The ambitious $4 billion Bally’s Bronx casino project at Ferry Point is in jeopardy following a crucial decision by the New York City Council.
In a surprising reversal of prior approvals, the council voted against the necessary rezoning for the proposed development. This decision represents a significant setback for Bally’s and may signal the end of their plans to proceed with the casino and resort on the publicly owned grounds of Ferry Point Park.
Initial Approvals and Ambitious Plans
Leading up to the council's rejection, Bally's had already made substantial progress.
The company formally submitted an application to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Their proposal outlined a 3-million-square-foot complex featuring a 500-room hotel, expansive gaming floor, event spaces and over 100,000 square feet dedicated to food and retail outlets.
Recently, the City Council had passed a "home rule" resolution. This measure, supported by Mayor Eric Adams, aimed to facilitate parkland alienation necessary for the project. However, despite these advancements, community opposition remained strong, centered around the alienation of 16 acres of parkland at the site of the former Trump Golf Links.
Community Resistance and Political Challenges
The project faced significant resistance from local community members and environmental groups, led by their local council member.
Concerns were raised about the impact of losing public parkland and the potential consequences for the local environment. These concerns influenced the council's decision to reject the rezoning, leaving Bally's plans in a precarious position.
Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato voiced approval of the council's decision, expressing that the project did not meet the standards her community deserved. This sentiment resonates with many community members who have vocalized their opposition to the casino development.
Financial Incentives and Community Investments
In an effort to rally support, Bally’s extended an invitation to Bronx residents to have a stake in the casino project.
The proposal included a unique opportunity for locals to purchase shares in the casino, potentially holding up to a 10% stake. Additionally, Bally's pledged that 1% of its gross revenues from the casino would be earmarked for community benefits in The Bronx, with potential contributions reaching $10 million annually.
These funds were intended for significant local causes, including NYCHA and community housing projects, educational institutions, mental health and substance abuse programs, and supporting the local media outlet, BronxNet.
Bally's Bronx Project Vying For One of Three Downstate Casino Licenses
The application window for New York's downstate casino licenses closed on June 27.
There are eight applicants competing for three licenses to be awarded in the New York City region, Westchester, and Long Island. The applications represent some of the biggest names in gaming, including Caesars Entertainment, Chickasaw Nation, Genting, Hard Rock, Mohegan, MGM Resorts, and Rush Street Gaming.
Bally's is also one of them.
Zoning, land use, and environmental reviews must all be completed by September 30, 2025. Proposals that do not clear these hurdles, or that do not receive CAC approval, will be eliminated. This is where the Bally's Bronx project stands right now.
The next steps in the process include:
Community Advisory Committees (CACs) have now been appointed for each application. These committees will review the proposals, hold at least two public hearings and meetings, and vote on whether to advance each project.
Two-thirds approval by the CAC is required for an application to move forward to the Gaming Facility Location Board for final consideration.
The winners are expected to be announced by the end of 2025—specifically, CAC votes must happen by September 30, commission selection is expected by December 1, and final licensure by December 31, 2025.
Requirements for applicants include a $500 million license fee and at least $500 million in investment in the project.
The eight proposals are:
Bally’s Bronx Casino
MGM Empire City
Resorts World New York City
Eight applicants are now under formal review, with public hearings and zoning approvals will continue over the summer. The final three license winners are expected to be announced by the end of December.
Uncertain Path Forward for Ferry Point Project
With the critical rezoning rejected, Bally’s efforts face a major hurdle.
The future of the development hinges on either a procedural shift or an unexpected legal turn of events that might overturn the council’s decision. Meanwhile, Bally’s competitors continue to vie for one of the three downstate casino licenses expected to be awarded by the end of the year.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of The Bronx and stakeholders remain on edge, anticipating what the next steps might be for the contentious project at Ferry Point.
