Bally’s recent proposal to transform part of the former Trump Golf Course at Ferry Point in the Bronx into a bustling casino complex has stirred considerable debate.
According to a report by The New York Post, the New York City Council, led by Speaker Adrienne Adams who is also running for mayor, decided not to hold a vote on a plan that would let Bally’s turn part of the golf course into a casino. Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim criticized the Council for “moving the goalposts” and not voting on the issue this week.
With the potential for job creation, increased tax revenue, and economic growth, it's an attractive project for many. However, political hurdles still stand in the way. So, let's look into the specifics of this proposal while exploring the history of Ferry Point and its impact on the community.
The Ambitious Casino Project
Bally’s, having acquired the golf course from the Trump Organization in 2023 and rebranded it as Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point, has ambitious plans.
The gaming operator envisions a 500,000-square-foot casino, a 500-room hotel, retail shops, a spa, meeting spaces, and a 2,000-seat event center. Accompanied by vast parking facilities, this complex promises to be a monumental addition to the Bronx landscape.
Kim highlights the extensive benefits. With over $600 million pledged for community initiatives, jobs, and enhanced economic activity, the project aims to reinvigorate the area. However, before any dice start rolling, political complexities must be resolved.
Political Challenges Only Part of Bally's Problem
The proposed casino requires navigation through the intricate landscape of New York politics.
Currently, Bally’s needs approval from the state legislature to repurpose parkland for casino use. The New York City Council must first provide a "home rule" message for Albany to advance this legislation.
This kind of approval has precedents. The Council recently allowed Mets owner Steve Cohen to push forward on a similar casino bid around Citi Field. Another crucial vote boosted Cohen's chances earlier this week. However, despite Bally’s significant community contributions, the Council has not yet scheduled a vote.
The project has also experienced pushback from community members. To combat this, Bally’s has proposed giving Bronx residents the chance to own shares in the planned casino.
A Brief History of Ferry Point
Ferry Point has a rich history that provides context for these contemporary developments.
Originally part of a vast area of farmland, Ferry Point evolved over centuries into a site of civic and recreation projects. Its prime location made it a strategic point for transportation, earning the name from its past as an essential ferry crossing.
In recent years, the area was transformed into a golf course owned by the Trump Organization, until Bally’s acquisition in 2023. This legacy of adaptation and change, reflecting the broader narrative of the Bronx, sets the stage for the current casino saga.
What Lies Ahead for the Bronx?
As the New York City Council deliberates, the fate of Bally’s casino proposal hangs in the balance. With applications for three state casino licenses closing at the end of June, time is of the essence. The political and community stakes are high.
The proposed casino at Ferry Point could represent a new chapter of economic opportunity and development for the Bronx — or it might become another example of political gridlock. The decision rests in the hands of local leaders, who must weigh the potential benefits against community concerns and political feasibility. How they choose to proceed will have lasting impacts on the community and economy of the Bronx.
