Introduction to the Bally’s Casino Proposal
In a heated meeting on March 20, Bronx Community Board 10 overwhelmingly voted against a proposal to rezone part of Ferry Point Park for a Bally’s casino complex, rejecting the plan by a vote of 29 to 5.
The Meeting and Public Opinion
A standing-room-only crowd packed the ballroom at Villa Barone Manor, where tensions flared as Board Chair Joseph Russo called on residents to share their views. Russo, whose board represents the East Bronx neighborhood of Throggs Neck, repeatedly struggled to maintain order as public opposition to the project dominated the night. However, there were many attendees who supported the proposal.
Support from Union Workers
Several union workers spoke in favor of the proposed $4 billion hotel, casino, entertainment, and retail complex, citing the promise of union jobs and economic benefits for the Bronx.
Photo Emily Swanson
Concerns from Residents
However, Bally’s pledge of $625 million in community benefits for the Throggs Neck area appeared to do little to sway skeptical residents. Many voiced concerns that the project would bring increased crime, traffic congestion, and the loss of precious parkland.
Tensions Run High
Tensions ran high, as they did during the Feb. 25 public hearing on the project, and hecklers repeatedly interrupted and delayed the public comment process. When Bally’s Chair Soo Kim was called up, he was repeatedly interrupted by audience members opposing the project.
Disorder in the Meeting
Board Chair Joseph Russo (center, with microphone) used an expletive in an effort to restore order, as many attendees heckled and interrupted Bally’s Chairperson Soo Kim. Photo Emily Swanson
When Kim began discussing how his company would mitigate traffic congestion in the area, the heckling grew louder, and Russo’s frustration boiled over.
“God damn it, what the hell is wrong with you?” he said. “Where did you guys grow up, in a f—ing barn?”
The crowd erupted into both cheers and jeers, and Russo closed the remainder of the meeting to the public, leaving only the press and representatives of elected officials who were scheduled to speak later.
Aftermath of the Vote
After board members discussed and voted on the Bally’s proposal, District Manager Matt Cruz thanked the board for its serious consideration.
“I told you this would be the biggest vote of your tenure,” he said.
Cruz also said that he believed most of the union members speaking in favor of the casino were not residents of CB10, based on the sign-in sheet. He also said the Bally’s vote was “not personal” and just one of several controversial issues on the board’s docket.
Response from Bally’s
In a statement to the Bronx Times, Kim said, “We appreciate having had the opportunity to participate in last night’s Community Board 10 meeting and remain grateful for the chance to be part of this important local process. While we acknowledge the Board’s advisory vote, our commitment to the Bronx remains unwavering.”
The Future of the Proposal
Although CB10 voted against the Bally’s project, it is far from dead. The community board’s vote is only advisory and is the first step in the ULURP zoning change process that next goes through Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the Department of City Planning and City Council before landing on the mayor’s desk.
Conclusion
The vote by Bronx Community Board 10 against the Bally’s casino proposal reflects the deep-seated concerns of the community regarding the potential impact of such a development on their neighborhood. While the proposal is not yet dead, it faces significant hurdles in the coming stages of the approval process.
FAQs
- Q: What was the outcome of the Bronx Community Board 10 vote on the Bally’s casino proposal?
A: The board voted against the proposal by a margin of 29 to 5. - Q: What are the main concerns of the residents regarding the Bally’s casino proposal?
A: Residents are concerned about increased crime, traffic congestion, and the loss of parkland. - Q: What is the next step in the approval process for the Bally’s casino proposal?
A: The proposal will next be considered by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the Department of City Planning, and the City Council before potentially being decided by the mayor. - Q: Is the Bally’s casino proposal dead after the community board vote?
A: No, the proposal is not dead. The community board’s vote is advisory, and the proposal will continue through the ULURP zoning change process.
