Bally’s Corporation has been on a quest to get a gaming 0. license to build a casino in the parkland at Ferry Point. Following the company’s intention for the land, two NYC legislators have pushed a bill to help Bally’s bid.
Bally’s Proposal and the End of a Battle.
In 2023, Bally’s expressed interest in Ferry Point Parkland, a property of the City of the Bronx. The parkland was formerly a dumpster until Trump’s Real Estate company transformed it into a public golf course. In 2015, the golf course, TrumpLinks, signed a 20-year lease to operate on the space. However, the City and the Trump corporation were constantly in a politically motivated battle.
At first, Bally’s wanted to be next-door neighbors to the golf course, requesting only 17 acres for a casino. However, with the pressure from the City and being offered “an exceptional offer,” according to Eric Trump, the company handed the lease rights to Bally’s. On September 21, 2023, the golf course Trump Links became Bally’s Links.
Bally’s BluePrint for Ferry Point Parkland
Bally’s has been open about its plans for the parkland. The gaming facility is set to be the biggest private project in the Bronx. The company proposed a casino filled with entertainment for visitors and the community.
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Returning to the project, in addition to the golf course, the grounds will contain:
- A 500,000sqm casino
- A hotel with 500 rooms
- A luxury spa
- A meeting area
- A 2000-sitting capacity event centre
- Retail outlets
- A 4,660-vehicle parking ground.
A Share in Economic Prosperity
Sources have revealed that Bally’s casino will create about 3,500 permanent jobs, including benefits and retirement plans. Also, about 15,000 construction gigs will be available for construction workers.
In a statement, the company’s spokesperson said that the presence of the gaming centre will be an opportunity for the community and small businesses in the area to share “in the economic prosperity…for generations to come.” Other community benefit packages offered by Bally’s are:
Shares
Bally’s has offered residents a chance to buy shares in the project. Residents can own about 10% of the casino. Depending on the casino’s performance, customers can invest as little as $250 and get plenty of returns.
Community Funding
Bally’s will provide grants for Mental health and substance abuse programs, schools, and PTAs, among other things. The community officials would appoint a board in charge of the allocations.
Free Shuttle Bus
The company has provided free shuttle bus service to Ferry Point to show their devotion to the City. The community has applauded this gesture because of its positive effect on tourism.
The Community’s View on the Proposed Casino
The community representatives are in sync with the company’s plans for the land.
Bronx Councilwoman Majorie Velázquez has expressed her optimism about the project. She noted that the casino will boost small businesses and provide good union-paying jobs. Similarly, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said Bally’s “have shown through concrete actions that they are a community partner you can count on”
The Alienation Bill’s Effect on Bally’s Casino Bid.
The only thing holding casino is the approval of the Alienation Bill. Bronx legislators, Senator Nathalia Fernandez and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, have introduced the alienation bill to the legislature.
The bill’s approval would allow part of the parkland for commercial use as a casino. Also, Bally’s cannot get a casino license to operate in the area without passing and approving the bill. The gaming company needs the Alienation Bill to push up their bid for a slot of the three casino licenses to be allotted by the State Gaming Commission by year’s end.
The success of the project and Bally’s plans for the community are hinged on the Alienation Bill, which has been introduced to the legislature. There is hope for approval.
Conclusion
Bally’s Corporation is a conglomerate of hotels, casinos, an online gaming platform with a horse track, and a golf course. The chairman, Soo Kim, wants a license to operate in downtown New York. While measures have been implemented to increase their chances, their fate lies with the State Gaming Corporation.
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