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Manhattan is officially out of the running for a new land-based casino, as the community committee has dismissed the last of three proposals aimed at establishing one in the iconic borough.
The rejected Freedom Plaza project aimed to create a large complex near the United Nations headquarters and was proposed by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming. The $11 billion plan also included hotels, dining options, entertainment venues, and a Museum of Democracy.
The decision, which took about 10 minutes, mirrored the earlier votes against the other two proposals, with only those committee members appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams supporting the plans. As a result, Manhattan will continue without a full-service casino, while the majority of New York City’s existing casinos remain located uptown.
Bid failed despite major concessions
The Freedom Plaza proposal faced significant hurdles, despite making significant concessions. In a last-ditch effort to sway the committee, the developers submitted multiple amendments just before the vote.
These revisions, dated September 18, 20, and 21, included a notable commitment to 100% affordable housing on the site, raising the total unit count to 1,080, all designated as affordable.
This dedication to affordable housing would have represented a significant concession among the downstate bidders if the proposal had gained approval. However, the Freedom Plaza materials will now be taken down from the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board website, marking the end of this ambitious project.
So far, no proposed amendments from any bidders have won approval. The only community advisory committee to request changes, Bally’s Bronx, received a response from the company, but a vote has yet to be scheduled.
“I’d like to thank everybody who participated in the process,” said Sandra McKee, the committee’s chairwoman. “It’s been a very robust review of all the work that’s been done by the community and the applicants. I vote nay.”
Five more bids left in the fight
Last week, the community advisory committee (CAC) rejected a plan for a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, which had garnered support from Jay-Z. Following that, they turned down Rush Gaming’s proposal for The Avernir in Hudson Yards.
Following these rejections, five contenders remain in the race for one of the three coveted casino licenses in the New York City area. Each of these proposals aims to secure a spot in a market predicted to become one of the biggest in the coming years.
Bally’s has its sights set on transforming a public golf course in the Bronx into a casino, while Hard Rock International plans to establish a venue next to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, in Queens. Another Queens proposal, from Genting, aims to expand Resorts World New York City.
Over in Yonkers, MGM Resorts International is looking to upgrade the MGM Empire City into a full-fledged casino, and the Coney Island racino in Brooklyn is set for enhancements as well.
Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts pulled their bids earlier this year before reaching the community advisory committee stage. All regional CACs must finalize their recommendations by September 30, ahead of the state gaming commission’s decision later this year.
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board plans to award the three downstate casino permits before the year concludes, but can only choose from proposals that have received CAC approval.
Source: iGB/ SBC Americas
