Bally’s Corp, one of the top five applicants vying for up to three casino licenses in downstate New York, has addressed the amendments proposed by its Community Advisory Committee (CAC), as it pursues approval for a $4 billion resort at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
The company’s proposal has progressed while many competitors have faltered. Projects in Manhattan including Freedom Plaza, Caesars Palace Times Square, and The Avenir have all hit snags, while The Coney’s prospects are bleak as four CAC members have openly opposed it.
Despite facing controversy prior to two required CAC meetings, Bally’s secured vital support from Mayor Eric Adams, who intervened to help the project navigate procedural hurdles. Adams countered a negative vote on parkland alienation initiated by City Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, a vocal opponent of the venture. At the hearing on September 9, she encountered disagreements with Assemblymembers Amanda Septimo and Yudelka Tapia, who are supporters of Bally’s.
In its feedback, Bally’s indicated that certain CAC amendments were not legally viable. One suggestion called for a Community Benefit Fund Board to oversee a proposed Bronx Conservancy or Trust; Bally’s contended it could not fulfill this because it “lacks ownership, control, or any decision-making authority over non-licensed areas of the Ferry Point property.”
The company also dismissed another proposal that demanded at least $17.5 million or 1% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) at licensing. Bally’s reiterated its commitment to “$12.5 million or 1% of GGR at opening,” emphasizing an additional “$12 million in annual benefits under the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)” and an enhancement of its “public safety initiatives” from $3 million to $5 million. This brings the total proposed ongoing annual support to $27.5 million from the project’s opening.
Bally’s expressed its aim for 70% of its workforce to be sourced from the Bronx, aligning its hiring tactics to “favor the Bronx community.” This would elevate employment from New York state to “well above 70%,” according to the company.
The operator also confirmed it has reached a “neutrality agreement with the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO,” instead of a formal labor peace agreement.
Bally’s has allocated $3 million in its CBA for shuttle services and the Soundview ferry route, although it acknowledged it does not oversee ferry operations. The company is seeking to broaden shuttle stops at Ferry Point Park and the resort site and is in discussions with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to improve bus service.
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