Brian O’Dwyer has welcomed the applicants for developing and operating new gaming facilities in New York state, and has put out an overview of the months ahead.
The first major deadline is September 30, which is when zoning and Community Advisory Committee approval must be obtained for the eight competing applications.
“Appointing authorities for all eight projects have been notified of their obligation to make appointments to the Community Advisory Committees as soon as possible, as Committees are expected to be up and running in the coming weeks,” explained O’Dwyer.
“Through the summer, committees will hold public hearings to gauge support and/or opposition to their respective project, and formally vote whether to advance the project for Board evaluation. Those projects that are not approved by their Community Advisory Committee will not advance.”
After gaining Community Advisory Committee approval, the board will then evaluate the projects and select up to three projects by December 1, followed by Commission licensure.
One of the applicants, Bally’s, shared details of its proposed US$4bn investment proposal for the Bronx, which would make it the largest private investment in the borough’s history.
The proposal features an integrated resort of three million square feet on the site of a former landfill. It promises 500,000sq.ft of gaming space with 3,400 gaming machines and 250 table games, a 2,000-person event centre and parking for 4,600 vehicles.
“New York, it’s time to Bet on the Bronx!” said Soo Kim, chairman of Bally’s Corporation. “Bally’s is prepared to make the largest private investment in the borough’s history, and with it a long-term commitment to community benefits for Bronx residents.”
