My name is State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and I represent the east side of Manhattan from the UN to Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village. I’m testifying today because the vast majority of my constituency has made it clear that they do not believe the social, economic and other essential considerations of this proposed development outweigh the adverse impacts it will have on quality-of-life in this community.

My office has also done its due diligence to collect feedback on this proposal. In 2024, I hosted a town hall with over 700 residents, during which community members overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to this project.  They also expressed how deeply they want to see affordable housing, good union jobs and green space on this lot, which has been undeveloped since it was approved by ULURP in 2008. I want that too.

What my constituents oppose are the adverse impacts of a Casino reflected in the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) before us today.

Additionally, in my role as an elected official representing this area, I appointed Sandra McKee, chair of CB6, to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) because I know this community board understands the needs of our constituents and will represent them well. 

So while I will not be voting on the CAC,  I am here to give voice to the many concerns that my office has received on this proposal.

I’m particularly concerned by the impact to traffic at both the Southbound FDR Drive Off ramp approach to the FDR Drive Service Road during Peak AM hours and the exclusive Southbound left-turn at the 2nd Ave and E. 36th Street/Queens Midtown Tunnel Intersection, which the DEIS states cannot be fully mitigated. 

The Midtown Tunnel is one of a handful of interborough conduits and this development could impact not only residents in this community, but those who live in Western Queens as well, which is also part of my district. 

I’m also concerned about the significant adverse impacts this proposed development would have on 9 crosswalks and 16 sidewalks, especially where there is no practicable mitigation available. 

Pedestrian safety is a serious concern in this neighborhood and a deep priority for me as an elected official. A proposed development that threatens pedestrian safety should not be approved. 

If these  adverse impacts to traffic cannot be fully mitigated, I urge the Gaming Commission to issue a negative finding for the Freedom Plaza proposal.