Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioLast week, the New York casino licensing process included the inaugural meeting of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Bally’s Bronx, and the company’s proposal to build a $4 billion casino resort at the site of the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
Bally’s executives, led by Chairman Soo Kim, pitched the project, which NYC Mayor Eric Adams revived a week prior, as the largest privately funded development in Bronx history. They touted thousands of jobs, an economic boost for the area, infrastructure upgrades, and new parks.
However, the six-member CAC pressed Bally’s on support claims, traffic concerns, and community benefit guarantees.
The committee must hold two more public meetings and vote by September 30 on whether to advance the project to New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board for final consideration.
The Board will announce which three of the eight casino candidates will receive a license by the end of the year.
Kim Sells Perfect Site for a Casino
Kim opened the presentation by stressing the company’s local ties:
“I grew up in Queens… attended public schools including schools just a few miles from the actual Ferry Point site… we have global expertise but we also have local knowledge, and it’s this local knowledge that makes our proposition so unique.”
Kim argued the Ferry Point site has “the highest revenue potential of all sites.” He cited direct access from the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges and proximity to LaGuardia Airport.
“We’re talking about GGR… well north of a billion dollars. For a casino to do that, you need to be able to bring onto the site… more than 5 million cars a year.”
He added that the project’s neighbors would be a cemetery and a park, thousands of feet away from any homes.
Kim Barker, Bally’s EVP and Chief Legal Officer, cited canvassing 11,000 registered voters in the Bronx, claiming “overwhelming support” across all zip codes.
Key Project Features
Bally’s won’t use the entire golf course, which will remain operational. Instead, it will use 16 acres out of the 222-acre site. That includes current parking and clubhouse facilities (which will be relocated).
- Casino Floor: 200,000 sq. ft., 3,500 slot machines, 200+ table games, baccarat, and poker rooms.
- Hotel: 527 rooms, spa, rooftop restaurant with Manhattan skyline views.
- Event Center: 2,000-seat capacity; unrestricted monthly use for nonprofits.
- Parking: 4,660 spaces in green-walled structures; existing golf parking capacity maintained via easements.
- Community Benefits: $625M in enumerated benefits, plus 1% of GGR to a Bronx benefit fund (minimum $10M/year).
- Jobs: 15,000 union construction jobs; 4,000 permanent jobs averaging $96K/year; 70% minimum Bronx resident hires.
$625M Community Benefit Package
Christopher Jared, SVP of Corporate Development, reiterated that the $4 billion project will be the biggest in the Bronx’s history.
Additionally, the company has committed to a $625 million community benefits package, which is separate from the project cost. Key components include:
- Community Investment Program: 9% community equity ownership, allowing Bronx residents to invest for as little as $250–$500.
- Bronx Benefit Fund: Minimum $10 million/year for schools, PTAs, youth sports, and mental health/substance abuse programs, governed by an independent board appointed by Bronx elected officials.
- Transportation Upgrades: $75 million for Ring Road widening, sidewalks, bike path, MTA bus stops, drainage improvements, and a new overpass over the Hutchinson River Parkway.
- Parkland Improvements: 7 acres of new parkland on City Island and nearly $100 million in upgrades to Ferry Point Park and other Bronx parks.
- Public Safety Enhancements: $10 million upfront for NYPD substations in the 45th Precinct and $3 million annually for supplemental staffing.
- Workforce Development: Partnerships with unions, community colleges, and local organizations; free childcare program via provider Upwards.
Bally’s Promises ‘Life-Changing Money’ for Employees
Jen Reagan, Bally’s VP of Talent, Learning, and Development, emphasized the employment impact on the area:
“We estimate 15,000 construction jobs throughout a 30-month project, 4,000 permanent full and part-time jobs that have the ability to set people on a path to incredible lifelong success right here in the Bronx.”
Reagan highlighted that the average annual income for full-time employees will be $96,000, which could be “life-changing money.”
While she did not specify whether that’s including benefits, it’s notable to add that it’s significantly higher than the $71,000 annual salary proposed by the Coney developers. The two projects have tried to sell them as an economic booster in areas with high unemployment and lower-than-average income in New York City.
CAC Member Danielle Volpe Challenges Bally’s Claims
The meeting included a Q&A by CAC members. Danielle Volpe, appointed by New York City Council Member Kristy Marmorato, raised a few issues. Notably, Marmorato, whose district includes the potential casino site, has been one of the most vocal opponents of Bally’s.
Volpe began the Q&A with questions about why Bally’s has canvassed only 3% of the district where the casino would be located. Jared responded by saying the company has also surveyed multiple surrounding neighborhoods.
Volpe also highlighted that Community Board 10 voted against the project, with the public speaking against the casino “overwhelmingly.” She asked:
“How do you claim that you demonstrate such community support in this district when so few people have come out in support?”
Jared responded by saying that the company has over 50% support in that neighborhood. He added that the number is growing exponentially as the respondents become further from the site.
Volpe continued by asking about the association support claimed in the casino license application. She stated that some of them do not support the project and have publicly opposed it.
“How do you expect the community to trust what Bally’s is saying if there’s already lies being put out there?”
Jared responded by saying he wasn’t sure about the organization she was talking about. Volpe named a few and said she can provide a list.
Other CAC Members raised questions about:
- Traffic impacts
- Construction noise, dust, and disruption
- Truck delivery routes and local road use
- Enforcement of the 70% Bronx hiring goal
- MWBE participation targets
- Problem gambling safeguards for vulnerable residents
The Bally’s executives gave specific answers to some of the questions, while promising to provide further information on others.
