A lengthy and impassioned public comment session was held regarding the $11.1 billion “Freedom Plaza” casino proposal—which is being spearheaded by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Sun—on September 15. It would transform a stretch of the East River, on First Ave. near the United Nations, if it ends up snagging one of three state gambling licenses being offered to downstate New York.
By September 17, two much-hyped West Side casino proposals—Silverstein’s “Avenir” & Caesar’s Palace Times Square—were given the kibosh by key local committees, meaning that Soloviev and Mohegan’s bid is the only Manhattan proposal left standing. The “Community Advisory Committee” for Freedom Plaza will vote on September 22.
Soloviev CEO Michael Hershman addressed these “no” votes in a statement provided to Straus News: “Despite the defeat today [Sept. 17] of two formidable applicants, we remain confident that one license should be awarded in Manhattan. Attracting more tourists than any other borough, the city should have a fully integrated resort that is fitting of its position as the global capital of the world.”…