On July 14, the New York City Council turned down Bally’s proposal to rezone a part of the city-owned Bally’s Golf Links for a $4 billion casino complex that would include a 500-room hotel and a 2,000-seat entertainment venue.
New York City Council Rejects Bally’s Request
The council was asked to reject the zoning changes that Bally’s needed to compete for one of the three available downstate casino licenses. These changes involved removing the site’s city parkland status and allowing mixed-use development.
Twenty-nine members voted to reject Bally’s request, nine opposed, and four abstained. Speaker Adrienne Adams supported the decision, while Majority Leader Amanda Farías was among the nine against disapproval. Adams has expressed resistance to weakening member deference amid possible reforms limiting Council members’ power to block land use proposals.
Bally’s chair Soo Kim stated the company is still considering the council’s decision. He mentioned that council member Kristy Marmorato repeatedly changed her demands and that Bally’s met every request, calling the result “incredibly disappointing.”
What Do the Voices For and Against the Casino Say?
Before the subcommittee vote, Marmorato stressed her discussions with residents, arguing that her constituents opposed the casino. She urged her colleagues to reject Bally’s application, citing member deference to honor local wishes. She framed the vote as valuing each other’s districts and residents’ voices.
Council member Lynn Schulman also supported disapproval, arguing Ferry Point Park was never meant as a regional attraction and criticizing Bally’s transportation plans as inadequate for anticipated traffic.
Council member Rafael Salamanca, chair of the Land Use Committee, supported the zoning changes, aiming to keep Bally’s in the casino license race and provide economic opportunities for the Bronx.
As part of its proposal, Bally’s committed $75 million to transportation infrastructure upgrades, including a new overpass on Lafayette Avenue, two MTA bus stops at Ferry Point Park, and road widening.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com