In a significant move, Mayor Eric Adams has vetoed the City Council’s rejection of Bally’s Bronx casino proposal, reopening the possibility of the gaming facility being built at the former Trump-owned Ferry Point Park. This decision comes after the City Council voted against a crucial rezoning needed for the project, with Adams now prompting the Council to rally support to override his veto.
Adams announced his veto on Wednesday, stating that the Council has a 10-day window to gather a total of 34 votes to override his decision.
Earlier this year in June, the Council members showed initial support for Bally’s proposal by voting 32-12 in favor of a home rule resolution. This resolution was crucial as it allows state lawmakers to “alienate” approximately 16 acres of public parkland—a necessary step when repurposing park space for private use.
The support for this proposal was significantly influenced by Mayor Adams, as a home rule action typically requires a two-thirds majority. However, with the mayor’s endorsement, the threshold was considerably lowered to a simple majority. Without Adams’ backing, the resolution would have needed more votes than it received, falling short by two votes.
On July 16, the dynamics shifted dramatically. The Council voted 29-9 to deny the land-use changes essential for the casino’s construction, led by Council Member Kristy Marmorato from District 13. This vote emphasized the tradition of member deference within the Council, where local representatives are generally supported on land-use matters.
A spokesperson for Adams mentioned that the administration is considering its options following the rejection. Pressure mounted on the mayor from influential Bronx officials and project advocates to utilize his veto power in the face of Council opposition.
Council members Rafael Salamanca and Kevin Riley expressed their supportive stance for the project in an op-ed published by the Daily News, asserting that the economic benefits offered by the casino are crucial for the Bronx.
In his official statement on Wednesday, Adams defended his veto. He argued that the Council’s decision deprives the Bronx of the chance to compete for one of the casino licenses available in downstate New York.
“A casino in New York City would bring good-paying union jobs and an economic boost to the surrounding community, which is why I have long advocated for a fair process with as many competitive bids as possible,” Adams commented.
He emphasized that denying the Bally’s Bronx bid limits the Bronx’s opportunity for a $4 billion investment that would create 15,000 union construction jobs, 4,000 permanent union jobs, and yield over $625 million in community benefits, which would fund schools, parks, youth programs, and public safety initiatives.
The proposal by Bally’s envisions a 500,000-square-foot gaming hall on the former golf course, alongside a 500-room hotel complete with a spa and meeting spaces, retail shops, a 2,000-seat event venue, and two expansive parking garages accommodating up to 4,660 vehicles.
In September 2023, Bally’s acquired the operating license to Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point for a hefty $60 million, securing control of the property after the city’s unsuccessful attempt to take it over from the Trump Organization. Following the acquisition, Bally’s removed Trump’s prominent sign, seeking to bolster its chances for a state gaming license.
Despite some backing from Bronx County Democratic Party leaders, Bally’s casino proposal has faced criticism from local elected officials and community members. Concerns primarily focus on the potential impacts the casino could have on the local area, particularly given that it is situated near an existing casino in Yonkers that is also vying for a full-scale gaming license.
Marmorato vehemently criticized Adams’ veto, labeling it as “sickening” and a violation of the will of her district’s residents.
“This veto is nothing short of an insult to the residents of District 13,” she stated firmly. “I stand with my constituents, and no one—not even other Bronx representatives—will come into our district and force something on us that we do not want.”
Marmorato added that the mayor’s veto undermines the principle of member deference, a tradition where local council members have a decisive voice in land use issues.
She expressed confidence in her ability to gather enough support to overturn the mayor’s veto. Notably, the City Council has previously surpassed several of Adams’ vetoes, including ones related to expanding rental assistance and reforms on solitary confinement requirements.
The mayor’s veto has become notable as it marks his sixth on a land-use decision since the current system was implemented in 1989.
Bally’s proposal ranks among eight competing casino bids for the three downstate gaming licenses expected to be awarded this year. Other contenders include Steve Cohen’s ambitious $8 billion “Metropolitan Park” near Citi Field, a Bjarke Ingels-designed project called Freedom Plaza by the U.N., “The Avenir” across from the Javits Center, a Jay-Z-supported Caesars Palace casino in Times Square, a proposal in Coney Island known as “The Coney,” Resorts World NYC in Jamaica, Queens, and the MGM Empire City in Yonkers, aiming to secure a license for expansion into a full-scale gaming operation.
image source from：6sqft
