The decision regarding the expansion of MGM Empire City Casino in Yonkers is expected this Thursday, September 25, as the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) prepares to cast its vote on a $2.3 billion plan aimed at transforming the facility into a comprehensive casino and entertainment hub.
The outcome of the CAC vote will influence whether the proposal is forwarded to the New York State Gaming Commission’s Facility Location Board for ultimate approval. Should the committee vote in favor, MGM’s proposal will remain a contender for one of three highly sought-after downstate casino licenses. Conversely, a negative vote could disqualify MGM and possibly lead to the closure of the Yonkers location.
MGM Empire City is among five remaining proposals following the rejection of two significant projects in Manhattan earlier this week. The advisory committees for Caesars Palace Times Square and The Avenir both voted 4–2 against moving those bids forward, thereby excluding them from the race.
The active contenders now include MGM in Yonkers, Resorts World New York City in Queens, Bally’s Bronx, The Coney in Brooklyn, and Freedom Plaza in Manhattan. Supporters of MGM’s proposal voiced their enthusiasm during a public hearing at Yonkers Montessori Academy on September 16, including elected officials, employees, and local labor unions.
Rendering of the planned casino
Mayor Mike Spano of Yonkers highlighted the risks of losing the Empire City casino if the proposal fails. “It’s clear that without this license, Yonkers will struggle to compete with other casinos as merely a racino,” Spano underscored in his testimony. “Failing to secure this license could lead to the closure of our racetrack.”
An approved expansion would encompass a revamped casino, a 5,100-seat entertainment venue, and the creation of thousands of new jobs. According to MGM’s application, the development is projected to generate 6,500 construction jobs along with over 2,000 permanent positions. Taryn Duffy, president of Tarsam Public Affairs and a former MGM executive, previously discussed these potential benefits with the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
John Cooney, Jr., from the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, warned in a recent op-ed that rejecting the proposal could result in 700 job losses, $88 million in wages, and a $300 million annual impact on public schools in New York. “Empire City has no viable future if we turn down this project,” Cooney cautioned.
However, not all residents are on board. While many participants at the hearing expressed support for the expansion, others from the neighborhood raised concerns about increased traffic, flooding, and pressure on local infrastructure.
Critics have also pointed out that previous upgrades at Empire City made similar promises, yet did little to alleviate local issues. Yonkers resident Jerry Longarzo urged caution: “It’s crucial that we receive a solid commitment ensuring the casino’s expansion improves rather than worsens these existing problems,” he remarked.
Rendering of the planned casino
Additionally, some have noted that MGM’s proposed investment is the smallest among all applicants. Questions have been raised about whether this proposal genuinely addresses persistent community issues or simply repackages old commitments.
The decisive vote by the CAC requires a two-thirds majority, meaning at least four out of five members need to approve the plan. As the only project among the initial eight applicants already operating on an existing gaming location, MGM possesses a speed-to-market advantage.