Mayor Adams allows Bally’s Bronx casino proposal to proceed after vetoing NYC Council vote.

Bally’s proposal to construct a casino in the Bronx has gained renewed momentum following a decision by Mayor Eric Adams to veto a City Council measure that sought to terminate the project. The City Council had previously voted on July 14, 2025, in a decisive manner, with a tally of 29 to 9 against the casino, underlining significant opposition primarily led by local Council member Kristy Marmorato.

Mayor Adams emphasized that his veto serves to ensure equitable competition among the bidding parties for casino developments in New York City. He articulated that the decision is intended to “re-level the playing field,” allowing the Bronx a fair opportunity to participate in the bidding process. The mayor’s stance suggests a desire to eliminate any perceived biases that could disadvantage the Bronx compared to other boroughs in the ongoing casino bidding process.

Despite the mayor’s intervention, the City Council retains the power to override his veto with a two-thirds majority vote, which could potentially revive the Council’s earlier decision to reject the Bally’s proposal. Adams’ critique of the Council’s actions pointed to the need for inclusivity, particularly in light of backing from the Bronx Borough President and other Council members representing the borough’s working-class neighborhoods.

Notably, Frank Carone, who chairs the mayor’s campaign, is a consultant for the Bally’s project, while Vito Pitta, the campaign’s attorney, has lobbied on behalf of the casino bid. Adams, however, highlighted the importance of establishing a fair and competitive bidding process, asserting that his actions should not be construed as favoritism toward Bally’s over other casino proposals.

The Trump Organization stands to gain significantly from the casino’s success, with a potential financial benefit estimated at 5 million related to the project. Following the July vote, Mayor Adams indicated a desire to reform the practice of “member deference” within the Council, a practice that has previously affected decision-making regarding local projects.

Mara Davis, a spokesperson for the City Council speaker, criticized the mayor’s focus on the casino project, arguing that resources would be better directed towards addressing the city’s housing crisis. As the discourse surrounding this proposal continues, the City Council must now consider its next steps regarding the land-use application, which necessitates altering the zoning designation of the proposed site from parkland to mixed-use development.

The path forward for Bally’s remains uncertain, with ongoing political negotiations and community sentiments shaping the landscape of New York City’s expanding gambling industry. Further developments are anticipated as stakeholders navigate this complex regulatory environment.

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