Community members expressed worries regarding traffic congestion, noise levels, emergency response times, and streets vulnerable to flooding, while union leaders emphasized the benefits of job creation as MGM Resorts presented its ambitious $2.3 billion plan for expanding the Empire City casino in Yonkers.

This public hearing marks the initial of at least two necessary sessions before the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) can make a decisive vote on whether the proposal can progress to the next steps.

Taking place on Monday at the Grinton I. Will Public Library, this hearing is crucial for determining which of the eight applicants will be eligible for one of the three available commercial casino licenses in downstate New York.

A minimum of four out of five CAC members must approve the bid for it to move forward. The next hearing regarding MGM’s proposal is set for September 16 at Yonkers Montessori Academy.

MGM is the inaugural applicant to present to the CAC. Caesars Times Square is scheduled for its first hearing on Wednesday.

Plan to Upgrade Racino to Class III Casino

Currently, Empire City operates as a racino, offering a racetrack and video lottery terminals (VLTs). If granted the license, MGM aims to transform the venue into a full-fledged Las Vegas-style Class III casino, replacing VLTs with traditional table games and slot machines.

This extensive $2.3 billion proposal includes renovations and expansions to the former Yonkers Raceway site. MGM asserts that the project would generate hundreds of union construction jobs as well as operational employment opportunities upon approval.

Conceptual rendering of the proposed development.

Local Official Calls for Caution

David Tubiolo, Westchester County Legislator for District 14, was the sole elected official to voice his concerns at the hearing. He highlighted potential issues such as “increased traffic, heightened noise levels, and a greater demand for emergency services and first responders.”

Tubiolo also raised alarms about the area’s “flood-prone streets”, urging MGM to commit to measures that will mitigate the burden on “emergency services and local infrastructure.” He stated, “We are good neighbors – treat us as such. Help us find common ground.”

The chair of the CAC, James Cavanaugh, acknowledged that various local and state officials attended the hearing, but none other than Tubiolo shared their thoughts.

Support from Labor and Business Groups

Union representatives expressed their backing for the initiative, emphasizing that all eight proposals included considerable commitments to construction jobs. “Let’s not get bogged down in speculative problems,” remarked Armando Moreno from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. “Let’s concentrate on the tangible benefits this project offers.”

Local business organizations also conveyed their support, with Lenny Caro, president of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce, stating: “We stand behind this 100%.”

Resident Opposition Persists

Many local residents continue to oppose the casino expansion plan, with some questioning whether their public input would genuinely influence the licensing outcomes.

A retired city worker named Margaret expressed her thoughts: “Some may not agree with me, but we all know this is going to happen.” She added, “It’s shameful that we are here pleading with MGM, a multimillion-dollar global corporation, for meager concessions. They should be the ones negotiating with us.”

Kisha Skipper, president of the Yonkers NAACP branch, mentioned that Assemblyman Gary Pretlow previously conveyed his opposition to a full-scale casino in Yonkers. However, she noted a shift in that stance over time.

MGM has indicated that Empire City could face closure without the new license, citing competition from three new commercial casinos in the area. This assertion displeased some community members.