Ballys Bronx community advisory committee votes in favor of Ferry Point casino plan
The plan will now move on to the gaming commission board.
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The Bally's Bronx Community Advisory Committee has voted in favor of a $4 billion resort casino plan for Ferry Point. It will now move on to the State Gaming Commission.
The plan would transform the pre-existing Bally's Links golf course and banquet hall into a state-of-the-art casino near Ferry Point Park.
Danielle Volpe was the only member of the committee to fold on the casino.
Volpe, who was appointed by city Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, believed Bally's would be a bust for the community.
“I'm very concerned about their financial situation," she told News 12. "They're credit down grading; they've had ongoing construction problems in Chicago, and I anticipate that here in The Bronx as well."
Despite the credit concerns, Bronx Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Sorin, who is also on the committee, voted yes.
"I am confident the state’s process will ensure licenses go only to applicants with the strength and stability to deliver on their commitments,” she said in statement to News 12.
Earlier this month, Bally's answered to amendments from the Community Advisory Committee, agreeing to increase their community investment package for projects and organizations in the East Bronx to $12.5 million or 1% of its annual gross gaming revenue once the facility opens. They also included $3 million annually toward transit funding within the Community Benefits Agreement.
Bally's says that they intend for 70% of the workforce to come from the Bronx. They also included money in the budget for the Soundview ferry route.
This was the final procedural vote. It will still need to be picked by the state to go forward.
Bally's was among five contenders vying for three licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. The "Freedom Plaza" proposed for Midtown Manhattan near the United Nations was shut down in a 4 to 2 vote by a state appointed Community Advisory Committee. Two other casino proposals in Hudson Yards and Times Square were also rejected earlier this month.
