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Board’s Vote Against Bally’s Proposal
On March 20, Community Board 10 rejected plans for a Bally’s hotel-casino complex with a vote of 29 to 5, concluding a heated and disorderly public meeting that ended with outbursts from the board chair and audience removal.
Details on the Proposal
The vote was related to a zoning modification associated with Bally’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) to de-map and rezone parkland in Ferry Point Park for a 500-room hotel, a 200,000-square-foot casino, and a 2,000-seat event center. While this vote is merely advisory, it initiates a protracted public review process.
Tensions During the Meeting
The meeting had a full house, with numerous attendees disrupting speakers during the public comment section. Chair Joseph Russo permitted ten supporters and five opponents of the project to address the board before closing the meeting to the public. During Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim’s speech, the crowd erupted into jeers as he spoke about his childhood in nearby Whitestone, Queens.
Community Reactions
Amidst rising noise, Russo expressed frustration verbally, stating, “God damn it, what the hell is wrong with you?” Shortly after, the audience was escorted out while the board continued its discussions privately. Following the vote, Kim emphasized Bally’s commitment to the Bronx despite the board’s advisory decision, asserting their ongoing outreach and community support.
Ongoing Opposition and Support
There has been continued public dissent regarding the project. At a hearing on February 25, over 100 individuals raised concerns, which echoed on March 20. However, some expressed support, displaying signs praising the potential economic benefits, including a substantial community enhancement budget proposed by Bally’s.
Next Steps in the Proposal
After discussions, Russo encouraged the board members to focus on the zoning change rather than the broader Bally’s project, explaining a “yes” vote would allow continued engagement in the process. Ultimately, the board voted 29 to 5 against the application, allowing it to move on to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the subsequent governmental layers for consideration.
