As Midtown East looks toward a new era of civic and cultural vitality, Freedom Plaza has officially taken a pivotal step forward. On July 17, the development team behind the ambitious $11.1 billion mixed-use project—spearheaded by Soloviev Group and Mohegan—hosted the inaugural meeting of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), reaffirming their commitment to transparency, collaboration, and community-centered development.
Held as part of an ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, the CAC meeting provided a comprehensive presentation of the project’s vision, scope, and impact—led by a roster of development leaders, architects, engineers, and civic figures. And with it came a powerful show of support from some of New York’s most influential labor unions.
“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with the Community Advisory Committee and share our vision for Freedom Plaza. Our team has spent several years engaging with the community to develop this proposal, and we're proud to present a project that reflects aligned priorities of good union jobs, affordable housing, open green space, and long-term community investment.”Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group
The CAC meeting was attended by key project stakeholders, including Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan; Martin Voelke, Partner at BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group; and representatives from OJB Landscape Architecture, Langan Engineering, Housing Partnership Development Corporation, and 34th Street Partnership.
Outside the room—but closely watching—were union leaders who praised the project’s labor commitments, including the creation of 17,000 high-quality union jobs and nearly 40,000 total jobs across the economy.
“SEIU 32BJ welcomes the start of the Community Advisory Committee process for Freedom Plaza, which brings us closer to the meaningful creation of high-quality jobs."John Santos, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU 32BJ
“HTC sees real pathways to career development through this project."Rich Maroko, President of The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council
“Every casino that may come to fruition in New York will be built with union labor...we are thankful and look forward to these projects continuing to advance."Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York
Stretching across 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue, Freedom Plaza is no ordinary development. With architectural input from BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, it merges residential, cultural, and commercial elements in a way that reflects the complexities of 21st-century urban living.
1,049 new homes, with 513 designated as affordable for working families
Nearly 5 acres of public open green space, making it the only proposal in Manhattan to offer such expansive outdoor access
A daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, community center, and locally focused retail
Two world-class hotels, one from Mohegan and the other from the owners of Banyan Tree, will add dining, retail, and modern gaming options for guests over 21, further expanding NYC’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Where Freedom Plaza breaks truly new ground is in economic inclusion. Not only will the project be built entirely with union labor, but it will also allow New York City residents to hold ownership stakes in the proposed gaming facility—making them active participants in its long-term success.
Additionally, state and city employee-related pension funds will receive preferential access to invest in the project, giving broader segments of the population a direct link to the economic benefits.
To ensure long-lasting impact, a Community Reinvestment Fund, governed by a local board as an independent 501(c)(3), will receive 2% of net profits from gaming operations—estimated to generate $250 million over the next 20 years.
“Today’s meeting reflects the spirit of partnership and transparency that defines Freedom Plaza."Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan
Freedom Plaza signals more than just a shift in skyline—it reflects a shift in priorities. At a time when cities are reckoning with how to grow equitably, this project offers a rare convergence of affordable housing, local investment, union labor, and civic infrastructure.
With $3.2 billion in projected annual economic impact, Freedom Plaza is setting the tone for future Manhattan developments—one where prosperity is shared, voices are heard, and progress is rooted in community.