As someone who believes deeply in the power of equal opportunity, inclusive development, and community reinvestment, I am proud to endorse Freedom Plaza — a visionary proposal as part of New York’s downstate casino bid just south of the United Nations along the East River that promises to address New York City’s most pressing challenges by thoughtfully integrating housing, jobs, culture, and open space in East Midtown.
During my tenure as mayor of New Orleans (1994-2002), I witnessed firsthand how thoughtful civic investment — ranging from expanding the convention center and sports areas to building a downtown casino — can spark economic revival, curb violent crime, and elevate quality of life.
Under my leadership, violent crime dropped by nearly 60%, the unemployment rate was cut in half, and the city earned national accolades such as the All-American City Award and the City Livability Award. This record wasn’t spontaneous; it was the result of bold choices, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to equity.
As CEO of the National Urban League, I have been proud to champion inclusive economic policies and projects across the nation, including our new 17-story Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem.
The same philosophy guides Freedom Plaza. With more than 1,000 new residences — including more than 500 permanently affordable units under NYC’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing Program — this project concretely addresses the housing crisis, unlocking pathways for working families and direct access to a sprawling 4.77-acre park called Freedom Plaza Park will foster a self-sustaining, inclusive neighborhood hub.
What makes this initiative even more compelling is its integrated economic promise. Freedom Plaza is projected to create 8,000 permanent union jobs and thousands more during construction — truly family-sustaining positions rooted in strong labor partnerships.
A focus on minority entrepreneurs will share in the growth. My experience in New Orleans and at the National Urban League reaffirmed that projects anchored in living wages and local hiring catalyze upward mobility, narrow racial wealth gaps, and stabilize neighborhoods.
Beyond jobs and housing, Freedom Plaza will become a vibrant cultural destination anchored by powerful arts programming, a museum, and a community center. Just as I championed access to the arts in New Orleans and led the U.S. Conference of Mayors in support of arts vitality, I recognize the role of creativity, public celebration, and wellness in cementing a community’s identity and resilience.
In offering a meaningful stake in the evolution of this large-scale place-making project, which includes development of needed housing, a huge destination park, and hospitality, dining and entertainment hub in Midtown Manhattan, this project goes beyond rhetoric.
Perhaps most importantly, Freedom Plaza commits at least $5 million annually to a Community Reinvestment Fund dedicated to civic, educational, environmental, and justice-oriented programs, With oversight from an independent Community Advisory Board, these funds will honor local priorities — from beautification and arts festivals to youth development, sustainability, and tenant support.
If Freedom Plaza moves forward, the National Urban League will partner to help administer that fund, bringing our 90-affiliate network and decades of experience in community investment to bear. We understand that sustainability isn’t about short-term gains; it’s about building the institutional capacity to support families, entrepreneurs, and civic life long after the ribbon cutting.
Critics undoubtedly will raise concerns: about scale, traffic, gentrification, or whether such a project truly serves the community. My response is rooted in experience: bold development doesn’t have to displace — it can uplift. With affordable housing, living wage jobs, accessible public space, and robust community governance built into its DNA, Freedom Plaza is not simply a development, it’s a blueprint for equitable growth.
As someone who helped guide New Orleans through economic renewal and champions the same at the National Urban League, tipped the scale on public safety, and anchored multi-million-dollar cultural projects, I recognize the complexity of balancing vision, community trust, and real impact. I also know when ambition is rooted in equity, and when growth is anchored by solidarity, remarkable transformations follow.
Freedom Plaza is a promised land we can pursue together.
Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League and served as mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002.
