New York Mayor Eric Adams has stepped in at the last minute to help Bally’s Corporation’s Bronx casino bid stay alive.
On June 11, the New York City Council voted again on whether to advance the company’s casino proposal to the state legislature. Previously, the Council opted not to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. At the time, some council members stated that Bally’s lacked the necessary support to proceed.
For the project to move forward in Albany for consideration, the Council must approve a “home rule” message that would enable the state legislature to rezone the parkland for commercial use.
In a last-minute vote, Mayor Adams issued a home-rule message in support of the Bally’s casino proposal. That message lowered the threshold needed for it to pass from a two-thirds supermajority (34 votes) to a simple majority (26 votes).
The Mayor does not sit on any Community Advisory Committees, such as the one that previously approved the Bally’s project. However, his role is influential as he can appoint board members, deliver a home-rule message, and influence the public narrative.
With Adams’ support, the City Council approved the proposal with a 32-12 vote, with seven abstentions. All Democrat Bronx councilmembers, except one who was absent, voted in favor of the Bally’s casino.
However, Councilwoman Kristy Marmarato, a Republican, whose district includes the potential casino site, voted against it.
She commented: “Voting in favor of this sets the precedent that we reward lobbyists and special interest groups when they go around the local representation in local communities. It absolutely will pave the way for a casino to be built.”
Adams’ office says his support aims to ensure a fair and competitive casino selection process. A spokesperson for the Mayor said it does not matter which casino bids win one of the three coveted licenses. The important thing is for New York City to secure at least one of them.
Critics, however, argue the vote directly benefits Trump.
Bally’s purchased the golf course at Ferry Point, where the casino would be, from the Trump Organization in 2023. As part of the deal, Bally’s will pay the Trump Organization $115 million if it wins a license.
Adams’s show of support for the project has sparked speculation about whether the move was intended to benefit Trump, given their recent history.
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice dropped the criminal charges brought against Adams by the Biden administration. Those charges included wire fraud and bribery.
The Mayor has met with the president on a few occasions since the 2022 elections. Adams has repeatedly declined to criticize or speak negatively about Trump.
Adams’ spokesperson, however, denies that the Mayor’s support of the Bally’s casino project has any connection to Trump.
While Bally’s bid moves forward, the City Council reviewed another casino application. On June 12, the Council’s Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee held a hearing regarding “The Coney”, a casino proposal in Coney Island.
The project is looking to “de-map” parts of Bowery Street (essentially close a portion of it). It also aims to acquire air rights to construct pedestrian bridges between buildings.
Both supporters and opponents testified in the meeting. Supporters highlighted the creation of 4,000 permanent jobs and 4,500 construction jobs. Additionally, the project will generate $200 million in community trust for local area improvements.
Opponents, including the Central Amusement (Luna Park) and the Coney Island History Project, warned that the casino would damage the historic amusement district.
The subcommittee did not vote on the project. It will continue to deliberate, and if it approves the zoning changes, the Coney will need Council approval before moving to the state.
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