Diplomat Suzan Johnson Cook Advocates for Freedom Plaza in Fresh Opinion Piece: "Emphasizing Equity, Chances, Visions, and Morals"
In the heart of Manhattan's East Side, a transformative mixed-use development project, Freedom Plaza, is taking shape. This $11.1 billion initiative, developed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, is poised to become a cultural and civic beacon, supported publicly by Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook.
Freedom Plaza promises a vibrant community hub, encompassing a daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and a community center. The project will also feature nearly 5 acres of public open space, locally oriented retail, and a wide range of shopping and dining options.
At its core, Freedom Plaza is designed to create thousands of union jobs and foster minority- and women-owned business participation. In line with this commitment, the project aims for 40% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) inclusion in operations, allocating 30% of construction contracts and retail food opportunities to homegrown MWBEs.
The developer, Soloviev Group, is renowned for its dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Mohegan, another developer, is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada.
Freedom Plaza also reflects values of fairness, stewardship, and community. It exceeds New York State's 30% MWBE participation goal and ensures workforce diversity through partnerships with organisations like the Queens Economic Development Corporation, Accompany Capital, Hot Bread Kitchen, Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce, and Women on the Worldstage (W.O.W.).
Contractors working on Freedom Plaza are held accountable, supported, and evaluated with the seriousness equity deserves. The project's detailed reporting system, compliance checks, mentorship programs, and incentives for exceeding inclusion benchmarks create an environment of transparency and trust.
Two world-class hotels from Mohegan and the owners of Banyan Tree will be part of Freedom Plaza, offering retail, dining, and entertainment, including modern gaming for those 21 and over.
The project's impact extends beyond its boundaries, with expectations of generating nearly 40,000 jobs overall throughout the economy and $3.2 billion in annual economic impact. Freedom Plaza reflects Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook's belief in projects that prioritise equity and opportunity, aligning with her values of justice, opportunity, and inclusive development.
As a minister, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, and a native New Yorker, Ambassador Cook's support for Freedom Plaza underscores her commitment to her city and its future. Freedom Plaza, in her words, reflects faith in action through tangible community investments.
- The developer, Soloviev Group, is committed to ensuring a 40% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) inclusion in operations at Freedom Plaza.
- The project's design entails a dedicated community center, a food market, and a museum focused on democracy, making Freedom Plaza a significant hub for the community.
- Contractors working on Freedom Plaza are held accountable with a detailed reporting system, compliance checks, mentorship programs, and incentives for exceeding inclusion benchmarks.
- With two world-class hotels from Mohegan and Banyan Tree, Freedom Plaza offers retail, dining, entertainment, and modern gaming for those 21 and over.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Ambassador Cook believes that Freedom Plaza, with its emphasis on equity and opportunity, signifies faith in action through tangible community investments.
