Il consiglio comunale di New York dà un colpo fatale alla società di casinò da 4 miliardi di dollari di Bally
In un significativo cambiamento di eventi, il Consiglio della Città di New York ha votato per respingere la proposta di casinò di Bally's Corporation nel Bronx. La decisione, guidata dalla consigliera repubblicana Kristy Marmorato, si è basata principalmente sulla necessità di ridefinire l'uso del Ferry Point Park, un'area verde di proprietà della città, da parco a sviluppo misto.
Il voto contro la proposta di Bally's è stato di 29-9, con 4 astensioni, effectively killing the proposal. This rejection reflects strong opposition, including from local representatives, who emphasized their commitment to the community and opposition to the project despite prior support from city leaders and the mayor.
Key reasons behind the rejection include the highly controversial need to alienate 16 acres of public parkland for private development, local political dynamics prioritizing community concerns over the anticipated economic benefits, and opposition to transforming public parkland into a casino complex.
Crain's Politics reporter Nick Garber stated that Bally's NY bid was "effectively killed by the City Council." The rejection leaves the race for a casino license in downstate New York with seven remaining bidders.
Bally's Chairman and CEO Soo Kim described the outcome as "incredibly disappointing," echoing the sentiments of Crain's reporter Nick Garber, who shared Kim's dismay, stating that Bally's had met the council member's ask, but was still rejected.
Councilwoman Marmorato's office stated that she "stood with her community - despite pressure and last-minute offers" from Bally's, to vote down its land-use changes. Marmorato branded the Bally's bid as "not real economic development" and referred to the rezoning proposal in her district as "a predatory development."
The casino proposal, which included a 500,000-square-foot gaming floor, a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-seat event center, shops, and other commercial spaces, would have been worth $4 billion. Without the rezoning approval, Bally's cannot proceed with its application for one of the three downstate casino licenses, placing the project in jeopardy and likely ending the plan.
Bally's Corporation is considering exiting the race for a casino license in downstate New York, following the rejection of their proposal in the Bronx. This decision comes after Las Vegas Sands and Saks Fifth Avenue have already withdrawn from the same race, with Las Vegas Sands citing concerns about online casinos launching in NY and Saks referring to "other strategic priorities."
