All 3 NYC casino proposals moving forward after board vote
All three remaining proposals for downstate casino licenses in New York City were approved by the state Gaming Facility Location Board on Monday.
The approved proposals are Metropolitan Park at Willets Point, Queens, which is backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, Resorts World New York City at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, and Bally's Bronx in Throggs Neck.
The three winning bidders hugged and clapped, but not everyone was happy with the decision. Protesters stormed out chanting "Shame on you!"
Next up, the board will provide its recommendations to the state Gaming Commission, which is expected to have the final say on Dec. 31. If the commission approves, Resorts World could start bringing in revenue as soon as this spring. The other two casinos would expect to open in 2030.
"It is critical that they keep those promises"
In November, the board visited the proposed sites to get a better understanding of how each casino would impact nearby infrastructure, traffic and parking.
"From the moment that three downstate casino licenses were authorized in the 2022 State Budget, I have been clear: any approved project must provide real benefits to its community and have sustainable economic plans," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "The three projects approved today promise to unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs. It is critical that they keep those promises. I look forward to the Gaming Commission's review of the Board's recommendations in the weeks ahead."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. applauded the board's approval.
"The most diverse county in the United States is quickly becoming its most economically innovative and transformative -- cemented by today's recommendation to connect tens of thousands of Queens families to good-paying union jobs and millions of residents and tourists alike to world-class entertainment," he said in a statement.
"Jobs, revenue and opportunities for our neighbors"
"After years of community engagement and support, Metropolitan Park is one step closer to becoming a reality. Following a fair, transparent and rigorous process, The Gaming Facility Location Board has validated the positive economic impact this project will have with billions of dollars in tax revenue, 23,000 union jobs, and over $1 billion in community benefits. We look forward to the Gaming Commission's review," Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett said.
The Metropolitan Park proposal includes a Hard Rock Hotel near Citi Field.
"Resorts World New York City's journey to this historic moment represents more than 15 years of work to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunities for our neighbors," said Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East. "Resorts World New York City's $7.5 billion proposal is the only bid that can expand operations in just 90 days, generating billions in new revenue for mass transit and public education over the next four years. We are thankful the Gaming Facility Location Board recognized the tremendous economic impact we will have for New York State."
Bally's Bronx also owns a golf course, acquired from the Trump Organization.
"Bally's is honored to be selected by the Gaming Facility Location Board to advance in the licensing process. Our team has worked closely with community leaders, union partners, and local stakeholders to build a project that delivers real jobs, lasting economic benefits, and a world-class entertainment destination for the Bronx. We are grateful for the Board's confidence and look forward to working with the Gaming Commission as the process moves to its next phase," Bally's Bronx said in a statement.
All three casino owners promise to do local hiring, and Thomas Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said they will bring a much needed boost to local businesses.
"These projects in Queens are going to transform not only the borough but the entire city of New York with billions of dollars in private investment and tens of thousands of jobs, mostly all union," Grech said.
Opponents' concerns are many
There are many in the both boroughs that are anything but pleased with Monday's decision.
"Casinos do not provide economic development in communities but instead reshuffles the wealth," said Jack Hu of the Flushing Anti-Casino Group. "Our community is 70% Asian immigrant, working class, and struggle with the addictions of gambling. They are trying to exploit that by placing a casino right inside my community."
Nonprofit Save the Sound said it is disappointed and claims Bally's doesn't have a sufficient plan to address pollution.
"We already know that in New York City we have inadequate infrastructure for toilets flushing now," said David Ansel, the vice president of the nonprofit's Center for Water Protection. "The stormwater is already going to go to outfalls that are into impaired waterways in the Bronx, which means that they are not at the water quality level they need to be."
A Bally's spokesperson said its committed to protecting the surrounding ecosystem and that its plan "includes modern wastewater and stormwater systems, on-site retention and treatment infrastructure."
The casino board said consultants were also asked to be very conservative in analyzing whether the three casinos could sustain potential economic conditions, for better or worse.