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New York’s race for downstate casino licenses saw two major developments this week. A state-appointed panel advanced Bally’s $4 billion plan in the Bronx, while another committee voted down a $3 billion Coney Island project on the very same day.
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On Monday morning, the Metropolitan Park Community Advisory Committee voted 5-1 to advance Bally’s proposal for a large-scale casino resort at the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
The project includes:
Support came from representatives of Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and Assemblymember Michael Benedetto.
Committee chair Lisa Sorin, who voted in favor, explained her decision:
“The question is whether the collective benefits for the Bronx — jobs, revenue, investment, and long-term economic mobility — outweigh the localized burdens, and whether those burdens can be mitigated credibly, forcibly, and transparently. It is my judgment that support in the community exceeds operative opposition and that the benefits can outweigh harms.”
The lone dissenting vote came from Danielle Volpe, appointed by Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who argued the plan would bring traffic, crime, and instability. Residents also raised concerns about losing parkland.
“Ferry Point Park is one of the few green spaces in The Bronx. Replacing it with a casino threatens the environment and takes away recreational space we all need,” said Co-op City resident Al Quattlebaum during a public hearing.
Bally’s has pledged $625 million in community benefits, including $100 million for park improvements, $75 million for infrastructure, $10 million for a police substation, and support for keeping a local Catholic school open.
“The affirmative vote is a signal that we have been able to address many of those concerns and now we look forward to the next steps of state selection,” said Soo Kim, Bally’s chair.
Bally’s path has been complicated. The City Council initially rejected the project after Councilmember Marmorato labeled it “predatory development.” Mayor Adams vetoed that decision, keeping the bid alive. If awarded a state license, Bally’s would pay the Trump Organization $115 million, in addition to the $60 million already spent to secure lease rights for the city-owned property.
Later that day, the advisory committee for The Coney project — a $3 billion plan from Thor Equities — voted 4-2 against moving the proposal forward.
Supporters included appointees from Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, but opposition from members appointed by Councilmember Justin Brannan, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny carried the day.
“Coney Island really makes up part of the soul of New York, and especially for the working people of this city, it’s an irreplaceable treasure,” said Marissa Solomon, Brook-Krasny’s appointee.
The Coney envisioned:
Developers said it would generate $1.8 billion annually and create more than 8,000 jobs. They also pledged $200 million in community projects and emergency services. Still, critics argued the casino would alter the neighborhood’s character and harm residents already facing high poverty and rent burdens.
“I really believe that a neighborhood with a large population of people who are living in poverty and who are rent burdened should not be hosting a casino,” said Coney Island resident Kouichi Shirayanagi.
With Resorts World in Queens and MGM’s Empire City in Yonkers widely expected to receive two of the three available licenses, Bally’s Bronx proposal is now a frontrunner for the third. The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board will make final decisions later this year.