Manhattan’s Casino Hopes CRUSHED as Final Proposal REJECTED
UPDATE: Manhattan’s dream of hosting its first casino has been officially dashed as a local advisory panel just rejected the last remaining proposal, leaving the borough without any options for a Vegas-style resort. On September 22, 2023, the Community Advisory Committee voted 4-2 against the ambitious $11 billion “Freedom Plaza” project, planned for a prime six-acre site just south of the United Nations.
The proposal, backed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan, a Connecticut-based gaming operator, promised over 1,000 affordable homes and a commitment to reinvest in the local community. However, community opposition proved insurmountable, with residents expressing valid concerns about traffic congestion, public safety, and overall quality of life, particularly during major events like the UN General Assembly.
With this rejection, all three major casino projects proposed for Manhattan have been turned down, including previous offers from Caesars Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for Times Square, and another from Related Companies and Wynn Resorts for Hudson Yards. Local politicians highlighted the overwhelming community pushback as a decisive factor in these decisions.
The implications of this move are significant for Manhattan, which now loses out on a potential influx of billions in investment and hundreds of new jobs. A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams expressed disappointment, calling the rejection a “shame” and emphasizing the lost opportunities for new homes and schools.
As Manhattan exits the casino race, attention shifts to proposals in Queens, the Bronx, and Yonkers. Five plans remain in contention, including a casino project next to Citi Field in Queens by Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International, a Coney Island development backed by Thor Equities, and a proposal for the former Trump golf course in the Bronx by Bally’s. Additionally, two existing racinos are also vying for approval: Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers.
State regulators are set to announce the licenses by December 2023, but local approvals are still critical for any proposal to move forward. Some plans, like Coney Island’s, are already facing mounting political resistance.
The recent series of votes indicates a significant shift in the perceived gaming landscape in New York City, with executives previously viewing Manhattan as the ultimate prize. The future of casino development now looks poised to flourish in the outer boroughs if it proceeds at all.
The rejection of all three Manhattan proposals marks a pivotal moment in the city’s gaming evolution, highlighting community values over corporate interests. Local stakeholders and residents alike are now left to contemplate what this means for the future of development in Manhattan and beyond.
