NEW YORK CITY, NY [June 11, 2025] - A coalition of 22 religious leaders from around New York City have thrown their weight behind the proposed Freedom Plaza project, praising it as an "investment in the future of our community." The faith leaders' open letter, published in the New York Amsterdam News, underscores their belief that Freedom Plaza will stimulate economic growth, offer essential services, and ease the housing crunch for many residents.
Faith leaders in New York City champion Freedom Plaza as a potent emblem of optimism and revival.
The signatories include reverends and pastors such as Rev. Walter P. Alston Jr., Rev. Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown, and Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. These faith leaders hold a shared conviction that Freedom Plaza will help rejuvenate the area, address critical issues, and create a more prosperous future for nearby residents and small businesses.
"Being spiritual leaders, it's our duty to ensure the safety and well-being of our congregations and community," the letter states emphatically. The faith leaders recognize that the Freedom Plaza project, which covers 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street on the East Side, will transform the community, resolve pressing needs, and provide a brighter future for all.
The letter pinpoints two significant problems facing New York City: the necessity of sustained economic growth and the persistent shortage of affordable housing. The coalition of faith leaders commends Freedom Plaza's potential to tackle both issues by generating approximately 17,000 full- and part-time union construction jobs and permanent positions as well as incorporating over 500 affordable housing units.
Affordable housing is a fundamental right, and, according to the letter, "too many families in our community struggle to find housing they can afford." The development is expected to provide much-needed relief and give families the stability they require to thrive.
Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, expressed gratitude for the support of the city's faith leaders. He emphasized that Freedom Plaza is committed to delivering essential affordable housing, creating thousands of union jobs, and investing in the long-term prosperity of the community.
Ray Pineault, CEO of Mohegan, underscored the shared values between Freedom Plaza and his organization, saying, "The Spirit of Aquai - rooted in welcoming, mutual respect, cooperation, and building strong relationships - guides everything Mohegan does. Freedom Plaza embodies these values and represents a collective vision for responsible growth."
The letter also applauds the proposed Community Reinvestment Fund, which is estimated to invest over $250 million over the next 20-plus years into local initiatives that support education, job training, small business development, and community health.
The faith leaders' collective endorsement of Freedom Plaza mirrors the project's broad support across the city. A recent poll by Tulchin Research revealed that 64% of Manhattan voters favor the project, with especially high approval in Midtown East, where 57% of voters support the proposal.
Twenty-six leading labor unions and workforce development organizations, including the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, SEIU 32BJ, and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, have also endorsed the Freedom Plaza project.
Access the coalition of faith leaders' letter supporting Freedom Plaza here.
About Freedom Plaza
Conceived by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza is an expansive mixed-use endeavor spanning 6.3 acres along the East River. The project will consist of union labor-built residential developments, which will offer nearly 5 acres of public open space designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, as well as an assortment of shopping and dining options catering to the local community. Other amenities will include a daycare center, food market, a museum dedicated to democracy and community center, and a pair of world-class hotels by renowned global resort leaders, Mohegan, and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts. These establishments will offer retail, dining, and entertainment experiences, along with modern gaming options for individuals aged 21 and above. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.
About Soloviev Group
With commitments to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group has built a legacy of successful development projects that focus on the community. Their latest effort, Freedom Plaza, will encompass an area over 6 acres on Manhattan's East Side and is focused on helping New York City flourish. The development will incorporate 4.7 acres of publicly accessible green space, two world-class hotels offering gaming opportunities, a myriad of shops and restaurants, a museum, and two residential towers with affordable living options. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.
About Mohegan
Mohegan is the proprietor, developer, and manager of some of North America's premier entertainment resorts. In addition to properties in the U.S. and Canada, the brand's online gaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides innovative online gaming solutions tailored to the preferences of its loyal audience. Mohegan also operates the Connecticut Sun, a women's professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its ventures, please visit mohegangaming.com.
- The faith leaders' endorsement of Freedom Plaza encompasses a coalition of 22 religious leaders who believe the project will stimulate economic growth, offer essential services, and alleviate the housing crisis in New York City.
- The Freedom Plaza project, designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, is a mixed-use development that covers 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street on the East Side, aiming to create a more prosperous future for the community through union jobs, affordable housing, and a variety of public spaces.
- The faith leaders' letter praises Freedom Plaza's commitment to investing in the community, particularly in addressing the necessity of sustained economic growth and the persistent shortage of affordable housing.
- Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, the developer of Freedom Plaza, expressed gratitude for the support of the city's faith leaders and emphasized Freedom Plaza's dedication to delivering essential affordable housing, generating union jobs, and nurturing the long-term prosperity of the community.
- In addition to the support from faith leaders, the Freedom Plaza project has received endorsements from 26 leading labor unions and workforce development organizations, highlighting its potential to empower the local community through education, job training, small business development, and community health initiatives.
