In brief
A proposed Mohegan Sun casino and resort near the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan has been rejected by a community advisory committee. Despite efforts from the developers to encourage local support with promises of permanently affordable housing and community amenities, the committee determined that the project would not proceed.
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, who were appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and other local politicians, cast their votes with barely any discussion, other than to thank the applicants for their time and responsiveness.
In a last-minute bid to gain local support, the developers announced over the weekend they would commit to making the more than 1,000 residential units proposed for the project permanently affordable. They had earlier proposed other community investments, such as a museum dedicated to democracy, a community center, a daycare, and acres of public open space.
Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group that was the lead developer on the more than $11 billion project, stated that their vision would have 'revitalized' Midtown East.
“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,” he said.
Project representatives from Mohegan Sun did not respond immediately to inquiries for comments.
The proposal spanned over six acres from 38th Street to 41st Street east of First Avenue and was the last remaining casino proposal for Manhattan. Previously, a Caesars-backed casino in Times Square and another development on the West Side also faced community rejection.
Despite this setback, five proposals remain in the race for up to three lucrative state gambling licenses in the New York City area, including plans for a casino in Coney Island and a Hard Rock location next to Citi Field in Queens.
Local board approval is critical for project advancement, and state gambling regulators are expected to make final decisions by December.
