Ballys Submits Community Responses on Bronx Casino Proposal

Bally’s Corp has reinforced its $4 billion plan for a casino resort at Ferry Point in the Bronx, submitting responses to amendments raised by the Community Advisory Committee. The company remains one of five active contenders for up to three downstate New York licenses, even as several competing projects in Manhattan and Brooklyn fade.

Good to Know

• Mayor Eric Adams twice supported Bally’s, helping the project overcome procedural challenges.
• Bally’s pledged $27.5 million in annual support through its Community Benefits Agreement.
• The company aims for 70 percent of its workforce to come from the Bronx.

While Bally’s continues to push its Bronx resort, three Manhattan bids have stalled: Freedom Plaza, Caesars Palace Times Square, and The Avenir. Another, The Coney in Brooklyn, faces almost certain rejection after four CAC members voiced opposition.

Bally’s, by contrast, has survived controversy surrounding two CAC hearings thanks in part to political backing. Mayor Eric Adams vetoed an attempt by City Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato to block parkland alienation, ensuring the Bronx bid stayed alive. At a September 9 hearing, Marmorato clashed with Assemblymembers Amanda Septimo and Yudelka Tapia, who offered public support for the project.

In its official responses, Bally’s stated that some requests from the CAC could not be implemented under state law. For example, a proposal for the Community Benefit Fund Board to manage a Bronx Conservancy or Trust was rejected because Bally’s argued it lacked legal authority over non-licensed areas at Ferry Point.

Another amendment demanded $17.5 million or 1 percent of gross gaming revenue at the time of licensure. Bally’s countered with its existing pledge of $12.5 million or 1 percent of GGR at opening, adding that its Community Benefits Agreement includes $12 million in yearly contributions plus a public safety budget increase from $3 million to $5 million. Together, the company said, this totals $27.5 million in annual community support once the project opens.

Hiring, Labor, and Transport Plans

Bally’s confirmed that 70 percent of its workforce is expected to come from the Bronx. It also projected that overall state-based hiring will exceed that figure, reflecting a workforce strategy that places the Bronx at the center of its recruitment.

The company highlighted a neutrality agreement with the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO, though it clarified this is not a formal labor peace agreement.

Transport is another piece of the plan. Bally’s has allocated $3 million for shuttle services and improvements to the Soundview ferry route, although it acknowledged it does not operate ferry systems directly. Discussions are underway with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority about expanding bus access, and shuttle stops are expected to include Ferry Point Park as well as the resort itself.

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