Bally’s clears hurdle to bid on casino license at former Bronx Trump golf course site

Bally’s cleared a major hurdle to bid on obtaining a gaming license to open a casino next to its golf course at Ferry Point in The Bronx.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off after the state Legislature passed a measure on June 13 that repurposes property designated as parkland there for use as a casino and other property — a move that came days before a deadline to bid for a license.

“We are very thankful that we will have the opportunity to continue to engage Bronx community, elected and small business leaders to talk about our vision for the largest economic development project in the history of the Bronx,” said Bally’s chairman Soo Kim.

“Creating thousands of jobs with this project is a win-win for the Bronx and NYC.”

Bally’s needed the parkland alienation done to bid on one of up to three casino licenses in or around New York City, with applications due June 27.

Ball’s acquired the lease for the Trumps Link golf course in 2023 — now called Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point.

The firm hopes to build a 500,000-square-foot casino on the Bronx site by its golf course along with a 500-room hotel with a spa and meeting space, retail shops, a 2,000-seat event center and two parking garages with capacity for up to 4,660 vehicles.

The state Senate and Assembly acted after getting “home rule” authorization from the City Council.

But Bally’s still needs the council to approve other zoning changes as part of the Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure.

It won’t be a slam dunk.

Bronx Community Board 10 voted against the zoning change to accomodate a casino 29 to 5.

Bronx Democrats back the project. But Councilwoman Kristy Marmarato, a Republican whose district includes Bally’s Golf Link at Ferry Point, opposes it.

Some Democrats are not happy that the Trump Organization could receive an additional $115 million if Bally’s is awarded a casino license for the premises, under the lease deal between the two companies.