It was loud. It was messy. And in the end, it was a decisive “no.”
On Wednesday night, Bronx Community Board 10 shot down Bally’s bid to rezone part of Ferry Point Park for a sprawling casino complex. The vote: 29 against, just 5 in favour. The message from Throggs Neck and the surrounding community? Not here.
Emotions High, Lines Drawn
The ballroom at Villa Barone Manor was packed wall to wall. Some people stood. Others sat on folding chairs. All of them had opinions.
Board Chair Joseph Russo tried — often unsuccessfully — to keep things civil. Voices were raised. Applause erupted. At times, the room felt like it might tip into chaos.
There were residents in support of the project. Some argued the casino would bring much-needed jobs and economic life to the area. But they were outshouted — and outnumbered.
Russo called the meeting “one of the most contentious in years.”
What’s at Stake: Jobs, Parks, and Local Identity
Supporters say the Bally’s proposal could pump millions into the local economy. Opponents say the cost is too high.
The plan includes a casino, hotel, entertainment venues, and parking garages — all located on public parkland at the edge of the East River. Critics argue it would swallow green space and fundamentally change the character of the neighbourhood.
The biggest sticking points:
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Ferry Point Park is public land, and residents fiercely oppose giving it up
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Traffic congestion in Throggs Neck is already bad — a casino could make it worse
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Concerns about gambling addiction and crime were raised multiple times
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Supporters cited union jobs, increased tax revenue, and tourism potential
There was no middle ground. Just two sides yelling across the room at each other.
The Vote and What It Means (For Now)
Wednesday’s vote isn’t the final word. Community boards in New York City are advisory — they don’t have binding power over zoning decisions. But their input is considered during the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which is required for any major rezoning plan.
Here’s how the process works:
| Stage | Who’s Involved | Binding? |
|---|---|---|
| Community Board Review | Local advisory board | No |
| Borough President Review | Bronx Borough President | No |
| City Planning Commission | Appointed officials | Yes |
| City Council Vote | Local lawmakers | Yes |
So while Bally’s can technically push ahead, this kind of blowback makes things politically tricky — especially with a City Council vote looming.
Developers Say They’ll Keep Talking
After the vote, a Bally’s spokesperson didn’t sound ready to walk away. “We remain committed to engaging with the Bronx community,” the statement read. “We believe this project can bring real opportunity.”
They’ve got their work cut out for them.
The idea of placing a casino in the Bronx was always going to be a gamble. Residents who spoke Wednesday night made clear they’re not ready to roll the dice.
Even with supporters pointing to economic benefits and job creation, there’s a growing sense that the project might just be too big, too disruptive, and too fast.
Political Reactions Are Mixed
Local politicians are treading carefully.
Some council members are waiting to see revised plans before weighing in. Others are already signalling resistance. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson hasn’t taken a public position, but several of her staffers attended the meeting and took notes.
City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez, who represents the district, has been noncommittal — which isn’t surprising given the sharp divide among her constituents.
One political insider put it like this: “Nobody wants to be on the wrong side of this. But there might not be a right side.”
The Bronx’s Long Memory
Residents brought up past grievances. Promises made — and broken. Projects greenlit without local input. One woman held up a handmade sign that read, “Parks, Not Profits.”
This isn’t just about a casino. It’s about history, trust, and the fight to protect public spaces.
In a borough long overlooked in city planning decisions, people are wary. And they’re not afraid to say no — loudly.
