Rendering of MGM Casino at Yonkers Raceway
By Dan Murphy
In a decisive move earlier this week, the New York City Council voted down zoning changes critical to the proposed Bally’s casino project at Ferry Point in the Bronx, effectively stalling the controversial bid unless Mayor Eric Adams exercises a rare veto. The decision, led by Council Member Kristy Marmorato, whose district encompasses the proposed site, underscored significant community resistance and raises new questions about where the Bronx’s economic future lies in the state’s fiercely competitive commercial casino race.
Despite lobbying muscle and high-profile backers, Bally’s failed to generate meaningful local support. In fact, Bronx Community Board 10, which represents residents closest to the Ferry Point golf course site, repeatedly voted against the proposal. Local demonstrations, public testimony, and organized opposition suggest that far from welcoming the project, nearby communities view it as an imposition, one that doesn’t reflect their vision for economic development.
Council Member Marmorato was blunt in her opposition, stating, “This is not housing, a hospital or community improvements. It’s a casino.”
Meanwhile, just over the Bronx border, less than two miles from the proposed Bally’s site sits Empire City Casino, which has quietly become a cornerstone of regional employment and economic impact, particularly for Bronx residents. With a Bronx population roughly seven times that of Yonkers, it’s no surprise that Empire City has long drawn a portion of its workforce from the borough. As Empire City seeks one of the state’s three commercial casino licenses, it projects creating 2,000 permanent jobs, many of which may be filled by Bronxites.
The economic link between the Bronx and Empire City runs deep. Bronx-based businesses are known to benefit from the tens of millions of dollars the casino spends annually with local vendors and service contracts. Empire City’s philanthropic arm has consistently stretched beyond Yonkers and supported Bronx nonprofits and community programs, with that support growing noticeably in recent years since MGM Resorts acquired the operation.
Well before Bally’s entered the picture, Bronx leaders were already aligning themselves with Empire City’s vision. A third-party alliance formed to support the Yonkers-based bid was co-chaired by Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Sorin and then BOEDC President Marlene Cintron, citing the existing economic benefits to the Bronx as a rationale for further investment.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who issued a statement condemning the Council’s vote against Bally’s, has also publicly supported Empire City’s bid, along with a number of Bronx elected officials who recognize the strong economic and workforce pipeline that already exists.
As the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board moves closer to selecting license recipients, scoring criteria will emphasize community support, project readiness, and the ability to return the current gaming and entertainment dollars currently flowing from New Yorkers, and its more than 60 million tourists to casinos in neighbors states of Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Given the clear opposition Bally’s has faced, its uncertain land use standing and the competitive landscape, many observers suggest it faces an uphill battle, especially when compared to Empire City’s shovel-ready plans and existing infrastructure.
The New York City mayor’s potential veto might momentarily resuscitate the Bronx bid, but critics argue it would do little to change the facts on the ground: strong community resistance, limited public benefit, and a more viable alternative next door.
In the high-stakes game for downstate casino licenses, it appears the Bronx may not need to gamble on Bally’s at all. With Empire City already delivering tangible benefits, and poised to do even more with a full license, many in the Bronx may find that the safest bet is the one they’ve already made.
