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Read Full BioBally’s moved one step forward in its bid to build a casino at the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point site in the Bronx, New York.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off after the state Legislature approved a measure that repurposes the property from parkland to a commercial use. That marked a critical step in the license process, with the application deadline approaching on June 27.
Bally’s chairman, Soo Kim, expressed his delight: “We are very thankful that we will have the opportunity to continue to engage Bronx community, elected, and small business leaders to talk about our vision for the largest economic development project in the history of the Bronx.”
The Bally’s casino project is one of eight hopefuls for three downstate New York casino licenses. The process, which has been ongoing for several years, is nearing a critical point. The application deadline is June 27. A decision is expected by the end of the year.
Mayor Adams’ Last-Minute Intervention
The New York Legislature approved the repurposing of the site on June 13, just two days after the New York City Council voted in favor.
The June 11 meeting was the second time the Council reviewed Bally’s application. Initially, it declined to bring the measure to a floor vote, with some council members stating that Bally’s lacked the necessary support.
However, moments before that second vote, New York Mayor Eric Adams intervened to keep the Bally’s license hopes alive. In the eleventh hour, the mayor issued a home-rule message in support of the Bally’s casino proposal.
That message lowered the threshold needed for it to pass from a two-thirds supermajority (34 votes) to a simple majority (26 votes). The Council ultimately passed the measure with a 32-12 vote, with seven abstentions.
Critics raised concerns about the optics of the mayor’s support. Some suggest that it will benefit President Trump. That’s because the Trump Organization stands to receive $115 million if Bally’s secures a license as part of the deal for the site.
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice dropped the criminal charges against Adams that the Biden administration had brought.
The New York mayor has declined to speak negatively about President Trump, and the two have met on a few occasions since the 2022 elections.
What Bally’s Still Needs
The governor’s signature means Bally’s can submit paperwork for the casino license. However, the application will not be complete without several local and environmental reviews.
Bally’s still needs the Council to approve other zoning changes as part of the rezoning Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The ULURP process involves several steps:
- Community Board review – Completed in March. Bronx Community Board 10 voted 29–5 against the proposal, but the step is only advisory.
- Bronx Borough President review – Expected this summer.
- Borough Board opinion – Follows shortly after the Borough President.
- City Planning Commission vote – Expected by late summer or early fall.
- City Council vote – Could happen as early as September.
In addition to ULURP, Bally’s must complete an environmental assessment under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. That must be done mainly by the end of June to stay on track.
Furthermore, the application must receive approval from a six-member Community Advisory Committee. Bally’s must obtain approval from at least four members.
