Freedom Plaza Highlighted as "A Blueprint for Equitable Growth" in NY Daily News Op-Ed by National Urban League President Marc Morial

Community-driven mixed-use development led by Soloviev Group and Mohegan recognized for its "affordable housing, living wage jobs, accessible public space, and robust community governance built into its DNA."

NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a compelling new op-ed published in the New York Daily News, National Urban League President and CEO and former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial offers his strong support for Freedom Plaza, the bold civic vision proposed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan to transform Manhattan's East Side with housing, jobs, public space, and cultural investment.

Mr. Morial served as mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002 and currently leads one of the country's most influential civil rights and economic empowerment organizations. Under his leadership, New Orleans saw a nearly 60% drop in violent crime and a dramatic reduction in unemployment — achievements he credits to strong partnerships and inclusive growth strategies similar to those behind Freedom Plaza.

"What makes this initiative even more compelling is its integrated economic promise. Freedom Plaza is projected to create 8,000 permanent union jobs and thousands more during construction — truly family-sustaining positions rooted in strong labor partnerships," wrote Mr. Morial. "A focus on minority entrepreneurs will share in the growth. My experience in New Orleans and at the National Urban League reaffirmed that projects anchored in living wages and local hiring catalyze upward mobility, narrow racial wealth gaps, and stabilize neighborhoods."

"Perhaps most importantly, Freedom Plaza commits at least $5 million annually to a Community Reinvestment Fund dedicated to civic, educational, environmental, and justice-oriented programs. With oversight from an independent Community Advisory Board, these funds will honor local priorities — from beautification and arts festivals to youth development, sustainability, and tenant support," he continued.

Mr. Morial's support further strengthens the growing coalition of civic and faith leaders, labor organizations, small business owners, and local residents who back Freedom Plaza for its commitment to community-focused development.

The full op-ed, as it appeared in the New York Daily News , can be read here.

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.

Video and high-resolution rendering is available for download here, courtesy Soloviev Group.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group