Bronx Casino Project at Bally Links Faces Parkland Alienation Challenge

In January New York Mayor (third from left) joined other city dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony rebranding the former Trump Links as Bally Links in the Bronx. Now Bally's wants to build a casino here, but they are running into some troubles. (Image: Michael Appleton/Associated Press)

A proposed casino at a former Trump Organization golf course in the Bronx has yet to gain key support from local lawmakers in a situation that is similar to one facing Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan Park proposal for a casino at Citi Field in Queens.

The Bally Links casino project, which is being proposed by Bally’s, would require a parkland alienation bill in the state legislature to build on the planned site of Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck. 

Local Officials Haven’t Signed Off on Alienation

Such alienation bills are required to change the status of existing parkland and allow development on those sites. Traditionally, both the local state senator and state assembly member must support such a move for it to be passed in each house of the legislature. 

So far, the Bally Links project hasn’t received support from either of the necessary legislators. According to a report by The City, State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez (D-Bronx) hasn’t commented on such a proposal, saying there are more pressing legislative matters to deal with in the final days of the current session. Meanwhile, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) says he’s still considering the issue.

“I am certainly listening to the thoughts and concerns of my constituents before making a decision here to support or oppose this proposal,” Benedetto told The City in a written statement. “I have not introduced any legislation to alienate parkland…I am not advocating for any alienation bill.”

That’s not to say that the issue hasn’t been broached in the New York State Legislature. Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) has introduced a bill that would give Bally’s 15 years to build on the golf course at Ferry Point. If the land wasn’t used for a casino within 15 years, it would regain its parkland status. 

Given the lack of local support, Pretlow’s bill is more likely to stir conversation than it is to pass into law. The move comes on the back efforts from Pretlow and State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens) to expedite the approval process for the three downstate casino licenses up for grabs in New York.

Bally’s Faces Uphill Battle in Casino Licensing Fight

Bally’s purchased the lease to operate the golf course at Ferry Point from the Trump Organization last September. The casino developer took over operations in January, changing the name from Trump Links to Bally Links at that time. 

Bally’s is far more interested in the prospect of opening a casino on the site than operating a golf course, however. The so-called “Bally’s Bronx” complex would include not only a major casino, but also a hotel, retail space, a 2,000-seat event venue, and a large parking garage. 

But Bally’s will face major hurdles in securing a casino license, even if it can get the parkland alienated. Other local officials, including City Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato (R-Bronx), have already come out against a casino on the site. Bally’s is also dealing with a potential buyout from chairman Soo Kim, while other major investors have questioned the financial health of the company.

Even overcoming those issues would leave Bally’s in a fight with several other major developers who want to build in and around New York City. Top contenders include the Empire City racino in Yonkers, the similar Resorts World New York City racino in Ozone Park, Queens, Steve Cohen’s proposal adjacent to Citi Field, and Manhattan projects backed by the likes of Wynn, Caesars, and Mohegan.