Bronx Community Board 10 rejects Bally’s casino bid for New York
The Bronx Community Board 10 voted against Bally Corps. proposal to rezone a section of Ferry Point Park for a casino project, rejecting the plan by a vote of 29 to 5.
Bally’s is competing for one of three downstate licenses up for grabs from the New York State Gaming Commission to build a casino at Bally’s Golf Links course inside Ferry Point Park.
The hearing, held at the ballroom at Villa Barone Manor, saw Board Chair Joseph Russo struggle to maintain order as opposition to the casino overspilled into disruption, forcing him to eject the public in order to carry on. Bally’s had hoped that its pledge to provide $625m in community benefits would appease those in opposition.
Bally’s Chair Soo Kim said after the vote: “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. While we acknowledge the Board’s advisory vote, our commitment to the Bronx remains unwavering.”
The community board’s vote is only advisory with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the Department of City Planning and City Council and the mayor of New York all set to approve or reject the rezoning.
