City Council Democrats are preparing to clash with Mayor Eric Adams over street vendors — but not over Bally’s plans for a Bronx casino. While they’re moving full steam ahead to override a veto aimed at protecting unlicensed vendors, they’re stepping away from another veto battle entirely, effectively giving Bally’s controversial casino proposal a second wind.
It’s a tale of two vetoes, and the Council is clearly picking its fight.
Street Vendor Veto Override Gets the Green Light
Monday’s closed-door meeting among Democratic Council members wasn’t exactly calm. According to multiple insiders, emotions were high as members debated how to handle Mayor Adams’ recent vetoes.
In the end, one thing was clear: they’re not backing down on the street vending bill.
The bill in question would essentially decriminalise street vending in the city, softening penalties and offering more protection for informal workers. It’s a hot-button issue — especially in boroughs like Queens and the Bronx, where many rely on vending to make ends meet.
-
“We’re not letting this go. The people need us to stand our ground,” said one council member, according to someone present in the room.*
This override is likely to move forward as early as next week, sources say.
Casino Deal? Not So Much
Now, flip the script. That same fire isn’t there when it comes to the mayor’s veto of legislation that would’ve thrown a wrench into Bally’s plans to build a casino at the Bronx’s Trump Golf Links.
Why the sudden shift?
In a word: politics.
Multiple council insiders admitted that while there’s concern about the project’s potential impact on the Bronx community, there’s simply not enough appetite — or time — to mount a proper override. The legislative session calendar is working against them, and so is public momentum.
The veto will stand.
A Question of Priorities — Or Power?
Some are calling this a strategic retreat. Others say it’s a missed opportunity.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who’s been carefully navigating internal divisions, hasn’t spoken publicly about the decision yet. But some members have privately expressed disappointment that leadership isn’t pushing harder to block the Bally’s project, which critics argue could reshape the Bronx waterfront — and not in a good way.
There’s also an elephant in the room: the mayor himself.
Mayor Adams has made no secret of his support for bringing casinos to NYC, seeing them as a boost for jobs and tax revenue. And Bally’s is a well-connected player in the race for one of the city’s coveted downstate casino licences.
One Council aide summed it up bluntly: “They don’t want to take the mayor on twice in the same week.”
Bronx Residents Feel Left Out
On the ground in the Bronx, reaction to the news was mixed — and a bit frustrated.
Some locals say they feel like the Council just waved the white flag. Others argue the mayor is prioritising outside developers over borough communities that have long been underserved.
Here’s what’s making the rounds:
-
Concerns about traffic, policing, and the environment haven’t been adequately addressed
-
Community engagement in the planning process has been minimal
-
The site, currently Donald Trump’s former golf course, has long been a lightning rod
“It’s like they think we don’t matter,” said Delores R., a long-time Bronx resident. “We’ve got enough going on here. We don’t need a casino to fix our problems.”
Still, others see a casino as a potential job generator in a borough with one of the highest unemployment rates in the city.
What the Numbers Say
If you’re wondering what’s really on the line here, let’s talk dollars.
According to city estimates, a full-scale casino could bring in significant tax revenue. Here’s a rough breakdown based on current projections:
| Estimate Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Tax Revenue | $300M – $600M |
| Projected Jobs Created | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| License Fee (One-Time) | $500M |
| Expected Annual Visitors | 4M – 6M |
Of course, critics argue those numbers are speculative — and possibly inflated. Community groups are calling for independent reviews and more transparency before any final green light is given.
Adams Gets a Win — Quietly
For Mayor Eric Adams, this is a political win, even if no one’s throwing a party at City Hall.
He avoids a high-profile loss on a key economic development issue, while keeping attention focused on the more divisive street vending fight — where he’s likely to lose. It’s a tactical trade-off, and it seems to be working in his favour, at least for now.
And it’s not just about the Bronx. Adams’ broader push to make New York a casino city is still alive — with major bids also being floated in Times Square, Coney Island, and Queens.
Letting this veto stand quietly may be the calm before the next storm.
