By Dan Murphy
On Sept.16, the Yonkers City Council voted 7-0 to approve a Community Benefits Agreement, CBA, for the residential neighborhoods that will be affected by a major expansion planned for MGM Casino and Empire City.
The hope is that MGM will be awarded one of three licenses by the state to operate a full gaming casino at Empire City. While that decision will not come until December, the City was able to negotiate with MGM a CBA that addresses many of the concerns that residents who live near Empire City have expresses about the increase attendance and traffic that will come if full gaming were approved.
Majority Leader Councilman John Rubbo, who represents the casino and the surrounding neighborhoods, said, “This is a project in my council district and we have been looking at this proposal for quite some time. It will be by far, one of the largest economic development projects in Yonkers for years to come.
“MGM will invest $2 Billion into Yonkers and Empire City, and the community surrounding it will also benefit, if the casino license is granted, and I’m hopeful it will be.
“This community benefits agreement includes, $10 Million for the purchase of the Lincoln Park Synagoge and its conversion into a community center and new library; $2 Million for infrastructure improvements for storefronts around the casino, and $2 Millon for continued streetscapes. We also have community development block grant money that will be used for non-profits and community groups in the area.
This is an agreement that I have shared with the community and the 4 community groups around the casino; The Hyatt Association, The Lincoln Park Taxpayers Association, Beverly Crest Homeowners and the 2nd Police Precinct Community Council. They are aware and are happy with the additional police resources coming.
I look forward to saying yes to this CBA, and hopefully the state will say yes to full gaming,” said Rubbo.
Councilman Anthony Merante said, “I will be supporting this because I believe every effort has been made to take care of the community. We are hoping that MGM continues to be a good neighbor because this is a game changing project for Yonkers and a life changing investment for the people in the surrounding community. I’m hopeful that MGM will lilsten to any concerns from the community.”
Council President Lakisha-Collins Bellamy said, “I have attended all of the community meetings to make sure we heard from the community. They have been consistent in their concerns about traffic, flooding, noise and safety.
“We do believe this CBA has addressed these concerns without knowing the full impact. I believe this CBA is a great effort on behalf of the administration, MGM, and this council to reach a great concerted effort, if we do in fact get this license.”
Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Isaac said, “A project of this magnitude-will have an enormous econ impact on our city. I am supporting of this project because of the benefits, revenues and the spotlight it will put on Yonkers. And with the CBA, the investments that come back into our community. This will continue to push the city forward. The CBA addresses many of the concerns and is a great start. And MGM can have continued conversations with the community. I hope we are considered for one of the licenses.”
