Bid for Bally's casino in NYC likely to be approved, sparking discussion on council member loyalty.
Bally's Casino Proposal Moves Forward in New York City Amidst Controversy
The Bally's Corp.'s casino proposal, which includes a 2,000-person convention center and a 500-room hotel, is set to move forward in New York City despite initial setbacks[1]. The proposed site for the casino complex is the existing Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx[1].
The key recent development is that Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the New York City Council's initial rejection of Bally's land use application, allowing the project to proceed[1][3]. However, the Council decided not to pursue overriding the veto, largely due to limited appetite for a political fight, especially since the ultimate casino license decision rests with the state's Gaming Facility Location Board[2].
The controversy around the City Council’s decision stems from several factors:
- Some council members, including Bronx representatives like Marmorato, opposed the project due to concerns about its impact and the legitimacy of proceeding before final state approval[2].
- Critics charge Mayor Adams with a conflict of interest because of his friendly relationship with former President Trump, whose Trump Organization stands to benefit if Bally’s obtains the license. Two individuals in Adams’ inner circle have also worked for Bally’s, raising concerns about undue influence[2].
- On the other hand, other Bronx council members supported the proposal, believing it would bring jobs and investment to the borough[2][5].
- Opposition also comes from Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and other leaders, who argue that casino projects could undermine affordable housing, union jobs, and neighborhood development goals for the city[2].
In a statement, Mayor Adams expressed a desire to give the proposal a chance to compete for a casino license[4]. Council Member Bob Holden stated that "member deference is the only real power we have as council members," referring to the council's practice of allowing council members to unilaterally decide the fate of land use approvals in their own districts[6]. However, this case marks a potential disregard of the tradition, as the Council did not block the casino bid[2].
This is not the first time Mayor Adams has intervened on behalf of the Bally's project to help clear council hurdles[7]. City Hall has insisted that Adams' earlier intervention had nothing to do with his relationship to Trump[4].
As the project moves forward, it remains a point of political and community contention, with concerns about conflicts of interest and the balance of neighborhood priorities versus economic development. Critics have pointed to Mayor Adams' friendly relationship with President Trump as a potential conflict of interest, as Trump's Organization could benefit from Bally's winning a casino license. The ultimate decision to grant a casino license lies with the state Gaming Facility Location Board.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6] [7] [Source 7]
- The controversy over Bally's casino proposal in New York City has expanded to encompass policy-and-legislation, with critics challenging the Mayor's decision due to potential conflicts of interest and concerns about the impact on housing, jobs, and neighborhood development.
- As the Bally's casino project advances, general-news outlets are closely following the politics surrounding it, particularly the relationship between the Mayor and the Trump Organization, and the balance between economic development and maintaining community priorities.
