Fireworks at Second Hearing on Bally’s Casino Plan for Throggs Neck

Introduction to the Hearing

The second and final hearing of the Bally’s Community Advisory Council (CAC) on Sept. 9 saw an overwhelming majority in support of the company’s proposal to build a casino-hotel complex in Ferry Point Park, amid major disruptions that required the committee to call for NYPD assistance. More than 50 members of the public and three elected officials spoke at the American Turners club in Throggs Neck, and the yeas outnumbered nays by at least five to one.

Opposition from Council Member Kristy Marmorato

Yet opposition was fierce, especially from Republican Council Member Kristy Marmorato, who represents the East Bronx community where the proposed casino would be sited. Bally’s bid for one of three New York City-area casino licenses to be doled out by the state by the end of 2025 appears to have run up against opposition in its proposed immediate neighborhood while receiving wider support elsewhere in the borough. Among Bronx council members and other elected officials, including Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Assembly Members Michael Benedetto and Yudelka Tapia, who also represent the East Bronx, Marmorato has stood alone in opposition.

Bally’s Casino ‘will fundamentally alter life,’ Marmorato says

In return for the proposed $4 billion casino, hotel and entertainment complex, Bally’s has promised more than $600 million in ongoing investments in local infrastructure, schools, roadways, nonprofit organizations and more in its bid for the largest private development project in borough history. The CAC’s six appointed members, including Chairperson Lisa Sorin of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, must vote with a two-thirds majority by Sept. 30 in order for Bally’s to remain under consideration by the state.

Heckling and Disruptions at the Hearing

Unlike the committee’s first hearing on Aug. 19 — which proceeded smoothly and finished far ahead of schedule — the Sept. 9 hearing was marked by heckling audience members who both cheered and jeered, especially during Marmorato’s testimony. At the hearing, the council member reiterated her long-held opposition to the project, which she said aligns with the stance of East Bronx residents. Community Board 10 voted in opposition back in March.

Concerns Over Traffic and Parkland

“This will fundamentally alter life in our neighborhood as we know it,” Marmorato said. Traffic congestion was a “major concern from day one” because the area is “not equipped” to handle an influx of visitors, she said. Marmorato also argued that Bally’s plan to replace public parkland from Ferry Point Park would be less than acre-for-acre and would be located in City Island. She said Bally’s has not met her standards for positive development. “They want gamblers; they do not want neighbors.”

Hecklers Shout Down Proponents

Assembly Member Amanda Septimo, who represents the South Bronx, spoke in favor of Bally’s and was also interrupted by hecklers. Septimo said that since new casinos will definitely be sited somewhere in New York City, the Bronx should have a chance. “I want to highlight that we have to create these opportunities ourselves if we are ever going to change the story of our borough,” she said.

Doubling Down on Economic Benefits

More than 40 other speakers praised Bally’s for its promises of thousands of good-paying union jobs, a dedicated NYPD substation, entertainment options and investments that would benefit local organizations like Legacy Volleyball, based at the meeting venue, which had several members testifying. Some also praised Bally’s for saving Preston High School in Throggs Neck from permanent closure. Ryan Macrone, a Yonkers resident, Local 3 union member, and graduate of the Bronx’s Cardinal Spellman High School, testified to his own experience with the development of the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, which opened in 2006.

Conclusion

The debate over Bally’s proposed casino in Throggs Neck has highlighted the complexities and challenges of urban development. While some see the project as a boon for the local economy, others are concerned about the potential negative impacts on the community. As the CAC moves forward with its decision, it is clear that the fate of the proposed casino will have significant implications for the future of the Bronx.

FAQs

• What is the proposed Bally’s casino project?
  The proposed Bally’s casino project is a $4 billion casino, hotel and entertainment complex to be built in Ferry Point Park, Throggs Neck.
• What are the potential benefits of the project?
  The project promises to create thousands of good-paying union jobs, a dedicated NYPD substation, entertainment options and investments that would benefit local organizations.
• What are the concerns about the project?
  Concerns include traffic congestion, loss of parkland, and potential increase in crime.
• Who is opposed to the project?
  Council Member Kristy Marmorato and some members of the community are opposed to the project.
• What is the next step in the process?
  The CAC must vote with a two-thirds majority by Sept. 30 in order for Bally’s to remain under consideration by the state.