Diplomat Suzan Johnson Cook Endorses Freedom Plaza in New Opinion Piece: "Emphasizing Fairness, Chance, Perspective, and Morals"
In the heart of Manhattan, a significant development is taking shape. Freedom Plaza, a $11.1 billion mixed-use project, is being developed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan on the East Side. This ambitious project spans 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street, east of First Avenue, and promises to bring about a transformative impact on the community.
Freedom Plaza is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. It invests in mentorship, technical training, access to capital, and bonding support for minority- and women-owned firms. To ensure this, the project partners with organisations like the Queens Economic Development Corporation, Accompany Capital, Hot Bread Kitchen, Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce, Women on the Worldstage (W.O.W.), and others.
The project also connects with programs like Helmets to Hardhats and Pathways to Apprenticeship to ensure a diverse workforce. Two world-class hotels from Mohegan and the owners of Banyan Tree will be part of the development.
Freedom Plaza aims to exceed New York State's 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal, with a commitment of 40% MWBE inclusion in operations. It allocates 30% of construction contracts and retail food opportunities to homegrown MWBEs.
The project will generate nearly 40,000 jobs overall throughout the economy, supporting 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union jobs during construction and operations. It will deliver 1,049 new homes, including 513 units that working families can afford.
A daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and community center are also part of the project. Nearly 5 acres of public open space, locally oriented retail, and a wide range of shopping and dining options will be available for the community.
Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, a minister, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, and a former NYPD chaplain, publicly supports Freedom Plaza. She is a prominent figure in advocating for social equity and community projects. In her op-ed titled "Freedom Plaza: prioritizing equity, opportunity, vision and values," she emphasises the project's focus on these dimensions.
While her specific operational role in the project is not explicitly stated, her public voice and outreach suggest she serves as a spokesperson or visionary leader supporting Freedom Plaza's goals. She has founded several nonprofit and advocacy organisations and is the author of nearly a dozen books.
For more information about Freedom Plaza, visit freedomplaza.nyc. The project promises to be a landmark development that prioritises equity, opportunity, vision, and values, making a significant contribution to the community on Manhattan's East Side.
- Freedom Plaza, a significant $11.1 billion mixed-use project, endeavors to prioritize diversity and inclusion in both its business practices and workforce.
- To meet this goal, Freedom Plaza partners with organizations like the Queens Economic Development Corporation and the Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce, providing mentorship, training, and access to capital for minority- and women-owned firms.
- In alignment with its commitment to diversity, Freedom Plaza collaborates with programs such as Helmets to Hardhats and Pathways to Apprenticeship, ensuring a diverse workforce for the project.
- As part of its mixed-use development, Freedom Plaza includes a daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and community center, promoting a sense of community and personal growth.
- Beyond its commitment to real-estate development and business growth, Freedom Plaza prioritizes education and self-development, allocating resources for local retail, shopping, dining, and public open space, contributing to the entire East Side community.
