New Poll: Strong Majority in Manhattan and Midtown East Back Freedom Plaza

Soloviev Group and Mohegan's proposal wins voter approval for delivering affordable homes, green space, and jobs to Midtown's East Side

NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly two-thirds of Manhattan voters support Freedom Plaza, the visionary civic and cultural plan for Midtown's East Side, according to a new poll conducted by Tulchin Research. The results show strong support throughout the borough, with especially high backing in Midtown East, where 57 percent of voters support the project planned for the neighborhood. This local and borough-wide enthusiasm reflects a broader consensus around the urgent citywide need for more affordable housing and expanded public open space. Tulchin Research's summary of the findings can be found here.

Designed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan to meet these critical needs, Freedom Plaza has earned broad backing across gender, age, race, and political affiliations, with particularly strong approval for key project components, including:

• 85% in favor of the proposed 4.7-acre park and public green space along the East River, featuring a playground and open spaces for community gatherings.
• 82% supporting the project's focus on hiring local workers and vendors, offering job training and long-term opportunities in construction, hospitality, engineering, and more.
• 82% backing the addition of essential services, such as a grocery store, daycare center, gathering spaces, and locally focused dining and retail options.
• 78% in support of the construction of over 500 affordable homes for working people as part of the 1,000+ residential units.

"The results clearly demonstrate that Manhattan voters understand the urgent need for bold solutions to the city's housing and infrastructure challenges, and they see Freedom Plaza as a forward-looking project that addresses these priorities," said Ben Tulchin, President of Tulchin Research. "This level of support across communities is a powerful signal that New Yorkers are ready to embrace a comprehensive vision for inclusive and equitable development."

"This poll reaffirms what we've heard directly from the community—New Yorkers need good- paying jobs, open green spaces, and housing options that working families can afford," said Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group. "As four-generation residents of this area, the Soloviev family is deeply committed to delivering what our neighbors value most and creating a project that will serve the city for generations to come."

On the broader impact of gaming as an economic development strategy, Jessica Walker, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, commented, "Awarding a license within Manhattan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity with the potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs and generate billions in both upfront and sustained revenue. It could fundamentally reshape the city's economic landscape and serve as a powerful catalyst for growth, investment, and revitalization."

This announcement comes as Freedom Plaza continues to garner widespread support from labor, housing, and community leaders. Backed by 26 leading labor organizations and workforce development partners, including the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, SEIU 32BJ, and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the project is expected to generate 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union construction jobs and permanent positions, in addition to producing billions in economic impact that will promote financial vitality across the region.

Conducted from May 6 to 13, 2025, the survey polled 600 registered Manhattan voters with an additional sample of 200 voters in Midtown East. It was offered in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility across the community.

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 Tulchin Research
Tulchin Research is a leading polling and strategic consulting firm. Known for rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methods, the firm has extensive experience in New York and has polled for NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, NY State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, 32BJ, the Hotel Trades Council, and NYSUT, among many others, and has been named to City and State's (R) Top 100 Consultant List.  For more information, visit tulchinresearch.com.

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.

High-resolution renderings can be downloaded here courtesy Freedom Plaza.

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SOURCE The Soloviev Group