Mayor Eric Adams vetoed action taken by the City Council that would have blocked Bally’s from opening a casino at a Bronx golf property formerly operated by President Trump’s company.
The council’s recent vote rejected a land use change that would pave the way for Bally’s to use part of the Ferry Point site for a $4 billion gaming complex — a necessary step if it’s to obtain a coveted license from the state.
Several other changes have been approved elsewhere in the city to clear the way for gaming applications, Hizzoner noted.
“By rejecting the land use application for this casino bid while approving three others in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, the City Council is putting its finger on the scale — and this is precisely the type of action that leads New Yorkers to lose faith in their elected leaders,” Adams said.
Bally’s took over the golf course at Ferry Point from the Trump Organization in 2023 and had designs to use part of the parkland property for a casino. Its bid with state casino regulators would be doomed without the zoning change.
But even though Adams’ veto Wednesday revives the bid, the council can still seek to override his veto.
Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, a Republican who represents neighborhoods surrounding the site, opposed the measure and a majority of the council joined her in opposition.
A statement released by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams blasted the mayor and said lawmakers would consider whether to attempt an override of his veto.
“Mayor Adams has issued the first and only land use veto during his tenure for a casino applicant, not housing,” the council statement said.
The council referred to Adams’ decision to scuttle a housing complex for seniors at the Elizabeth Street Garden site.
“This administration’s hypocrisy and unethical conduct is well documented and has been witnessed by all New Yorkers, so the mayor’s words have no credibility,” the statement said. “The council will consider its next steps on this land use application.”
The mayor fired back that the council was denying the Bronx an opportunity for thousands of construction and union jobs — and an estimated $625 million in community benefits.
Adams also said he wasn’t taking sides on which proposed casino bids should be awarded up to three state licenses but he said all the firms should have the opportunity to compete.
Adams noted that Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and other Bronx Democratic lawmakers back the Bally’s project.
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