Introduction to the Veto
Mayor Eric Adams took the rare step of vetoing the recent City Council decision to disapprove the gaming company Bally’s land use application for a $4 billion casino-hotel complex in Ferry Point Park. This marks the first land use veto of Adams’ tenure, according to a City Council spokesperson. The disapproval vote, led by East Bronx Republican City Council Member Kristy Marmorato, was held on July 14 by a vote of 28 to 9, with several of the 51 members absent or abstaining.
The City Council Vote
With the vote, non-Bronx members appear to have upheld the tradition of deference, whereby the vote is in accordance with the local representative on land use decisions. However, all Bronx members besides Marmorato voted to approve Bally’s ULURP application, which would keep the company in the running for one of three New York City-area casino licenses expected to be awarded by the state by the end of the year. Marmorato claimed victory following the vote, saying that her disapproval reflected the community’s concerns about public safety, traffic, and a general lack of trust that the project would benefit her district.
Reaction to the Veto
Marmorato today issued a furious statement on Adams’ veto, calling it “an insult” to her district. “I stand firmly with my constituents, and no one — not even other Bronx representatives — will come into our district and force something on us that we do not want,” she said. “We refuse to be a dumping ground for a project that, by the mayor’s own words, would bring an ‘economic boost to the surrounding community’ but not to the very neighborhoods it would disrupt.” Marmorato called on her council colleagues to uphold member deference and override Adams’ veto, which would require a two-thirds majority vote.
Adams’ Explanation
In a statement explaining the veto, Adams said the council’s disapproval “deprives the Bronx of the ability to even compete for a $4 billion private investment that would deliver 15,000 union construction jobs, 4,000 permanent union jobs, and more than $625 million in community benefits,” as Bally’s promised. Adams said he wanted casino bidding to be “a fair process with as many competitive bids as possible” and that the decision ultimately lies with the state.
Pressure from Bronx Council Members
Pressure from Bronx council members and Borough President Vanessa Gibson also provided impetus for the veto, which came at the “direct request” of Council Members Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Kevin Riley, who chair the Land Use Committee and the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, respectively. The two members co-published a July 20 op-ed specifically calling for Adams to veto, saying the Bronx deserved a chance at the rare economic boon expected from the Bally’s complex.
Conclusion
The veto has significant implications for the future of the Bally’s casino-hotel complex in Ferry Point Park. With the veto, Bally’s is now back in play, and seven total bids remain in the running for new casinos in New York City and the surrounding area. Each is subject to the land use process as applicable, and the state is expected to choose three proposals by December. The decision has sparked controversy, with some council members criticizing Adams for using his veto power to benefit a casino applicant. However, Adams has argued that the veto is necessary to give the Bronx a fair chance to compete for the economic benefits of the casino.
FAQs
Q: What is the Bally’s casino-hotel complex?
A: The Bally’s casino-hotel complex is a proposed $4 billion development in Ferry Point Park, which would include a casino, hotel, and other amenities.
Q: Why did the City Council disapprove the Bally’s application?
A: The City Council disapproved the Bally’s application due to concerns about public safety, traffic, and a lack of trust that the project would benefit the local community.
Q: Why did Mayor Adams veto the City Council’s decision?
A: Mayor Adams vetoed the City Council’s decision to give the Bronx a fair chance to compete for the economic benefits of the casino and to ensure a fair process with as many competitive bids as possible.
Q: What are the next steps for the Bally’s application?
A: The Bally’s application will now be reconsidered by the City Council, and the state is expected to choose three proposals for new casinos in New York City and the surrounding area by December.
Q: How can I get more information about the Bally’s casino-hotel complex?
A: For more information, contact Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015, or follow the Bronx Times on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bronxtimes.
