[NYguy]

https://www.casino.org/news/freedom-...dable-housing/

Freedom Plaza Casino Amends Bid to Commit Over 1K Affordable Housing Units





September 21, 2025
Devin O'Connor

Freedom Plaza, a more than $11 billion bid for one of New York’s downstate casino licenses, has amended its proposal to include significantly more affordable housing units.

Ahead of tomorrow morning’s Community Advisor Committee (CAC) vote on the casino resort targeting Manhattan’s Midtown East, Soloviev Group and Mohegan are upping their ante on rent-controlled housing that the complex would bring to New York City.

Freedom Plaza has pledged to construct 1,080 residential units on-site at the casino to be built on five acres of undeveloped land at 38th and 41st Streets between FDR Drive and 1st Ave. Freedom Plaza initially said at least 500 would be made “permanently affordable.” The bid was later amended to include at least 600 affordable units.

Now, just hours before the six-person CAC will decide if Freedom Plaza moves to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB), Freedom Plaza says all 1,080 residential properties will be rent-controlled under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program.

"We are prepared to answer the call from elected officials that New York City is in desperate need of affordable housing. The heartfelt testimony of neighbors — particularly young people — and the thoughtful input of community and civic leaders reinforces this decision,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. “Soloviev and Mohegan believe a gaming license is a privilege and an opportunity to leverage its full economic power to deliver social, civic, and community benefits that would not otherwise be possible.”

“Housing is the foundation of stability, and this commitment represents our unwavering investment in New York’s future,” Mohegan CEO Ray Pineault added.