The state’s Yonkers Community Advisory Committee that has been reviewing the application by MGM Resorts for a full-casino license at its Empire City site voted Sept. 25 to endorse the project by a unanimous 5-0 vote. The affirmative decision means that the application will be given a review by the state Gaming Commission’s Facility Location Board, keeping alive the possibility that the MGM facility in Yonkers would be awarded a full-casino license. The state is due to decide by the end of the year in which communities it will be awarding three full-casino licenses for the downstate area.
In reaction to the vote, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, “That’s big news because it means millions of dollars, millions of dollars to help offset the cost of education, millions of dollars to help improve our roads, keep our streets clear, improve our quality of life, all at MGM at the casino. It’s now up to New York state for them to give us full gaming, but we are ready to go.”
In a statement, MGM said it is grateful to the Community Advisory Committee and the local community for demonstrating their continued support for Empire City Casino. It had told the state’s Gaming Commission, “With an awarded license, MGM Yonkers would plan to reinvest $2.3 billion, which includes $1.8 billion of capital investments into the property. Our plan, which prioritizes speed-to-market and minimal operational disruption, is to meaningfully expand and remodel the existing property footprint while adding several amenities and new experiences that would continue to draw visitors to Yonkers.”
New York City proposals for fully licensed casinos were turned down by Community Advisory Committees in the city. Proposals for a full-license casino at Times Square and the Hudson Yards on the city’s West Side were backed by major developers but faced strong opposition from residents and local officials. The $5.4 billion Caesars Palace Times Square proposal was backed by developers SL Green, Roc Nation, and Caesars Entertainment. The project was opposed by Broadway groups and local residents who feared it would harm the theater community and negatively impact the neighborhood.
The other Manhattan casino plan was called The Avenir and was a $7 billion proposal by Silverstein Properties and Rush Street Gaming. The plan included a hotel, housing, and a community center. A proposal for a casino at Coney Island was rejected by a Community Advisory Committee, while a proposal by Bally for a casino near the Whitestone Bridge got Community Advisory Committee approval.
Spano had told the Community Advisory Board, “The casino project is anticipated to result in substantial economic benefits for the city and the region, including construction jobs, permanent operational jobs, and a large investment in the community.”
Among the benefits MGM Empire City would be providing to the city are:
- $2 million annual funding for two police officers;
- partial funding to replace waterline on Central Park Avenue or full funding for cleaning and relining;
- improving traffic flow in and around MGM Empire City;
- improving traffic intersections and upgrading communications technology;
- replacing five acres of impervious surfaces with new water-efficient landscaping;
- adding new landscaping to act as light and sound buffer;
- significantly improving collection and detention of storm water runoff; and
- reducing electricity usage through sustainable building practices.
- $10 million to purchase and renovate a new library/community center;
- $2 million to fund small business facade improvements on Yonkers Avenue;
- $2 million for Yonkers Avenue streetscape improvements;
- $1 .25 million for park improvements;
- a minimum guaranty of $19.6 million in annual tax revenue from the state’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Fund, regardless of MGM Empire City’s ultimate gaming tax rate.
