This casino plan requires all kinds of greenery.
If the developer receives a casino proposal backed by Mohegan later this year, a massive public waterfront park (approximately the size of Bryant Park) could come to Midtown East.
Freedom Plaza, a current 4.7-acre green space between FDR Drive and the waterfront, promotes an outdoor amphitheater, a river promenade, playground and even a museum.
New renders released by OJB Landscape Architecture on Thursday reveal Soloviev's vision to convert the previous Conded Power Station site into an oasis with 18,000 square feet of central lawn, a 1.2-mile path and a 700-foot East River Promenade between 38th Avenue and 411 overlooking the scenic “garden room.”
The plan also requires a 7,000-square-foot children's play area, a 6,000-square-foot “Serene Retreat” cascade water garden, a community center, an outdoor amphitheater and six food kiosks. According to a press release, the developers will fund long-term maintenance, security and cultural programming for the park.
“As a fourth-generation residents and neighbors in this community, Soloviev understands the immeasurable value that green space brings to urban life,” said Michael Hirschman, CEO of Soloviev Group.
“Freedom Plaza is a commitment to creating an inspiring place with memories created in this wonderful part of the city and with accessible and sustainable parks for everyone to enjoy.”
The Waterfront site has discovered supporters of civic groups like the Manhattan East Community Association, and President Kevin O'Keefe describes the park plan as “a progressive approach that can provide a safe and engaging experience from family-friendly lawn activities to connecting with nature.”
“Our unique, international, open spaces are essential to supporting sustainability and happiness, improving quality of life, and enabling communities to come across generations and cultures,” said Cheryl Kazan, president of the United Nations and the World Council of Public Space Advocates, in a statement.
The park is just one of the proposed 6.3-acre Freedom Plaza Casino projects. This also includes a 1,325-unit dual residential tower, including an affordable Rough 500. “Locally oriented” retail and dining options. Day care center. Two hotel towers from Mohegan and Banyan Tree. And a casino run by Mohegan, offering “modern games.”
Located on the bloc from the UN headquarters, the Pitched Museum of Liberal Democracy features international artists and displays slabs from the Berlin Wall forever.
According to the developer, local steering committees will be created to help community groups attract open spaces.
The project is facing Big Apple's other large casino plans (and many more competitors) from Coney Island Casino to Caesars Palace in Times Square.
Proceeds from gaming companies awarded the new casino license will help fund the Metropolitan Transportation Agency.
Last year, Albany Law School professor Bennett Liebman and former chairman of the state race and betting committee, John Sabini told the Post that existing bidder, Resort World New York Casino at Empire City Casino in Yonkers, is a “favorite” to win two of the licenses.
“I think Racinos is my favorite. They have a track record of partnering with the state for a long time,” said Sabini, who was skeptical of Manhattan's pitch, which survived the review process.
And who are the “favorite” candidates for the expected single license left on the table?
“The Sands proposal is probably the most powerful proposal right now,” Sabini added. “Long Island/Nassau Suffolk is a pretty good market.”
Additional reports by Carl Campanile.
