In January, New York State launched the bidding process for three $500 million downstate casino licenses. Under Bally’s plan, the casino would cover 10 acres adjacent to the decade-old golf course, which would continue to operate. He did not immediately reply to messages on Monday.īenedetto said by phone that he was still seeking community feedback, but that he was “impressed” by Bally’s.įerry Point sits below the Whitestone Bridge across from northern Queens. Matt Cruz, the district manager for the local community board, said earlier this year that neighbors were skeptical of the bid. “The community had been talking about this for quite some time, and Bally’s stepped up to the plate,” Velazquez said of the bus. But in an interview on Monday, she said she looked “very favorably” on the plan, and that she saw the shuttle as a clear signal that Bally’s was attempting to meet neighborhood needs. The Democratic councilwoman has not endorsed the casino concept outright. To come to fruition, a city casino bid must be authorized by a majority vote from a panel with representatives of four local officials and the mayor and governor.īally’s seemed to notch a preliminary win 10 days ago, when Velazquez issued a statement saying that it was “time that we move forward and transform the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.” The three Democrats, along with Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, are set to have voices on a board that could vote down the bid. And Assemblyman Michael Benedetto added in a statement that the bus “could be a catalyst for robust economic growth.”īut none of the three officials have taken a firm position in support of the casino plan. Nathalia Fernandez said in a statement that the bus “lends strong support to local small businesses and benefits all residents.”īorough President Vanessa Gibson said in a statement that the shuttle “aligns perfectly” with her vision for the area. In a news release issued by Bally’s, state Sen. The bus is set to run five days a week from 10 a.m.

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