Manhattan locals reject all proposals for casino, preventing establishment in the area
Manhattan Will Remain Without a Casino After All Proposals are Rejected by LocalsPlans to establish Manhattan’s inaugural full-service casino have faced an unfortunate turn of events. A local committee recently shot down the last of three proposals aiming to secure a state license for a Las Vegas-style casino in the bustling New York City market.When it came time to assess the proposal for “Freedom Plaza,” a six-acre casino endeavor located near the United Nations complex, which was backed by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, a state-commissioned community advisory committee ultimately gave it the thumbs-down with a vote of 4-2.A similar fate befell two other ambitious projects. A venture supported by Jay-Z to construct a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square and a proposal for a gambling establishment in Manhattan’s West Side close to the Hudson Yards region were both met with disapproval from separate local boards in preceding weeks, citing strong community opposition.The rejection of these proposals inspired mixed responses from various stakeholders. While committee members appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams favored the Freedom Plaza project, the panelists representing local lawmakers expressed reservations about moving forward with it. William Fowler, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, emphasized that rejecting the casino was more than just dismissing a gaming venture; it was a refusal of potential development, including new housing, educational facilities, substantial investments, and more for the borough.In light of these outcomes, political figures aligned with the Democratic Party, including Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, addressed concerns raised by residents at public discussions surrounding the adverse impact of these casino projects on the community’s everyday life.Michael Hershman, the CEO of the Soloviev Group, spearheading the $11 billion Freedom Plaza endeavor, voiced his disappointment, asserting that Manhattan, as the quintessential global hub, warranted the proposed resort, which he believed would have drawn visitors while catering to the borough’s residents. Similarly, Ray Pineault, the CEO of Mohegan, argued that the appraisal process failed to acknowledge the broader impact their project could have had on New York’s community, both economically and socially.Five proposals still remain in the running for the potential gaming licenses, each showcasing distinct features and locations across New York City. For instance, proposals include a Bally’s casino slated for a Bronx golf course formerly tied to President Donald Trump’s organization, a gambling facility planned for Coney Island’s renowned boardwalk in Brooklyn, and a proposed Hard Rock casino adjacent to Citi Field in Queens, the home stadium of the New York Mets.Notable contenders also include two “racinos,” existing slots facilities situated by horse racing tracks in Yonkers and Queens, seeking to elevate their status to full-fledged casinos equipped with live table games. Local board approvals, serving as gatekeepers, play an imperative role in determining the progression of these casino proposals in the upcoming phases of the competition.The final decision regarding the distribution of gaming licenses is anticipated to be made by state gambling regulators towards the end of the year. Mayor Adams, eyeing re-election as an independent candidate, expressed surprise at the lukewarm reception of some of the more prominent casino projects, underlining the value of casinos in fostering employment, economic stability, and tourism in the region. Despite setbacks, he remains hopeful that the final verdict will reflect the city’s best interests.