Bronx Community Board Rejects Rezoning For Bally's Casino Project

As more bidders in New York City’s casino licensing continue releasing their plans, one proposed project faced a major setback this week.

In a meeting last week, Bronx Community Board 10 voted overwhelmingly against rezoning an area in the borough for a planned Bally’s casino resort.

The event brought a raucous debate over the issue, with many residents expressing opposition for the plan while others supported the resort and the rezoning request. Opponents argued that the development could add to crime in the area along with increased traffic congestion and the loss of parkland.

Bally’s Chair Soo Kim noted that the company pledged to mitigate traffic concerns, but was interrupted several times when speaking, according to reports. The interruptions brought a heated reaction from Board Chair Joseph Russo.

After a profanity-laced outburst from Russo, he closed the meeting to the public. Only the press and representatives of elected officials were allowed to stay.

While there were many vocal opponents, several union members also spoke in favor of the project. Ultimately, the rezoning was voted down, but the board only has an advisory role. The issue now heads to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the department of city planning. The city council and mayor would then have the final say on whether to rezone the area and move forward with a possible resort for the area.

“We appreciate having had the opportunity to participate in last night’s Community Board 10 meeting and remain grateful for the chance to be part of this important local process,” Kim told the Bronx Times. “While we acknowledge the Board’s advisory vote, our commitment to the Bronx remains unwavering.”

The company’s proposal would build a casino adjacent to the Ferry Point golf course. The waterfront property would feature a 500,000-square-foot casino, 500-room hotel, spa, meeting space, a 2,000-seat event center, shopping, and more.

Bally’s has also promised to spend on community projects and programs and has earmarked 1% of gross revenues from the casino to programs in the Bronx – estimated to be more than $10 million per year. That is expected to include PTAs, community housing, substance abuse, and other programs, all overseen by a community board.

The company also recently announced that residents would be able to invest in the project, allowing locals to purchase up to 10% of the project’s shares.

On the other hand, the New York City Council approved a zoning change in Queens for a possible casino next to Citi Field. Another casino bidder recently released plans for a casino project near the United Nations.

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