Connecticut Civic and Business Leaders Voice Strong Support for Freedom Plaza

Mohegan's Connecticut legacy of stewardship and engagement cited in support of Freedom Plaza, led in partnership with Soloviev Group

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In written testimony submitted to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), Connecticut mayors joined business leaders, civic advocates, and community organizations in strong support for Freedom Plaza, the $11.1 billion vision for Manhattan's East Side being led by Soloviev Group and Mohegan.

Citing Mohegan's decades-long presence in Connecticut as a respected steward of economic development, workforce investment, and public safety, supporters emphasized their confidence that the same values will guide Freedom Plaza. Their testimony comes as part of the CAC's ongoing public review of the proposal, which includes 513 units of mixed-income housing, nearly five acres of new public green space, and 17,000 new permanent jobs.

The written statements from Connecticut leaders add to the growing momentum behind Freedom Plaza, joining more than 2,500 individuals who have already submitted comments to the CAC in support of the project. This builds on earlier backing from 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local small businesses who signed a petition endorsing the proposal. A recent Tulchin Research poll further confirms this local momentum, finding that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters support the project — with 57 percent of voters in Midtown East specifically in favor.

Statements of support are included below, with complete letters available here.

Montville Mayor Leonard Bunnell:
"Mohegan Sun has always been a responsible neighbor in both day-to-day operations and long-term developments, mindful of the quality of life of our residents. It is a place where the community can gather, and in every instance, they have been proactive, responsive, and committed to solutions that benefit both their business and our town. I hear from their employees - my constituents - they enjoy their work there, they are welcomed into their special work culture."

Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom:
"The Tribe has been a steadfast neighbor, consistently looking for ways to give back and support the broader community. Whether through charitable contributions, volunteer efforts, or supporting youth and family services, the Mohegan Tribe consistently leads with a spirit of collaboration and goodwill. I've seen firsthand how seriously they take their role as a regional partner, always striving to do what's right for the people who live and work here."

PUBLIC SAFETY
Kelly Juleson, Co-President, The Governor's Prevention Partnership:
"A big part of that work includes helping communities, schools, and families reduce the risk of substance misuse and encourage healthy choices among young people. What stands out to me most about the Tribe is how deeply they commit to the work. They are consistently a 'yes, and…' when asked to get involved. They don't just show up — they stay involved, listen, and follow through."

JOBS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Tony Sheridan, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
"The Mohegan Tribe is a powerful driver of economic activity in Eastern Connecticut. They create thousands of jobs, generate new business opportunities, and actively strengthen our small-business community. Their investments extend beyond their own enterprises—supporting workforce development, charitable causes, and partnerships that enrich the entire region. … The Tribe's influence also extends to small businesses. By collaborating with the Chamber on fundraisers, training programs, and community initiatives, they provide visibility and opportunity to hundreds of entrepreneurs. Their engagement sustains a vibrant small-business ecosystem across Eastern Connecticut."

James T. Brett, President and CEO, The New England Council:
"This project represents a bold opportunity to create jobs, generate long-term economic vitality, and strengthen the connections between communities in New England. That is precisely why I commend Mohegan's vision, as well as their demonstrated ability to deliver on initiatives that reflect both cultural integrity and forward-looking economic development."

Barry Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oak Hill:
"The ethos that the Tribe brings to their businesses makes certain that so many are given not only an opportunity for a job, but a career. Mohegan has repeatedly shown how they lift up the communities in which they operate. For nearly three decades, they have welcomed workers with disabilities with open arms, treated them like family and provided them the opportunity to advance their careers. We have no doubt that they will bring that culture to New York City as they have to other properties which they own and operate."

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
 Michael B. Mason, President and CEO, Special Olympics Connecticut:
"Serving nearly 14,000 athletes and their Unified Partners across Connecticut, we could not achieve our goals without generous partners like the Mohegan Tribe, who help ensure that individuals have access to the health care, sports and fitness programs and leadership opportunities they need to thrive. … When the Mohegan Tribe is your partner, they carry your mission forward with care, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose. Their philanthropic spirit strengthens the broader community, and I am confident they will bring that same commitment to any community they serve and expand their contributions to children and adults with IDD across a broader region."

Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO, Connecticut Foodshare:
"I've had the opportunity to collaborate with partners across sectors, but the Mohegan Tribe stands out as one of the most consistent and ethical we have met. Their longstanding support for our mission has shown that they understand the importance of strengthening communities not just in words, but in actions. They approach partnerships with humility, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to help where it matters most. … I know the Mohegan Tribe and their corporate leadership. I know that if they were to enter a market, it wouldn't just be to run a property - it would be to lift the community in which they are working and in which their employees live."

David Bosso, Ed.D., Executive Director, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council:
"Although it is not in its business interest, nor does it directly impact the Mohegan Tribe, the Tribe continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to strengthening education across Connecticut. The Tribe has always shown how it uses its resources and capacity to contribute to so many. Whether it is direct support of schools and teachers, grants, cultural outreach, or free resources that help integrate Indigenous studies into classrooms statewide, among so many other avenues of generosity and support — each is testament to the Tribe's long-standing investments in education across Connecticut."

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Mike Urgo, President, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters:
"Over the years, the Mohegan Tribe has been a strong ally in advancing bold, community-driven environmental leadership across our region. A core tenet of the Mohegan philosophy is respect for the natural environment, which they consider essential to the well-being and future of their people. This commitment to stewardship is not limited to the work of their Tribal government. It is a value that is also evident in their businesses and daily practices. Through our collaboration with the Mohegan Tribe, CTLCV has witnessed firsthand their efforts to promote sustainability, strengthen conservation initiatives, and support policies that safeguard the health of our environment and communities."

About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a $11.1 billion mixed-use development from Soloviev Group and Mohegan, spanning 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue on Manhattan's East Side. The project will deliver 1,049 new homes—including 513 units that working families can afford—alongside nearly 5 acres of public open space, locally oriented retail, and a wide range of shopping and dining options, plus a daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and community center. Two world-class hotels from Mohegan and the owners of Banyan Tree will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including modern gaming for those 21 and over. Built entirely with union labor, Freedom Plaza will support 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union jobs during construction and operations and nearly 40,000 jobs overall throughout the economy, while generating $3.2 billion in annual economic impact. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Soloviev Group 
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm's most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than 6 acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature nearly 5 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group