Manhattan’s bid for a casino ended after the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) voted against the proposed Freedom Plaza project near the United Nations. According to reports from ABC7NY, the committee rejected the plan in a 4-2 vote, reflecting similar decisions made earlier in the week on two other Manhattan-based casino proposals.
Amid significant community concerns over congestion and public safety, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) voted to reject the Freedom Plaza casino proposal, effectively ending prospects for a casino in Manhattan. The proposed project, a contender for one of New York’s downstate casino licenses, was part of a broader development plan that included affordable housing and public amenities. Despite some support for the overall development, local officials such as Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine backed the CAC’s decision and emphasized a continued focus on alternative projects that benefit the community, as stated by ABC7NY.
With the Freedom Plaza's proposal rejection, detailed by CBS News, five downstate candidates remain in contention for a casino license: Bally’s Bronx at Ferry Point, The Coney in Brooklyn, MGM Empire City in Yonkers, and two proposals in Queens—Metropolitan Park at Citi Field and Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack. Each proposal is now subject to approval by its respective Community Advisory Committee, with decisions expected by the end of the month.
While the Freedom Plaza proposal met its end, the community had already turned down other high-profile propositions such as the Caesars Palace in Times Square and The Avenir in Hudson Yards. The Times Square plan, which was met with particularly strong resistance due to potential impacts on Broadway shows and local traffic, led SL Green CEO Marc Holliday to react sharply, condemning the committee's decision. "What you did here today was despicable, a display of cowardice," Holliday commented, as relayed by CBS News.
