Testimonials
A Project That Will Create Meaningful, Good Jobs With Labor Standards
“As the largest union of property service workers in the nation, SEIU 32BJ is thrilled to support Freedom Plaza, a project that will create meaningful, good jobs with labor standards that our members have fought hard for. This development aligns with our efforts to improve the lives of workers and ensure that New Yorkers have access to good-paying jobs.”
– Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ
A Development That Will Bring High-Quality, Permanent Hospitality Jobs to New York City
“The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council is excited to support Freedom Plaza, a development that will bring high-quality, permanent hospitality jobs to New York City. As the union for hotel and casino workers in New York, we know that this proposal will offer real opportunities for working people and strengthen the city’s economy.”
– Rich Maroko, President, The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council
This Project Is Exactly the Kind of Investment New York’s Working Families Need
“District Council 9 is proud to stand behind the Freedom Plaza project. With thousands of jobs for our members and a commitment to community development, this project is exactly the kind of investment New York’s working families need. We’re looking forward to being a part of its success.”
– Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 9
Emphasis Freedom Plaza Has Placed on Maximizing Open Space in Its Design
“As a longtime advocate for community-focused green spaces and public gardens, I appreciate the emphasis Freedom Plaza has placed on maximizing open space in its design. The open spaces in our unique, international neighborhood are essential to support sustainability and wellbeing, enhance quality of life, and enable our community to gather across generations and cultures.”
– Sherrill Kazan, President, World Council of Peoples for the United Nations
We Recognize the Potential for Significant Employment in This Project
“IUOE Local 30 is always focused on ensuring that our members have access to high-quality job opportunities that support their skills and expertise. We recognize the potential for significant employment in this project and appreciate the commitment to union labor. We look forward to seeing opportunities that will allow our members to contribute to New York’s future while maintaining the high standards of our trade.”
– William Lynn, Business Manager & International Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30
This Urban Park Reflects a Forward-Thinking Approach That Can Provide the Public With Safe and Inviting Experiences
“During more than a year and a half of engagement with Soloviev about the need for long-term publicly accessible open space, I deeply appreciate that sustainability and green space have been prioritized. This urban park reflects a forward-thinking approach that can provide the public with safe and inviting experiences from family-friendly lawn activities to connections with nature.”
– Kevin O’Keefe, President, Manhattan East Community Association
It Is Welcome to Hear About a Proposal That Includes This Level of Commitment to Sorely Needed Housing
“Amid a severe housing crisis, when the City and State decide on which projects will be awarded a gaming license, they should look at what the public will gain from these proposals in terms of housing creation, as well as workforce and economic development, living wage jobs, community amenities and publicly accessible open space. These proposals should be delivering meaningful benefits to their communities and the city as a whole. In that context, it is welcome to hear about a proposal that includes this level of commitment to sorely needed housing.”
– Jamie Smarr, President and CEO, The Housing Partnership
This Program Goes Beyond Traditional Incentives and Investments, Bringing New Energy and Enthusiasm to the Potential of Socially Responsible Development
“The Mohegan Momentum Partnership Program for New York City is an avant-garde approach to economic development. This program goes beyond traditional incentives and investments, bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the potential of socially responsible development. Local restaurants will have unprecedented access to a larger customer base, prosperous partnerships and brand awareness exceeding what many owners would be able to achieve independently. It must serve as an example for future ventures. I applaud Mohegan and the Soloviev Group for their commitment to social responsibility and championing this effort.”
– Melissa Fleischut, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York State Restaurant Association