New York City Mayor Eric Adams has taken a bold step by vetoing a City Council decision that rejected Bally’s $4 billion casino proposal for Ferry Point Park, Bronx. This is the first time Adams has used his veto power on a land-use issue. The City Council’s vote on July 14 was a significant setback for Bally’s plan to build a gaming center in the city, championed by Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato from the East Bronx. The proposal was denied with a 28-9 vote, with some members absent or abstaining.
According to Bronx Times, while local Bronx representatives initially supported Bally’s plan for a casino-hotel complex at Ferry Point, it faced strong opposition from Marmorato and others in the community. Marmorato expressed her discontent with Adams’ veto, labeling it an “insult” to her district, arguing that the casino would worsen traffic, raise public safety concerns, and not benefit the community. She called for her colleagues to overturn the veto with a two-thirds majority, insisting her constituents do not want the casino.
Adams defended his veto, highlighting the economic opportunity it presented for the Bronx. He noted Bally’s project promised benefits like 15,000 union construction jobs and 4,000 permanent positions with average salaries of $96,200 annually. Additionally, there would be over $625 million in community benefits, including funding for schools, parks, and youth programs if the casino receives state approval.
Adams stated, “I believe in a fair process with as many competitive bids as possible,” criticizing the Council for excluding the Bronx from such opportunities while approving casino applications in other boroughs. The veto was not an endorsement of Bally’s proposal over others but aimed to ensure the Bronx had a fair chance in the selection process.
While some Bronx leaders praised the veto, it faced backlash from the City Council. Council spokesperson Mara Davis criticized Adams for backing a casino proposal while rejecting other initiatives like an affordable housing project, accusing him of prioritizing developers over residents’ needs.
Despite the Council’s refusal, Bronx representatives, including Council Members Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Kevin Riley, backed Bally’s bid, seeing it as a chance to revive the borough’s economy. Salamanca, Land Use Committee chair, called the denial “a blow to the Bronx,” emphasizing the area’s need for job creation and economic growth.
The proposal still faces challenges like environmental reviews and zoning approval but remains in the running for one of three downstate casino licenses, expected to be awarded by December 2025. Competing proposals in other city areas have overcome some obstacles, but the Bronx faces significant challenges.
Controversy also surrounds the property’s past ownership by the Trump Organization. Bally’s acquired the Ferry Point golf course lease from Trump’s company for $60 million in 2023. If the casino is approved, Trump’s company could earn an additional $115 million, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and Adams’ ties to Trump’s business empire. These concerns have led to accusations that Adams aligns with Trump’s interests, particularly as he seeks re-election in 2025.
Despite political hurdles, Bally’s remains optimistic about state approval, promising economic gains for the borough and addressing residents’ concerns like traffic and environmental issues.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com