By Dan Murphy
The MGM Empire City Community Advisory Committee held its final meeting on September 25 to vote on the proposal to expand the existing Empire City Casino in Yonkers into a full gaming casino. All five members of the CAC voted in favor, which means that MGM’s $2 billion plan to invest in Empire City advances to the New York State Casino Gaming Location Board. The board will make its final decision in December to award three full gaming licenses to applicants in different regions of New York.
At their final meeting on Sept. 25, each member of the CAC explained their yes vote.
Maria Fernandez, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul, said, “I do want to thank all of the participants who came out and expressed their views. It is great to see your committment to Yonkers. Based on what I believe, I find that there is established public support for this project and I see amazing opportunities for Yonkers with MGM. I vote yes.”
Larry Wilson, appointed by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “I want to thank Senator Stewart-Cousins for appointing me. It was an honor to be appointed and she has always shown an abiding concern and it was important to her that their quality of life was not compromised.
“This was a difficult decision for me, and during the final weeks of deliberation with my friends and neighbors, it became clear to me that this was just the beginning of a dialogue with the applicant, the city, the state, and county officials. There was new attention focused on our concerns about flooding, police and noise. I’m proud to have worked with the neighborhood groups, and their presence and resolve. It is with high hopes and optimism that I vote yes.”
Frank Jereis, appointed by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, said, “I want to thank Assemblyman Sayegh for appointing me. This project is the definition of smart growth. A $2.3 Billion investment, a Community Benefits Agreement, 6,500 construction jobs, and 2,000 permanent hires. The support of labor spoke volumes. This is going to be a boon to the local economy and great for small businesses and hotels.
“To the small minority who spoke out, my grandparents live one block away and I understand the concerns about the quality of life. But we have a Mayor and an adminstration who will be there.
“We see how smooth and successful our process is here in Yonkers. We have stability with Mayor Spano, he brought everyone together. Hopefully, MGM gets the license,” said Jereis.
Joe Apicella, appointed by County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “For 19 years a racino has existed in Yonkers and I have lived across the street from the racway when they were getting 30,000 people a night in the 1970’s. So we should look historically at this.
“When I considered all of this, and the impacts, I came to the same conclusion that the public did: 93% were in favor. We have to respond to what we hear from the community, and for that reason, I feel strongly that we should move forward.”
“This facility has been begging for a casino for years. There is a multitude of acres; if any place can make this work, Yonkers can make this work.”
CAC Chair Jim Cavanaugh, appointed by Mayor Mike Spano, said, “I thank Mayor Spano for this great opportunity, and for all of those who came out. We had 110 speakers, with a large majority in support. We also received 221 emails, with 178 in favor of granting a license to MGM.
“It’s been nearly 20 years since Yonkers Raceway was converted to a racino with slots, paying $22 Million to the City and providing hundreds of jobs. It has been an economic success.
“Now as New York state considers who gets the license, some think the choice is to keep the racino. But no, if Yonkers doesn’t get the full gaming license, it will wither and die. Who will continue to go to an aging slot parlor with gaming casinos nearby.
“Closure would be devastating, including a loss of $30 Million in taxes, employees out of work and losing out on an additional $20M in taxes, and a loss to the statewide horse racing industry.
“This casino license is essential to Yonkers. There will be challenges to the infrastructure, but that’s why MGM will be required to pay $100 Million.
“Not everyone is satisfied, but what will happen if it closes? Will it beomce an Amazon warehouse? or an AI facility? Or a Soccer stadium?
“This is a good deal for New York State, and Westchester, and especially for Yonkers,” said Cavanaugh who voted yes, and the application was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Mike Spano said, “New York State’s local advisory board has recommended Yonkers for a full gaming license. That’s big news because it means millions of dollars to help offset the cost of education, millions of dollars to help improve our roads, keep our streets clean and improve our quality of life. Now it’s up to New York State to give us full gaming. But we are ready to go. It’s a sure bet right here in Yonkers.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today applauded the Community Advisory Committee’s unanimous 5-0 vote in favor of granting a full casino license to MGM Empire City in Yonkers, marking an important step toward expanding opportunities for the city and surrounding communities.
“MGM Empire City has been part of the fabric of Yonkers for generations, providing good jobs and vital revenue that supports our city,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “This vote brings us closer to building on that foundation, unlocking thousands of new jobs, new investments, and greater opportunities for the people of Yonkers and Westchester. I am proud to see our community move forward together in support of a project that will deliver lasting benefits for our families and our future.”
Senator Stewart-Cousins appointed Larry Wilson, President of the Hyatt Community Association of Southeast Yonkers, to the Community Advisory Committee to ensure that residents’ interests were represented. Mr. Wilson voted with “high hopes and unbridled optimism” to grant a full casino gaming license to MGM Empire City of Yonkers.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “I applaud the Community Advisory Committee’s unanimous 5-0 vote in favor of granting a full casino license to MGM Empire City in Yonkers. This decision marks an important step toward immeasurable growth for the City of Yonkers and the surrounding communities.
“A full casino license will bring thousands of good-paying permanent jobs, attract new investments, generate significant tax revenue and create greater opportunities for the people of Westchester. I am excited that we are now one step closer to seeing MGM Empire City realize its full potential.
“At the same time, we remain committed to monitoring the quality of life for residents in the neighborhoods surrounding Empire City. Increased development must deliver positive change for the community, and that will continue to be our priority.”
The final licensing decision will be made in December by the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board.
