Community Board Rejects Bally’s Bronx Casino in Heated Vote

A Community Board in the Bronx, New York, has voted against a proposed Bally’s casino and hotel complex.

Community Board 10 cast a non-binding vote 29-5 against the proposal to rezone a portion of Ferry Point Park to build a $2.5 billion casino resort.

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Bally’s proposal includes a 500-room hotel, a 2,000-seat event center, retail spaces, and a 200,000-square-foot casino complex. The development would sit adjacent to the Bally’s golf course at Ferry Point.

Bronx Public Meeting Turns Tense

The private vote came after a chaotic public meeting. The Bronx Times reports that dozens of residents packed the room, with many jeering and shouting down the Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim as he tried to speak.

Kim attempted to calm the crowd, saying: “The casino would be bordered by a couple hundred acres of golf course, a cemetery, and a major interstate that carries 40 million cars a year.”

His speech was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers, and Board Chair Joseph Russo snapped: “God damn it, what the hell is wrong with you? Where did you guys grow up, in a f*cking barn?”

The residents’ opposition revolved predominantly around traffic, an increase in crime, and the loss of parkland. Nadir Kahn, a 30-year Throggs Neck resident, told the meeting, “We cannot overlook the serious concerns surrounding safety, security, and traffic congestion.”

The Bronx Times reports that another resident added: “Potential homeowners will now view this area as undesirable. The greed and political influence simply will not be tolerated.”

Bally’s Defends Plan and Community Support

Despite the setback, Bally’s said the project still has strong support. Kim said in a statement: “While we acknowledge the board’s advisory vote, 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.”

Bally’s also reiterated that it has pledged a $625 million community benefits package, job creation, youth program funding, infrastructure upgrades, and a free shuttle service to the new complex.

Supporters Point to Economic Benefits

Not all residents were vocal in opposition, believing the construction could help revitalize the area. Marion Franklin told the meeting: “I’m here to say yes because we need to build the Bronx.”

“We are in need of jobs for our people,” continued Franklin.

Edward Romeo, a former board member, echoed this sentiment, adding, “I like the idea of big business coming to the Bronx and doing something with that area that we’ve been staring at for a very long time.”

Bally says the project would create 15,000 construction and 4,000 permanent jobs.

The Community Board’s vote is non-binding, and there are still several regulatory hoops to jump through. The proposal now moves to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson before heading to the Borough Board, Department of City Planning, Council, and then the mayor’s office.

Recovering from his earlier outburst, Russo reiterated that it was not definitive. He said: “We’re not voting on Bally’s to build this. If we vote no, it will not kill the project by any stretch of the imagination.”