The Bally’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) met earlier this week to review amendments to the gaming company’s proposal to build a $4-billion casino-resort in Ferry Point Park. The six-member committee approved requests for Bally’s to make sustained investments, including in schools, infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and local organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Bally’s Community Advisory Committee approved a list of amendments to the group’s proposal.
- Bally’s has been given until Sept. 19 to respond.
- Community Advisory Committees must vote by Sept. 30, with three licenses to be granted by Dec. 1.
The committee emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, requesting that Bally’s establish a community benefits fund with annual contributions of at least $17.5 million and maintain ongoing communication about traffic, park improvements, and hiring.
Other requests included creating an NYPD substation within the casino-hotel, installing green stormwater management systems, and supporting local nonprofits.
The CAC has a deadline of Sept. 30 to approve Bally’s proposal by a two-thirds majority for it to remain eligible for a state casino license, according to the Bronx Times. Bally’s has already won praise for community contributions, including purchasing Preston High School last spring to prevent its closure.
However, some local officials, including Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, have criticized the project as potentially worsening crime, congestion, and pollution.
Queens casino proposal sparks heated public hearing
Elsewhere, the final public hearing for Mets owner Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park casino in Northern Queens ended abruptly Tuesday after tensions between opponents and the CAC escalated.
Activists opposed to the $8-billion project cited environmental and social concerns and expressed frustration that their voices were being dismissed. At least 50 residents were unable to testify before the CAC chair adjourned the meeting.
Metropolitan Park, which includes plans for a Hard Rock casino, hotel, music venue, retail space, and park improvements, aims to create roughly 23,000 jobs. Developers have also pledged improvements to the nearby Mets-Willets Point 7 train station, contingent on MTA approval, and committed $1 billion in community benefits. Supporters, including union members and local nonprofits, praised the project for creating jobs and investing in the community.
The CAC, consisting of local elected officials and appointees, will vote on Metropolitan Park’s recommendation before forwarding it to the State Gaming Commission.
Manhattan casino proposals rejected
Meanwhile, two casino bids have been definitively ruled out. On Wednesday, Community Advisory Committees voted to stop two Manhattan casino proposals: Caesars Palace in Times Square and The Avenir in Hell’s Kitchen. Both projects failed by 4-2 votes.
The Times Square proposal, backed by SL Green Realty, Roc Nation, and Caesars Entertainment, would have created 3,800 jobs and invested $90 million in public safety. The Avenir project, proposed near the Javits Center, promised 5,000 permanent jobs along with housing, restaurants, and a community center. Developers expressed shock and disappointment at the votes, while local theater advocates celebrated the rejection of the Times Square plan.
With Manhattan’s votes concluded, the city now has only one proposed casino in Freedom Plaza near the United Nations. Six more proposals across New York City are still under review.
