Bally's Casino Proposal for Bronx Faces Parkland Controversy
In what could potentially be a follow-up to an occurrence in Queens, attempts to transform a Bronx golf course into a New York City casino site may be hindered by the absence of political backing to eliminate the course's parkland label.
Last year, Bally's acquired the rights to the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx with intentions of establishing a casino hotel at the location. However, the land is presently designated as parkland, necessitating its classification to be revoked through bills - a situation that seems increasingly demanding in the near future.
Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-The Bronx), who represents the district encompassing Ferry Point, stated he's not introducing a bill to strip the land of its parkland status.
"I'm considering the thoughts and concerns of my constituents before making a decision to support or oppose this proposal," Benedetto said in a statement to The City. "I have not introduced any legislation to alienate parkland."
Desperate to initiate dialogue on parkland reclassification, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) on Tuesday launched a bill that proposes "parkland in Ferry Point Park" be modified to accommodate a "gaming facility." If the bill is eventually passed into law, Bally's would get 15 years to construct a casino hotel on the Bronx premises, and if the task isn't accomplished, the parkland designation would be reinstated.
The Bronx Casino Endeavor Could Mirror Queens Attempt
Parkland classifications in New York present sizable obstacles for gaming corporations, and in light of this fact, Bally's Bronx drive could resemble what transpired in Queens.
On Tuesday, State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) revealed she wouldn't endorse parkland alienation legislation for Willets Point, essentially causing a plan by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to introduce a casino hotel in the borough to be relegated to the sidelines. Should parkland alienation not receive legislative endorsement, developers and gaming firms could be excluded from bidding for the three downstate casino licenses.
If Benedetto and Pretlow decide against alienating the parkland at Ferry Point, Bally's can consider employing land at the site that isn't subject to the parkland designation or locating its desired property elsewhere.
Given Bally's shaky financial situation and its monetary commitments in Chicago, which are far from being met, certain investors have expressed their desire for the company to forgo its quest for a New York license in order to maintain cash flow.
Parkland Alienation Efforts in Bronx Lack Support
In addition to Benedetto not rushing to introduce a parkland alienation bill, State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez (D) specified such legislation isn't among her concerns and there are more pressing legislative matters presently.
Additionally, unless Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) convenes a special session, New York lawmakers have until June 6 to unveil new bills, meaning time isn’t conducive to any efforts to revoke Ferry Point's parkland status.
As Bally's and Cohen/Hard Rock potentially withdraw from the downstate casino competition, this would shrink the pool of competitors to nine, with several contestants not encountering land use issues.
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