New York City Council Defers Decision on Bally's Casino Proposal at Ex-Trump Golf Resort; Kim Denounces Alleged Silent Smear Campaign
Bally's Casino Expansion in New York City Stalled Amid Council Support Shortage
The New York City Council has delayed a crucial vote on a piece of legislation that would enable gaming operator Bally's to develop a casino in the Bronx. Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is also a mayoral candidate, presides over the Council, which voted against allowing a vote on the legislation on Wednesday.
The proposed development from Bally's, if realized, would feature a 500,000-square-foot casino complex, a 500-room hotel, retail spaces, a 2,000-seat event center, and parking for over 4,600 vehicles. Additionally, the company has pledged over $600 million in community benefits and infrastructure investments associated with the project.
Despite the significant commitments, the Council refrained from bringing the bill to a vote due to insufficient support among its members. Insiders suggest that Bally's has failed to gain enough momentum and leverage to secure the necessary votes. A council source stated, "We don’t put bills on the floor without the votes."
Meanwhile, a representative for Speaker Adams disputes claims of any organized efforts to block the project, stressing that ongoing discussions and the home rule message process are still in progress and have not been concluded for the legislative session yet.
The timing of the situation is crucial, as Bally's must secure both city and state approvals before the June 27 deadline to submit bids for downstate casino licenses. With the state legislative session ending mid-June and the City Council anticipated to meet again on June 11, Bally's faces a time crunch to secure the needed authorizations.
In light of the political challenges casino projects often encounter in New York City, where local elected officials hold substantial influence, and due to community opposition and political dynamics potentially obstructing significant developments, the fate of Bally's casino proposal in the Bronx remains uncertain.
In the ongoing debate, Bally's casino-and-gambling expansion in the Bronx, New York City, is facing uncertainties due to insufficient council support, putting the votings on the legislation in limbo. This may impact several aspects of the project, including casino-games, hotel accommodations, retail spaces, and the proposed event center. The delay, coupled with the approaching June 11 City Council meeting and the mid-June state legislative session, adds pressure on casino-personalities to garner enough support and navigate casino-culture specific to New York City, characterized by local elected official influence and community dynamics.
