As Bally's Corp seeks to establish a new casino on Bronx parkland, the trajectory has been set in motion with the introduction of a bill aimed at reclassifying the requisite public space for commercial use. This step is pivotal, marking a significant advancement in the company's aspirations to develop the site adjacent to its Bally Links golf course. The proposal was brought forth yesterday by State Senator Nathalia Fernandez and Assembly Member Michael Benedetto; the bill is intended to allow for the alienation of parkland at Ferry Point Park, enabling Bally’s planned hotel-casino project to proceed, according to The New York Post.
If the bill passes and the state approves, Bally's would take over roughly 16 acres of the 413-acre Ferry Point Park; the area is currently occupied by the golf course’s parking lot, practice area, and clubhouse, Fernandez and Benedetto pushed the legislation to ensure that the process remains open, inviting community participation and scrutiny, as they emphasized in a statement obtained by The Bronx Times, “This is not an endorsement of the project, rather it is our determination that the Bronx should be allowed to participate and submit an application [for parkland alienation].”
The proposed project encompasses a 500,000-square-foot casino, a 500-room hotel featuring a spa and meeting space, retail outlets, a 2,000-seat event center, and extensive parking facilities capable of accommodating a significant number of vehicles, as it's currently laid out, Bally's has also pledged to provide in exchange for the alienated parkland, a number of community benefits, which include the establishment of a new NYPD substation and measures to mitigate potential traffic issues, ensuring Bally's meets their promise of $625 million in benefits to the community, this according to Senator Fernandez.
The entire project, however, requires more than just legislative support; it must pass through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and garner the necessary zoning adjustment, despite facing a setback on March 20 when the local community board voted 29 to 5 against the development proposal, the process moves forward to further stages, including review by the Bronx Borough President, the Borough Board, the City Council, and finally, the mayor. As outlined by Fernandez's statement reported by The Bronx Times, Bally's is also required to put forth a comprehensive proposal to the New York State Gaming Commission, adhering to a June 27 deadline, followed by a Community Advisory Committee review and vote scheduled for September 30; the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board is anticipated to make the final decision by December 1.
Throughout this multifaceted process, Senator Fernandez asserts a commitment to transparency, community involvement, and upholding the integrity of public land use, saying, “We’re committed to ensuring that public land is respected, local needs are met, and any promises made are followed through,” as reported by The Bronx Times.
