The people have spoken on Bally's plan for a Bronx casino, but that doesn't mean it's the final say.
Bally's Casino's plan to build a casino at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx is still in play despite being rejected by Community Board 10. They aim to secure one of the three downstate casino licenses to be granted by the end of the year.
The proposal sparked strong reactions and heated debates among local residents, who have opposed it from the start. While Bally's promised thousands of jobs, park improvements, and free shuttles, the board rejected the project due to concerns about increased crime, traffic, and loss of parkland.
This rejection, however, doesn't mean the project is over.
Bally’s Casino Chairperson Continuously Interrupted
During a recent public hearing, tensions ran high as audience members frequently interrupted the discussions. Even Bally’s Chair, Soo Kim, faced interruptions while speaking. The $4 billion plan, which includes a hotel, casino, entertainment, and retail spaces, got backing from several union workers, who highlighted the potential for union jobs and economic benefits for the Bronx.
In a statement to the Bronx Times, Kim expressed gratitude for participating in the meeting and reaffirmed Bally's commitment to the Bronx, despite the advisory vote against them.
Bally's wants to build a large, 500,000-square-foot casino near their golf course at Ferry Point, previously managed by President Trump's company. The project also includes a 500-room hotel, spa, meeting areas, retail shops, a 2,000-seat event center, and two parking garages with space for up to 4,660 cars.
If Bally's secures a license and approval for the project, it will offer Bronx residents the chance to own up to 10% of the casino shares.
New York Downstate Casino Licenses up for Grabs
The Bronx is considered a possible site for a new casino, and Bally's is among a dozen developers competing for a downstate casino license in New York.
Each proposal has been presented multiple times with visual renderings to local community and planning boards to gain essential zoning approvals before the state Gaming Facility Location Board makes its final decisions in December.
The 2013 gaming bill allowed for the creation of four upstate and three downstate licenses for slot machines and live dealer table games. It also later added sports betting to the gaming options.
In addition to the Bronx proposal by Bally's, there is also a Nassau Coliseum proposal, plus casino projects being worked on in Queens, at Hudson Yards, and Resorts World, New York City—just to name a few.
Bally’s Casino Bronx Plan Not Dead Yet
Despite the community board overwhelmingly voting against the casino, the project is still alive. The board's decision is only advisory and represents the first step in the ULURP zoning change process.
The proposal will continue to the Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the Department of City Planning, and the City Council before reaching the mayor for a final decision. Meanwhile, Bally’s remains a contender for one of three state-issued downstate casino licenses.
As the debate continues, the community awaits further developments, weighing the promise of economic growth against the potential risks to their neighborhood's fabric.
