New York City Faith Leaders Endorse Freedom Plaza as a "Symbol of Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow"

In a powerful show of support, 22 clergy back the Soloviev Group and Mohegan's proposed development, citing affordable housing, job creation, and long-term community investment.

NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of 22 faith leaders from across New York City has issued a public letter in support of the proposed Freedom Plaza development, describing the project as "an investment in the future of our community." The open letter, which appeared in the New York Amsterdam News, reflects a shared belief that Freedom Plaza will advance economic opportunity and enhance community well-being.

Signatories of the letter include Rev. Walter P. Alston Jr., Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown, St. Matthews Baptist Church; Rev. Earl B. Chester, Greater New Beginning Baptist Church; Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; Rev. James Duckett, Fort Mott Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Roger L. Hambrick, Green Pasture Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Frankco J. Harris, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis; Rev. Adrian Hines, Senior Pastor, Temple of New Beginnings Baptist Church; Rev. Joseph J. Jones, Mt. Hermon Baptist Church; Rev. Carl Leach, Senior Pastor, Ms. Zion Baptist Church; Rev. Robert Linden, Bethelite Institutional Baptist Church; Rev. John Marshall, Senior Pastor, New Life Baptist Church, Brooklyn; Rev. Lindon McKenzie, Senior Pastor, Grace Baptist Church of Chris; Rev. Dr. Lemuel Mobley, Living Stone Baptist Church; Rev. C. Ramónt Morris, Bethel Baptist Church; Rev. Wesley Payne Jr., Senior Pastor, Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Rev. Akin O. Royall, President, New York Progressive Baptist State Convention, Inc.; Rev. Brian D. Scott, Union Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Concord Baptist Church of Christ; Rev. Dr. Randy Ware, Greater Mount Pleasant Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr., Convent Avenue Baptist Church; and Rev. Kevin Williams, Senior Pastor, Peoples Baptist Church.

"One of our most important responsibilities as faith leaders is to look after our congregations and community," the letter states. "This transformative project will help revitalize our community, address critical needs, and create a brighter future for all residents and small businesses in the area."

The letter highlights two urgent priorities facing New York City: the need for sustained economic revitalization and the persistent shortage of affordable housing. The faith leaders applaud Freedom Plaza's ability to address both through the projected creation of 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union construction jobs and permanent positions and the inclusion of more than 500 affordable housing units.

"Safe, stable, and affordable housing is a fundamental right, and too many families in our community struggle to find housing they can afford," the letter continues. "This development will provide much-needed relief and offer families the stability they need to thrive."

"We are honored to have the support of so many of New York City's faith leaders, whose dedication to community well-being reflects the core values of Freedom Plaza," said Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group. "Freedom Plaza remains committed to delivering critical affordable housing, creating thousands of union jobs, and investing in the long-term prosperity of neighborhoods. Together with our partners and neighbors, we are building a future that uplifts and strengthens our city."

"The Spirit of Aquai — rooted in welcoming, mutual respect, cooperation, and building strong relationships — guides everything we do at Mohegan. Freedom Plaza embodies these values and represents a shared vision for inclusive growth," said Ray Pineault, CEO, Mohegan. "We're honored to partner with Soloviev Group and New York City's faith leaders to help bring that vision to life."

The letter also commends the proposed Community Reinvestment Fund which is projected to invest over $250 million over the next 20-plus years directly into local initiatives that will support education, job training, small business development, and community health.

The coalition of faith leaders joins the strong base of support for Freedom Plaza from across the city. A recent poll conducted by Tulchin Research found that nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters are in favor of the project, with especially high approval in Midtown East, where 57 percent of voters support the proposal.

Freedom Plaza has also earned endorsements from 26 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.

About Freedom Plaza
Developed by Soloviev Group and designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, Freedom Plaza spans 6.3-acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue. The mixed-use development, which will be built only with union labor, will deliver 1,049 new residential units, including 513 units of housing that working people can afford and feature approximately 5 acres of public open space designed by OJB Landscape Architecture, along with locally oriented retail and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Additional amenities will include a daycare center, food market, a museum dedicated to democracy and community center. Two world-class hotels from global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over. 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 six-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 4.7 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.

Project rendering is available for download here. Courtesy of Freedom Plaza.
The coalition of faith leaders letter in support of Freedom Plaza can be downloaded here.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group