Members of the Yonkers CAC, 2nd left to right, Maria Fernandez, Joe Apicella, Chair Jim Cavanaugh, Frank Jereis. Not shown Larry Wilson
By Dan Murphy
The Yonkers Community Advisory Council (CAC), made up of five appointees by local and state elected officials, held its first public hearing on August 11 at the Will Library to gather public feedback to determine whether there is community support for MGM Resorts’ application for a full commercial casino license for Empire City Casino.
CAC Chair Jim Cavanaugh said, “The members of the CAC are charged with reviewing the Empire City application, receiving public comments, and determining whether the project should be advanced to the next stage of the process. Today is for public comment.”
Cavanaugh said that the second public hearing will take place on September 16 at the Yonkers Montessori Academy, 160 Woodlawn Ave., at 6 pm.
Comments regarding MGM Empire City may be submitted via email to MGMEmpireCityPublicComment@nystec.com.
Of the approximately 50 attendees, nearly 40 offered testimony. More than half vocally supported the application, citing job creation, economic growth, and increased tax revenue as key benefits. Several highlighted the stability Empire City has brought to Yonkers since transitioning from Yonkers Raceway two decades ago, a harness racetrack that once drew massive crowds of 25,000–30,000 nightly during horse racing’s heyday, and which now operates with steady, dispersed patronage and no citywide spike in crime or traffic.
Ed Cooke, Vice President of the Westchester Building Trades Council, said, “This isn’t just about casino expansion, it’s about opportunity, investment, and building a better future for Yonkers. MGM provides good-paying jobs and real careers. And they do it with integrity. But none of this will happen without your support.”
Many residents applauded the proposed investment, noting that the casino already contributes significantly to the local economy and school funding. State contributions exceed $300 million annually to the state education fund and millions more in local taxes. With the Yonkers Public Schools (YPS), facing continued yearly budget deficits averaging $50 million per school year, some speakers questioned how the existing funds generated by the casino are allocated and why Yonkers wasn’t receiving a larger financial benefit from the state when the city is home to such a significant generator of education funding.
Armondo Ramiro said, “I was born and raised in Yonkers, and Yonkers needs this project. It will open career paths in the trades, generate millions in tax revenue, and provide the funding we need to fix our aging schools and support city services. We have a world-class company willing to continue to invest in our city and its people.”
Supporters emphasized that the project promises 2,000 new direct jobs, 6,500 construction jobs, and thousands more indirect positions that are expected to be generated by having a renowned entertainment venue built in the city. They expect the full casino with expanded amenities to attract visitors across the region, including tourists from New York City and residents from Westchester to Bergen County and Fairfield County, strengthening local commerce.
Maria Paxos-Pampafikos from the Royal Regency Hotel said, “MGM is the 3rd largest ticket seller for live events in the United States. In phase 1, MGM can bring in top-tier entertainment. Studies have found that the existing hotels can readily accommodate the incoming tourists. Let’s keep more tourism dollars in the local economy with this smart market investment.
Many praised MGM Resorts for its philanthropic presence, supporting nonprofits with significant funding, in-kind giving for local organizations, including costly signage printing and prize donations, and including significant funding in their designs that will include infrastructure improvements to benefit residents even outside the immediate vicinity of the casino, including stormwater systems and traffic upgrades.
“MGM’s growth will ensure that the raceway and casino will continue supporting jobs and giving back to the community. Our UPAC free summer concerts are made possible in part by MGM Resorts,” said Yonkers Historian Mary Hoar.
“They have put Yonkers first, and are just 13 miles from midtown. It’s a critical piece of our city’s future and will create thousands of jobs. The raceway and now the casino have been here for more than a century. They are here and they want to stay here. We must protect our history by securing our future.”
Some attendees expressed frustration with what they saw as a lack of outreach by city officials. Despite live-streamed meetings and posted calendars, residents said they often feel uninformed about major projects impacting their neighborhoods.
A number of speakers shifted focus to the aging infrastructure and lack of investment by the administration, particularly flooding due to unmodernized sewers in the city’s hilly terrain. Some urged the CAC to consider whether MGM’s infrastructure contributions would be sufficient for neighborhoods beyond the casino site.
County Legislator David Tubiolo expressed concerns about the project. “I stand here to voice my concerns, as a fourth-generation Yonkersite. This project will bring an increase in traffic, an increase in noise, and the need for more emergency services.
“We cannot put a price tag on our quality of life; we need guarantees. The council has unanimously approved the zoning, and I urge this body to urge them to have more of a conversation about this project. We are good neighbors; treat us as such, and help us get to yes.”
Councilman Anthony Merante stated after the meeting, “Last night, I attended the public hearing at the Grinton I. The Will Library, where about 60 residents came to speak on the proposed $2.3 billion expansion of Empire City Casino. I strongly encourage anyone with concerns or opinions about this project to make their voice heard before the MGM Empire City Community Advisory Committee, which will vote on September 30.
“MGM Resorts has applied for a commercial casino license that would allow for a major redevelopment, including a renovation and expansion of the gaming area, three full-service restaurants, a parking garage, and a new 5,000-seat entertainment venue designed to attract A-list performers and events. MGM says the project would bring new destination dining and a first-of-its-kind entertainment experience to our region.
“Last night’s testimony showed just how divided our community is. Supporters say the project would bring much-needed revenue to fix our aging schools, improve infrastructure, and support essential city services. Opponents worry that despite the casino’s promises, our schools remain underfunded, and quality-of-life concerns could be overlooked. I will remain vigilant and serve as a watchdog throughout this process to ensure promises are kept and safeguards are in place.”
Other speakers pointed to the fact that concerns about increased congestion and crime echoed those voiced in the early 2000s when the casino was first being planned. However, Empire City has operated 20 hours a day for two decades without a measurable increase in crime, according to city data, and those familiar with the project details noted that rigorous design and mitigation efforts have been incorporated into the casino’s expansion proposals that will significantly improve current traffic complaints, stormwater management, and police resources.
Two candidates for City Council and County Board spoke up against the proposal. Michael Pineda, republican candidate for county board, said, “I am a union member, and I’m not in favor of this. This is a done deal between the administration and the casino, promising the same empty dreams. I’m not concerned about downtown Yonkers; I’m concerned about my neighborhood. There are no permanent benefits proposed.”
Tony Solieri, republican candidate for City Council, 4th district, said, “Yes, this will bring jobs, but what about the people most affected who live within a mile of the casino? I’ve been here for 51 years and believe that this will hurt us, the people in my district. We should get a bigger portion of the benefits.”
The CAC will hold one more public hearing on Tuesday, September 16, at 6 pm at the Yonkers Montessori Academy before making its recommendation to the state’s Facility Siting Board by September 30.
Comments regarding MGM Empire City may be submitted via email to MGMEmpireCityPublicComment@nystec.com.
The five members of the CAC are:
Jim Cavanaugh, Chair, appointed by Mayor Mike Spano
Joe Apicella appointed by County Executive Ken Jenkins
Maria Fernandez appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul
Larry Wilson appointed by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Frank Jereis, appointed by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh.
