Bally’s Bronx Casino Plan Secures Critical Path to a Casino License with Mayor’s Support

As the City Council votes to advance the controversial parkland alienation bill, developers are shifting their focus toward the lucrative potential of the land for high-stakes gaming ventures. The decision to repurpose these public spaces has ignited a fierce debate over whether the area should be rezoned to accommodate a major developer seeking a prestigious casino license. While environmentalists fight to preserve the green space, proponents argue that the economic windfall from a regulated gambling establishment could transform the citys financial future.

• Legislation, essential to Bronx casino effort, now heads to Albany.

In its quest to bring a casino hotel to the Bronx, Bally’s achieved a significant victory when the New York City Council voted in favour of parkland alienation legislation that is crucial for the proposed gaming venue’s future. With some encouragement from Mayor Eric Adams (D), the council voted 32 to 12, alongside seven abstentions, allowing the parkland removal bill to advance.

Typically, such measures require a majority of 34 votes to be enacted, but due to the mayor’s backing, the required number drops to just 26. This bill aims to remove the parkland designation from Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. Without this approval, the Bronx casino proposal could face considerable obstacles.

Next Steps

The bill will now move to Albany, where Bally’s is hoping for a quick resolution, as the deadline for submitting applications for the three downstate casino permits is June 27. If the parkland designation remains unresolved, Bally’s might have to continue operating it as a golf course, which is not aligned with its business strategy.

Challenges Ahead

Interestingly, previous parkland alienation measures for a casino project backed by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International faced considerably less resistance. The state legislature has already greenlit that bill, improving the odds for their $8 billion Metropolitan Park project.

As reported by The New York Post, ties to former President Trump may have posed challenges for Bally’s casino quest. In late 2023, Bally’s secured a lease deal with Trump’s business group for Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, which included a payment of $60 million to the Trump Organisation.

Curiously, Councilwoman Kristy Marmarato, a Republican representing Ferry Point, was among the dissenting votes.

Political Implications

Earlier this year, the Justice Department withdrew corruption charges against Mayor Adams, cases brought forward during President Biden’s administration. While this recent clearance is not equivalent to a pardon, it has sparked speculation regarding whether Adams owes Trump a political favour.

Conversely, the charges against Adams surfaced after he publicly criticized Biden’s immigration policies. These policies led to a significant rise in undocumented residents in New York City, straining municipal resources.

Future Prospects

For the most part, high-profile politicians in New York, including Adams along with Governor Kathy Hochul, have stayed tight-lipped regarding the ongoing downstate casino initiatives. Currently, eight contenders are seeking permits, a number that could decrease to seven if Bally’s proposal fails to gain traction in Albany.

Summary

Bally’s recent legislative success marks a pivotal moment in its pursuit to establish a new casino in the Bronx. With the NYC Council’s support, the proposed parkland alienation bill now heads to Albany, where its rapid passage is crucial for the casino bid to remain viable. Navigating the political landscape and overcoming challenges tied to its association with former President Trump will be key as Bally’s aims to secure a gaming license.