#United States #New York #Freedom Plaza #Stuart Appelbaum #RWDSU

Freedom Plaza: A Vision for Economic Growth in NYC

In a recent op-ed featured in the Commercial Observer, Stuart Appelbaum, the President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), presented his ardent support for the ambitious Freedom Plaza project. This community-focused mixed-use development, spearheaded by Soloviev Group and Mohegan, is positioned as a transformative initiative for Manhattan’s East Side, promising to revamp the area with new housing, job opportunities, and public spaces.

A Bold Civic Vision

Appelbaum describes Freedom Plaza as a "significant opportunity in a generation" aimed at generating quality union jobs, affordable housing, and a vibrant community for current and future residents. With his extensive experience representing over 100,000 workers, Appelbaum advocates for dignity, equity, and opportunity within the labor market. He believes that Freedom Plaza's labor commitments can lead to substantial benefits for working families in New York City.

This development is projected to create 25,900 union construction jobs and 13,400 permanent positions, thanks in large part to partnerships established with 31 labor organizations, including major local unions. According to Appelbaum, support from such influential unions signifies that working people's voices have been prioritized throughout both the planning and implementation of the project.

Focus on Inclusion and Community

Appelbaum highlights Freedom Plaza's comprehensive economic strategy, which prominently includes support for minority- and women-owned business enterprises and promotes local purchasing. He asserts that it embodies a model for equitable urban growth that respects and empowers workers, ensuring they are involved in shaping the future of their community.

Explicitly rejecting developments built at the expense of workers, Appelbaum states, "Freedom Plaza is different. It's being built with workers, not on top of them." He ardently declares that the project resonates with the core values of equity, inclusion, solidarity, and opportunity, reinforcing the notion that New York should be a city that honors the dignity of work.

Housing and Community Features

The article also underscores Freedom Plaza's commitment to housing accessibility, proposing over 1,000 new apartments, including more than 500 units designated as permanently affordable. The development aims to foster a walk-to-work community through strategic amenities such as a new 4.77-acre public park, on-site daycare facilities, and diverse retail options — all designed to enhance the livability of the area.

With these components, Freedom Plaza is touted not only as a real estate project but as a holistic enhancement of urban life in New York. The op-ed emphasizes that this initiative serves a crucial need for affordable living and enriching community resources amid rising costs and urban density.

A Coalition of Support

Appelbaum's backing strengthens a broad coalition of labor, civic, business, and faith leaders who perceive Freedom Plaza as an essential investment in New York City’s future. He articulates that the project's approach—prioritizing labor rights and sustainable growth—aligns with the aspirations of a diverse range of stakeholders, from workers to community advocates.

Conclusion

As the conversation around urban development continues, the Freedom Plaza project exemplifies what could be achieved when labor voices are amplified in the planning stages. It promises not only economic development but a reassertion of values that recognize and promote the dignity of work throughout New York City. The full op-ed can be accessed here.

For more on Freedom Plaza and its various features, please visit freedomplaza.nyc.

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This article highlights the perspectives of Stuart Appelbaum regarding the Freedom Plaza project and its significance in New York's intricate socio-economic landscape.