a museum dedicated to democracy, a community center, daycare, and public open spaces. Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, emphasized that their project would have revitalized Midtown East.The project, which spanned over six acres from 38th to 41st Streets east of First Avenue, was the last remaining proposal for a casino in Manhattan, with previous plans for casinos in Times Square and Hudson Yards also voted down last week. Currently, five proposals remain in contention for up to three state gambling licenses in the New York City area. Those include a proposed casino on a public golf course in the Bronx, one at Coney Island’s boardwalk in Brooklyn, and another next to Citi Field in Queens.Local board approval is mandatory for these proposals to advance, with state regulators expected to make a final decision in December. Mayor Adams expressed surprise at the failures of some high-profile projects, highlighting the potential for job creation and tourism from casinos.
