Latest news with #Marmorato
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
NYC Council rejects land use change for Bally's planned Bronx casino — effectively killing bid for gaming license
The City Council voted to reject a land-use change for Bally's to open a casino at the Bronx golf property formerly operated by President Trump's company — effectively killing the bid for a gaming license. For the bid to proceed with the state for a casino license, the City Council must approve redesignating the Ferry Point parkland property for use as a casino. Twenty-nine council members voted to reject the change on Monday, while just nine others supported it and others abstained. Advertisement 4 Bally's bid to open a casino at the former golf course operated by President Trump's firm has took a hit as the City Council rejected a land-use change at the site – effectively killing the bid for a gaming license. Brigitte Stelzer Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, a Republican who represents neighborhoods surrounding the site, opposed the measure. 'If I make a promise to my community, I follow through. We won't win every battle, but we will always fight for what's right,' Marmorato said. Advertisement Marmorato said she stood with opponents opposed to the $4 billion project, despite last-minute offers from Bally's. '[Monday's] outcome proves that when we stand united—across party lines and with our constituents —we win,' Marmorato said. 'Council members have their own individual perspectives on the value of potential casinos in New York City, which contributed to their votes on whether to support or oppose this land use application for a proposed casino,' said Council spokesperson Mara Davis. The Council typically — but not always — sides with the position of the local council member on land issues in his or her district. Advertisement 4 For a casino license to be approved, the City Council must approve redesignating the Ferry Point property for use as a casino, as 29 council members voted to reject the change, including Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato. James Keivom Bally's acquired the lease for the property from the Trump Organization with a grand plan to open a casino as well as operate a golf course. The gaming company was a victim of not-in-my-backyard opposition from Marmorato, even though the property is not near residences, said Bally's chairman Soo Kim. 'It was not good faith negotiations,' Kim said. Advertisement 'No people live next to our golf course.' 4 Bally's previously acquired the property once owned by the Trump Organization to open a casino while still maintaining the ability to operate as a golf course. @ ballysbronx / Instagram The $4 billion project would have been the largest economic development program in The Bronx. Bally's had agreed to increase a Bronx benefit fund from $10 million to $17.5 million, with a majority of the fund allocated to programs selected by Marmarato. The company also vowed to address traffic concerns. Councilman Rafael Salamanca, a supporter of the project, said the Council rejection is a blow to The Bronx. 4 A Bally's rendering of the potential golf and entertainment complex in the Bronx. Bally's Corporation 'This application we're voting on will not grant Ballys a gaming license…. The State will choose who to award the license,' said Salamanca, who chairs the Council's land use committee, said during the vote. Advertisement 'But [Monday's] yes vote to disapprove will not allow the process to continue and deny the unhealthiest and poorest borough an opportunity to grow its economy and provide jobs.' The defeat of Bally's proposal is a plus to seven other bidders vying for up to 3 casino licenses at locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Yonkers. For example, Mets owner and Hard Rock International submitted a joint bid to operate an $8 billion casino complex next to the team's ballpark in Willets Point. Unlike the Bally's proposal, the Council approved the land use request to redesignate that parkland property in Queens for use as a casino. Advertisement But Queens Francisco Moya, who represents Queens communities around the proposed Queens casino site, supports the Cohen-Hard Rock bid, paving the way for broader Council backing. After initial resistance, the Council gave the go-ahead for the state Legislature to pass a law allowing Bally's to use part of the golf course for a betting facility. But it also required a specific municipal zoning change, and the Council members blocked it.
New York Post
07-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
New bill would mandate 'anti-choking' devices in NYC schools
Every school in NYC would be required to have 'airway clearance devices' to help prevent choking deaths under a City Council bill gaining bipartisan steam. The legislation sponsored by Bronx Republican Kristy Marmorato would mandate that city schools stock the portable, suction-based devices on site. It already has support from 11 Democrats and four other Republicans, and was expected to be the subject of a public hearing this month. The devices, which can be self-administered and are considered an alternative to the Heimlich maneuver, usually run $50 to $70 each, but Long Island-based LifeVac has offered to supply each Big Apple school with a device and an instructional video on how they work at no charge, according to the company. 3 NYC Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato (R-Bronx) sponsored a bill that would mandate city schools stock 'airway clearance devices' to help prevent choking deaths. James Keivom Heidi Felix, LifeVac's vice president of sales, said the company has already donated more than 10,000 devices to schools nationwide and welcomes doing the same in NYC. There's more than 1,800 public schools and about 900 private schools in the Big Apple. The issue is personal for Marmorato. 3 LifeVac has already donated more than 10,000 devices to schools nationwide and welcomes doing the same in NYC. LifeVac She had a scary incident eight years ago when her then-18-month-old daughter choked on a piece of apple. A trained health care professional, Marmorato was able to save her daughter — but recalled it was a 'very frightening experience.' Her grandfather, Michael Rendino, died three decades ago while choking on a piece of meat at a restaurant after the Heimlich maneuver failed. 3 More than 1,800 public schools and about 900 private schools in the Big Apple would have the life-saving devices under the bill. Monkey Business – 'This is not just about my child,' she said. 'It's about all the children in New York City. Even if one device saves one kid's life, it's tremendous, and it's a win for parents and families.' She said she expects the legislation to be approved,considering it won't cost taxpayers a cent. Albany pols are reviewing similar legislation to require schools statewide to stock 'airway clearance devices.' City Hall spokesman Zachary Nosanchuk said the Department of Education and Mayor's Office will review the legislation, but added 'we continue to train [school] staff to use the Heimlich maneuver' because it remains the 'recommended first-aid technique to save children who are choking.'
