New York City Council Blocks Bally’s Bronx Casino Proposal
New York City Council Denies Bally’s Request for Zoning Change
On July 14, the New York City Council voted against Bally’s proposal to rezone a portion of the city-owned Bally’s Golf Links for a major casino development. The project, valued at $4 billion, was set to include a 500-room hotel and a 2,000-seat entertainment venue.
Details of the Council’s Vote
The council was asked to reject the zoning changes needed for Bally’s to move forward in the state’s competition for one of three downstate casino licenses. These changes involved redesignating the site from city parkland to a mixed-use development zone. The vote ended with 29 council members in favor of rejection, nine against, and four abstentions.
Notably, Speaker Adrienne Adams supported the decision to reject the zoning change, while Majority Leader Amanda Farías was among those opposing the rejection. Adams has opposed efforts to reduce individual council members’ ability to block land use changes, a topic currently under review by the city’s Charter Revision Commission.
Bally’s chairperson Soo Kim responded by stating the company is carefully considering the council’s decision and evaluating next steps. He described the shifting demands from local council member Kristy Marmorato during the process as challenging, saying the company met each changing request but found the outcome disappointing.
Perspectives on the Casino Proposal
Before the vote, council member Kristy Marmorato shared that extensive discussions with community members revealed strong opposition to the casino. She stressed her role as a representative of local residents rather than outside interests and urged her colleagues to respect the wishes of the community through member deference.
Another council member, Lynn Schulman, also supported disapproving the zoning change, noting that Ferry Point Park was never intended to be a major regional hub. Schulman raised concerns that Bally’s proposed transportation improvements would be insufficient to handle the surge in traffic the casino would bring.
Conversely, Land Use Committee Chair Rafael Salamanca supported the zoning proposal, clarifying that his position was intended to help the Bronx potentially benefit from economic development opportunities by allowing Bally’s to remain in the licensing competition.
As part of its proposal, Bally’s committed $75 million to transportation upgrades, including constructing a new overpass on Lafayette Avenue, adding two MTA bus stops at Ferry Point Park, and widening nearby roads.