Union Head Stuart Appelbaum Advocates for Freedom Plaza as New York City's Prime Union Job Generator
Freedom Plaza Gains Support from Union Leader Stuart Appelbaum
New York City is set to witness a significant transformation with the proposed development of Freedom Plaza, a $11.1 billion mixed-use project by Soloviev Group and Mohegan. The development, located on Manhattan's East Side (from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue), promises to deliver more than just a modern infrastructure. It aims to create a walk-to-work neighborhood with essential services designed to support families and workers.
The project, spanning 6.3 acres, includes 1,049 new homes—of which 513 will be affordable units for working families—nearly 5 acres of public open space, local retail, dining, a daycare center, a food market, a museum dedicated to democracy, and a community center. Two world-class hotels with retail, dining, entertainment, and modern gaming for adults are also part of the plan.
Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and President of the Jewish Labor Committee, has expressed strong support for Freedom Plaza. He sees it as a unique opportunity to create good, union jobs for working New Yorkers, something unmatched by other current developments in the city.
Appelbaum highlights that the project aligns with values of equity, inclusion, solidarity, and opportunity, supporting the dignity of work. The project has committed memorandums of understanding with 31 labor organizations, ensuring strong union job creation. Over 25,000 union construction jobs and 13,400 permanent union jobs are projected.
The development also prioritizes housing affordability and community livability. More than 1,000 new apartments, including over 500 permanently affordable units, will be built. A new 4.77-acre public park, an on-site daycare, a food market, and retail are designed to support a walk-to-work community for local families.
Freedom Plaza is not just about job creation; it's about the broader community and economic impact. The development is projected to generate nearly $1 billion in annual tax revenue to fund public services. It will also contribute nearly $1 billion in annual tax revenue for public services.
The project is committed to an inclusive economic strategy, with targeted support for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, local-first purchasing, and community-focused planning. This emphasis on equity and inclusion makes Freedom Plaza a vital investment in New York City's future.
With its commitment to good union jobs, housing affordability, community livability, and economic strength, Freedom Plaza is shaping up to be a bold and necessary investment in New York's future.
Read also:
- Condor Reveals Q2 Results for 2025 and Secures a $5 Million Bridge Loan
- More than half of British homes adhere to insulation standards established during the 1970s.
- While Éowyn's storm caused a massive €301 million in damages, fossil fuels maintain their position as the leading power source.
- Transition in Energy: Merz Administration Plans Enactment of Heating Revolution from 2026
