New York City Mayor Eric Adams took the unprecedented step of vetoing a recent City Council decision that rejected Bally’s $4 billion casino proposal for a site in Ferry Point Park, Bronx. This veto marks the first use of Adams’ veto power on a land-use issue during his tenure. The vote, which took place on July 14, was a clear blow to Bally’s efforts to establish one of the city’s new gaming centers and was led by Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato from the East Bronx. The disapproval was passed with a 28-9 vote, although some council members were absent or abstained.
As reported by Bronx Times, Bally’s plans to create a large casino-hotel complex at the Ferry Point location were initially supported by local Bronx representatives, but faced strong opposition from Marmorato and others in the community. In response to the veto, Marmorato expressed outrage, calling Adams’ decision “an insult” to her district. She maintained that the casino would exacerbate traffic and raise concerns about public safety, and argued that it would not benefit the community. “We refuse to be a dumping ground for a project that, by the mayor’s own words, would bring an ‘economic boost to the surrounding community’ but not to the very neighborhoods it would disrupt,” Marmorato declared. She urged her colleagues to override the veto with a two-thirds majority, insisting that her constituents do not want the casino.
Adams Defends the Veto as an Economic Opportunity for the Bronx
In a statement explaining his veto, Adams stressed that the City Council’s decision unfairly denied the Bronx a chance to compete for a significant economic opportunity. He noted that Bally’s proposed project would bring a host of benefits to the borough, including 15,000 union construction jobs and 4,000 permanent positions with average salaries of $96,200 annually. Additionally, Adams pointed to the promise of over $625 million in community benefits, including funding for schools, parks, and youth programs, should the casino be approved by the state.
“I believe in a fair process with as many competitive bids as possible,” Adams explained, adding that by approving casino applications in other boroughs while leaving the Bronx out, the Council was “putting its finger on the scale.” He emphasized that the veto was not an endorsement of Bally’s proposal over other casino bids but was meant to ensure the Bronx had a fair chance in the competitive selection process.
While Adams’ veto was celebrated by some Bronx leaders, it sparked considerable backlash from the broader City Council. Council spokesperson Mara Davis criticized the veto, calling it “hypocritical” and pointing out that Adams had used his veto power to support a casino proposal but had rejected other land-use initiatives, including a critical affordable housing project. “The mayor can’t claim to have the most pro-housing administration in city history when he and [First Deputy Mayor] Randy Mastro single-handedly killed the Elizabeth Street Garden affordable housing for seniors,” Davis remarked.
The controversy over the veto reflects ongoing tensions between Adams and the City Council, especially regarding land-use priorities. Critics argue that Adams has prioritized the interests of private developers over the needs of the city’s working-class residents, particularly when it comes to housing.
Local Support and Opposition to Bally’s Proposal
Despite the Council’s rejection, many Bronx representatives, including Council Members Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Kevin Riley, supported the Bally’s bid, arguing that the project could revitalize the borough’s economy. Salamanca, who chairs the Council’s Land Use Committee, called the rejection “a blow to the Bronx,” pointing out that the borough has long been neglected when it comes to economic development. He argued that the casino proposal represented a rare opportunity for job creation and economic growth in an area struggling with high unemployment.
While the proposal for the Bronx casino continues to face hurdles, including environmental reviews and zoning approval, it remains in the running for one of three coveted downstate casino licenses, which the state is expected to award by December 2025. Competing proposals for casinos in other parts of the city, such as Coney Island, Queens, and Hudson Yards, have already cleared some land-use obstacles, but the Bronx faces an uphill battle.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Bally’s proposal involves the property’s previous ownership by the Trump Organization. Bally’s acquired the lease for the Ferry Point golf course from Trump’s company for $60 million in 2023. If the casino proposal is approved, Trump’s company stands to earn an additional $115 million, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the mayor’s relationship with the former president’s business empire. These concerns have fueled accusations that Adams is aligning himself with Trump’s interests, especially as he seeks re-election in 2025.
Despite the political challenges, Bally’s remains hopeful that the state will ultimately approve its bid. The company has promised to deliver a major economic boost to the borough and is working to address concerns raised by residents, including traffic and environmental issues.
