With the Friday June 27 deadline arriving for New York state to receive applications from entities seeking the three full-gaming licenses for new Las Vegas-style casinos in downstate New York, the Yonkers City Council has unanimously approved a new zoning classification for the MGM Resorts property at 810 Yonkers Ave. where the Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway are located.
The state expects to decide on who will get the three downstate full-casino licenses by Dec. 1. The licenses are expected to be formally issued by Dec. 31.
The new zoning establishes a Casino District that would allow MGM to create a casino floor with live-dealer table games and a state-of-the-art sportsbook, a 5,000-seat capacity entertainment venue to host major performances, meeting and event space, three new full-service restaurants, renovations to existing dining venues, and other improvements that could include a hotel. MGM already has presented conceptual plans for the possible expansion of its facility.
“Yonkers is on its way to winning big in spurring transformative economic growth, job creation, entertainment and more,” said the city’s Mayor Mike Spano. “This vote signals to New York that the Yonkers site has speed to market readiness and is prepared to hit the ground running once licenses are granted. Working with our community members, city leaders and MGM Resorts, we have the support and commitment needed for this project to succeed right out of the gate — providing economic benefits for the city, county and state while making Yonkers a premier destination.”
Still to be finalized between the city and MGM Resorts is a Community Benefits Agreement that addresses key priorities including public safety, traffic and infrastructure improvements, tax payments, job creation and overall quality-of-life enhancements.
In September, a Community Advisory Council, composed of city, state and county elected officials, is expected to vote on whether to approve any proposed project and confirm it meets all community requirements and benefit commitments.
It would be up to the Yonkers Planning Board to give site plan approval to whatever development plan emerges should MGM be awarded the state license.
City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo said that other considerations went into the decision to establish the Casino District.
“The zone change addresses the concerns we’ve heard loud and clear, from additional funding for public safety and sector cars, to investments in flooding mitigation and infrastructure improvements,” Rubbo said.
