A crowd booed Bally's chairman Soo Kim before a community panel cast a non-binding vote against the company's New York casino project.
Community Board 10, an advisory panel of Bronx, New York, residents and officials, voted 29-5 against Bally’s proposed hotel-casino complex at Bally’s Links at Ferry Point. The site, formerly a golf course owned by former President Donald Trump’s organization, is the focus of a controversial redevelopment plan.
The non-binding vote on March 20 followed a heated meeting marked by arguments, expletives, and the removal of an audience member. It came after the city planning board’s decision to remap and rezone the parkland to allow the construction of a 500-room hotel, a 200,000-square-foot casino, and a 2,000-seat event center.
Although the board’s decision is only advisory, it is the first stage in a lengthy public review process. The proposal now moves to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for consideration. It will then be reviewed by the Bronx Borough Board, the Department of City Planning, the City Council, and the mayor’s office.
Bally’s is one of 11 applicants competing for three downstate casino licenses expected to be awarded by the end of 2025. Despite the company’s claims of broad community support, many local residents strongly opposed the project during the meeting.
Board 10 chairman Joseph Russo allowed 10 speakers—five for and five against the project—to present their views. Bally’s chairman Soo Kim faced jeers when he mentioned his childhood in nearby Whitestone, Queens.
Concerns raised by opponents focused on increased traffic and crime. In response, Kim pointed out that the casino would be surrounded by “a couple hundred acres of golf course, a cemetery, and a major interstate that carries 40 million cars a year,” according to the Bronx Times.
Chairman addresses heckling of Bally’s
During Bally’s chairman Soo Kim’s presentation, Board 10 chairman Joseph Russo grew frustrated with the audience’s heckling.
“God damn it, what the hell is wrong with you?” Russo said. “Where did you guys grow up, in a f-ing barn?” Shortly after his outburst, the audience was escorted out, and the panel began closed-door deliberations.
Following the vote, Kim released a statement to the Bronx Times without addressing the disruptions or Russo’s comments. Instead, he reaffirmed Bally’s commitment to the Bronx.
“While we acknowledge the board’s advisory vote, our commitment to the Bronx remains unwavering,” Kim said. “That includes more than 9,000 signed pledge cards from registered voters in this community – many of whom may not attend board meetings but have made their voices heard. We will continue to listen, learn, and refine our proposal to ensure it delivers lasting, generational impact for the Bronx and New York City.”
Union support offered for casino
Supporters of Bally’s proposed New York casino, including several union representatives, highlighted the economic benefits it could bring to the Bronx. Bally’s has pledged to create 15,000 construction jobs and 4,000 permanent positions.
The $2.5 billion (£1.94 billion, €2.32 billion) casino resort would be built alongside the 17-acre, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course located on the waterfront where the East River meets Long Island Sound.
