NYC Council Democrats will uphold Adams’ veto on Bally’s casino and address unlicensed vending issues.

City Council Democrats are preparing to initiate an override of Mayor Eric Adams’ recent veto concerning a significant bill aimed at decriminalizing unlicensed street vending. This proposed legislation, which has passed through the Council, seeks to change the current legal framework by imposing civil fines rather than criminal summonses for violations related to unlicensed vending. However, the Council’s Democratic members are anticipated to refrain from attempting to override another veto issued by the mayor concerning a Bally’s casino proposal in the Bronx.

The division in strategy was outlined during a closed-door meeting held by Council Democrats earlier this week, according to multiple sources familiar with the proceedings. The participants included Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who, along with her colleagues, expressed a strong intent to challenge the mayor’s decision on the street vending bill. The Council aims to facilitate a discussion surrounding the importance of decriminalizing such violations, particularly in light of the federal government’s ongoing immigration enforcement measures. It is worth noting that a significant proportion of street vendors are immigrants who could face increased risks of deportation if subjected to criminal charges.

Mayor Adams has defended his veto, arguing that relaxing enforcement measures could compromise public safety by limiting the New York Police Department’s ability to issue criminal summonses for certain forms of unlicensed vending. He claims that maintaining some level of criminal enforcement is essential to ensuring public order.

The timeline for the Council’s potential vote on the override remains uncertain, but sources suggest that it could occur within the month. To successfully override a mayoral veto, a two-thirds majority of the Council’s 51 members is required.

In contrast, the Council Democrats reportedly agreed that there is insufficient time and political momentum to pursue an override of Adams’ veto related to the proposed casino. Last week, the mayor vetoed the Council’s decision to reject a key land use permit application from Bally’s, a gambling operator seeking to establish a casino in Bronx’s Ferry Point Park. His rationale centered on the belief that allowing Bally’s to remain a contender for the casino license was essential, particularly as two of his close advisors have provided lobbying and consulting services to the company.

This recent veto draws attention amid ongoing scrutiny of Adams and his administration’s ties to various stakeholders involved in the casino proposal. While the Council expressed its opposition to the veto, the Democratic members recognized that overriding it would be complex, particularly given the shortened timeline imposed by regulations on land use decisions.

Historically, this is not the first instance where Mayor Adams’ vetoes have faced scrutiny. In his initial term, he vetoed three legislative packages, including one imposing greater reporting requirements on police officers, only to have the Council successfully override those vetoes each time. As of now, political dynamics within the Council are shifting as they navigate both the street vending and casino issues with increasing complexity and urgency.

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