Operators Reach Out to Local Communities as New York’s Casino Race Intensifies

The race to secure one of New York’s three coveted downstate casino licenses is entering its final phase, as recent community advisory committee (CAC) hearings have exposed the different paths developers are taking to win over New Yorkers. On September 15, two leading contestants, Freedom Plaza on the East Side of Manhattan and Resorts World New York City (RWNY) in Queens, held their CAC hearings, highlighting the contrasting attitudes toward their projects.

High-Profile Casino Projects Rarely Enjoy Universal Support

Freedom Plaza’s second hearing was marked by lively support and criticism in equal measure, reflecting the $11-billion project’s divisive reputation. Developers Michael Hershman of the Soloviev Group and Nelson Parker of the Mohegan Group presented their amended proposal. It included expanded traffic mitigation measures, increased affordable housing from 513 to 600 units, and a new $250 million community reinvestment fund.

Supporters ranging from small-business owners to union leaders lauded the project as a critical opportunity to revitalize an underutilized portion of the East River. Mohegan representatives noted that the casino resort would create thousands of jobs. Marc Morial of the National Urban League was another staunch supporter, claiming that the economic boost would outweigh any potential downsides.

Projects anchored in living wages and local hiring catalyze upward mobility, narrow racial wealth gaps, and stabilize neighborhoods.

Marc Morial, National Urban League president and CEO

The Freedom Plaza project was not without its share of vocal opponents. Longtime Tudor City residents warned that the casino would flood their quiet neighborhood with traffic and noise, arguing that no amount of mitigation could eliminate the negative impact on local hospitals and schools. Some residents remained adamant in opposing the project despite its political and financial backing.

Community Engagement Could Be the Key to Success

By contrast, RWNY’s Queens hearing presented a very different tone, with over 50 speakers, such as local politicians, labor representatives, nonprofit leaders, and casino employees, lining up to deliver unanimous support for granting the venue a full-scale license. There was no organized opposition and no dissenting testimony, significantly bolstering RWNY’s chances of success.

The secret behind RWNY’s success likely lies in its harm mitigation initiatives. The company pledged a $425 million community package delivered over the first five years, 7,300 mostly covered parking spaces, and new workforce programs launching immediately. These include a career center at Jamaica Station and a dealer training center within the casino.

Eight bids vying for just three licenses means the clock is ticking. CAC votes were scheduled for the end of September, requiring a two-thirds majority to advance the chosen projects to the state level. Final decisions from the Gaming Facility Location Board could come by the end of December, setting the stage for one of the most significant reshuffles in New York’s gambling landscape in decades.