New York, NY – Freedom Plaza, the bold $11.1 billion civic and cultural vision for Manhattan’s East Side shared an overview of the project’s comprehensive housing and traffic plan during the first public hearing of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday, August 28th. The plan will feature 513 units of housing that working families can afford, nearly 5 acres of green space, and 17,000 new jobs.
Gary LaBarbera, President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“The Building and Construction Trades Council is pleased to see the process moving forward as it is a major step for New York’s working men and women. Every casino that may come to fruition in New York will be built with union labor, ensuring that as the new projects rise, so too will the opportunity to travel the pathway to the middle class for hard working tradesmen and tradeswomen. For that, we are thankful and look forward to these projects continuing to advance.”
More than 2,000 individuals have already submitted comments to the CAC advocating for Freedom Plaza, joining the 10,000 Manhattan residents and 250 local small businesses who previously signed a petition supporting the proposal. Over 57 percent of voters in Midtown East specifically in favor.
Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
William Lynn, Business Manager & International Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 9, wrote in a previously offered statement:
“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.”
