In a victory for the Throggs Neck community, New York Attorney General Letitia James has stepped in to secure the future of Preston High School, a beloved all-girls Catholic institution that has served generations of Bronxites since 1947.
Following months of uncertainty after the Sisters of the Divine Compassion announced plans to sell the property, Attorney General James successfully negotiated a deal ensuring that Preston High School remains operational for at least another 25 years.
Under this landmark agreement, the Bally’s Foundation of North America—a nonprofit associated with Bally’s Corporation—purchased the school property. They have committed to leasing it back to Preston High School for just $1 per year. This unprecedented arrangement also provides additional support for capital improvements and legal aid, ensuring Preston continues its vital educational mission in the Bronx community.
While this philanthropic gesture by the Bally’s Foundation is indeed commendable, it brings a contrasting issue to the forefront: Bally’s Corporation’s controversial efforts to establish a casino at Ferry Point Park. The casino proposal has sparked significant backlash from residents and local leaders alike, culminating in Community Board 10 overwhelmingly voting against the plan by a margin of 29-5. The board cited critical concerns about increased traffic congestion, potential rises in crime, and the loss of precious parkland, which could negatively impact community life.
This juxtaposition between Bally’s charitable actions at Preston High School and its contentious casino ambitions raises questions about the corporation’s broader intentions and genuine commitment to community interests.
As Bronx residents celebrate the preservation of Preston High School, they must remain vigilant about the ongoing casino debate, advocating for responsible developments that genuinely align with local needs and aspirations and the saving of a beloved institution shouldn’t come at the cost of such needs.
