On March 20th, Bronx’s Community Board 10 cast a decisive vote against the proposed Bally’s hotel-casino complex, which would transform Ferry Point Park, New York. The vote, resulting in 29 against and 5 in favor, followed a tumultuous public meeting filled with uproar and concluded with the expulsion of attendees.

The advisory vote sets the stage for the extensive review process:

The contentious meeting revolved around Bally’s application for a zoning change under the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), aiming to repurpose parkland into a 500-room hotel, a 200,000-square-foot casino, and a 2,000-seat event center. While this vote is merely advisory, it initiates a comprehensive public review process stretching potentially until the end of 2025.

The proposal has ignited a firestorm of debate among residents. Bally’s asserts widespread support, claiming backing from over 3,200 of 3,700 residents contacted. However, the meeting atmosphere told a different story, with frequent interruptions during the public comments segment, reflecting deep community divisions.

Joseph Russo, the Board Chair, attempted to maintain order, allowing an equal number of speakers for and against the project. However, tensions peaked when Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim spoke, drawing immediate backlash as he tried to address concerns about the project’s location and potential traffic impacts. His mention of the area’s surrounding features—golf courses, a cemetery, and a major interstate—did little to quell the dissent.

According to Bronx Times, amidst the heated atmosphere, Kim stated, “Our commitment to The Bronx remains unwavering. That includes more than 9,000 signed pledge cards from registered voters in this community — many of whom may not attend Board meetings but have made their voices heard.”

Economic promises clash with community concerns:

Proponents of the project, including several union workers who are residents, highlighted the economic uplift the casino could bring, promising 15,000 construction and 4,000 permanent jobs, along with a $625 million community benefits package. This package includes educational funding, infrastructure improvements, and more, aiming to deliver substantial, long-term benefits to the Bronx.

Opponents, however, voiced significant concerns about potential increases in crime, traffic, and the loss of public green space. Notable among the dissenters was Nadir Khan, a 30-year resident, who emphasized the safety, security, and traffic worries that could burden the community disproportionately.

After the public was removed, Russo issued an apology for the earlier chaos, but no objections were raised by other board members. The board’s deliberations then moved forward, focusing on the specifics of the zoning change rather than the full scope of Bally’s plan. Russo highlighted the procedural nature of their vote, clarifying that it was not an outright rejection of the casino but a step in a longer process.

The Bally’s proposal now advances to further stages of review, involving the Bronx Borough President, the Bronx Borough Board, the Department of City Planning, the City Council, and eventually the mayor’s office.