Bally’s Casino Project Hits a Roadblock
Last week, Bally’s faced a setback as the City Council rejected land use changes necessary for constructing a casino in Ferry Point.
This vote effectively terminated the contentious project, which had encountered significant community resistance and substantial lobbying from wealthy supporters.
Concerns Over Mayor’s Potential Veto
Despite this outcome, some members of the Bronx City Council are urging the mayor to intervene and veto the Council’s decision during the summer recess, which would prevent the Council from having a chance to respond.
The mayor ought to honor the Council’s decision and the wishes of local residents, maintaining his influence for more pressing matters.
Criticism of Council Members’ Plea
It reflects poorly on the chairs of the Council’s land use and zoning committees to ask the mayor to override a land use decision that had strong backing from their colleagues, especially while the mayor is trying to undermine the Council’s authority in land use issues through the Charter Revision Commission.
Historical Context of Vetoes
In the last 50 years, the Council has rarely overridden member deference or seen a mayor veto land use decisions. Those exceptional cases were typically for projects serving community needs—such as housing or educational facilities—not for casinos.
Questioning Economic Benefits
Proponents argue that a casino would bring significant tax revenue to the Bronx, but evidence suggests otherwise. For example, Chicago’s experience with Bally’s casino showed a drastic shortfall in expected tax income—only $3 million in 2023, about 25% of projections, leading to a downgrade by Fitch Ratings over concerns about revenue.
Local Community Needs Over Casino Development
The Bronx is in need of essential services like senior housing, improved transit, and healthcare facilities rather than a casino. I actively advocate for the Bronx Metro-North rezoning project, which promises over 10,000 jobs and vital infrastructure improvements, prioritizing the long-term benefits for our community over a casino.
Ultimately, places like Bally’s may seem like a quick fix, but for the Bronx, the focus should be on sustainable growth and community well-being, making Bally’s a risky gamble for our future.
Marmorato is a City Council member representing the 13th District, which encompasses Ferry Point and Throggs Neck in the Bronx.
