CAC members weigh in on Bally’s now-approved casino bid
Members who voted for Bally’s bid said they hoped a casino could lift up a borough often left behind. But lack of City Council support may remain a hurdle for the proposal.
“This project could finally mean self-sufficiency for the Bronx,” said Alex Porco, appointed to the CAC by State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “We can build an economic engine that finally puts the Bronx in control of its own future.”
Before the official vote, the committee voted to approve amendments to the proposal, including increasing the minimum contribution of gaming revenue to a benefit fund. The minimum is now $15 million, up from $12 million. Ongoing annual financial support from the proposal is now valued at $32 million, according to the committee chair.
“These investments can strengthen our resiliency and address issues that government funding alone has struggled to resolve,” said Matthew McKay, appointed by Assembly member Michael Benedetto. “The project now has the potential to give young people not only jobs today but career pathways for the future in industries where stability and benefits are too often out of reach.”
Despite the committee’s support for the proposal, it has not secured the same enthusiasm from the City Council or the local community board. The Council voted against the needed zoning changes for Bally’s, but the proposal was resurrected by a veto from Mayor Eric Adams.
“That veto does not erase the opposition from the council and the community,” said Danielle Volpe, who was appointed by Council member Kristy Marmorato and voted against the proposal. “It only prolongs a process that should have ended with the word of the people.
Volpe also raised concerns about Bally’s financial stability and ability to deliver on its promises.
“Credit downgrades, declining revenue, high debt levels, and ongoing challenges with their Chicago project raise serious doubts about whether Bally’s can sustain a multi-billion-dollar project while fulfilling its commitments to this community,” Volpe said.
Lisa Sorin, chair of the committee and appointed by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, emphasized balancing community concerns with a vision for the borough.
“Great cities make hard choices, Not every city-shaping project can be in a place where no one is impacted,” she said. “A yes today is not a blank check for tomorrow.”