Residents and labor groups split over MGM Empire City casino proposal in first public hearing

Local residents raised concerns over traffic, noise, emergency services, and flood-prone streets, while union representatives voiced support for job creation as MGM Resorts outlined its $2.3 billion casino expansion plan for Empire City in Yonkers.

The hearing was the first of at least two required public hearings before the community advisory committee (CAC) can hold a binding vote on whether the bid can advance for further consideration

Held Monday at the Grinton I. Will Public Library, the hearing is part of the process to determine which of eight bidders will be considered for one of three available downstate New York commercial casino licenses.

Four of the five CAC members must vote in favor for the bid to proceed. The second hearing for the MGM proposal is scheduled for September 16 at Yonkers Montessori Academy.

MGM is the first applicant to appear before a CAC. Caesars Times Square will hold its first hearing on Wednesday.

Proposal to transition racino to Class III Casino

Empire City currently operates as a racino, featuring a racetrack and video lottery terminals (VLTs). If licensed, MGM plans to convert the property to a full Las Vegas-style Class III casino, replacing VLTs with table games and slot machines.

The $2.3 billion proposal includes renovations and expansion of the former Yonkers Raceway site. MGM has said the project would create hundreds of union construction jobs and operational positions if approved.

Rendering of the proposed project

Local official urges caution

Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo, representing District 14, was the only elected official to speak. He said the project could bring “an increase in traffic, an increase in noise, and an increased need for emergency and first responder services.”

Tubiolo also cited concerns about “flood-prone streets” in the area and called for commitments from MGM to prevent strain on “emergency services and infrastructure.” He added: “We are good neighbours – treat us as such. Help us get to yes.”

CAC chair James Cavanaugh noted that several local and state officials were present at the hearing, though none besides Tubiolo spoke.

Labor and business groups express support

Union representatives spoke in favor of the proposal, noting that all eight bids include significant construction job commitments. “Let’s not get stuck debating hypothetical problems,” said Armando Moreno of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. “Let’s focus on the real, tangible benefits this project brings.”

Local business groups also expressed support. “We support this 100%,” said Lenny Caro, president of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce.

Resident opposition continues

Many residents opposed the plan, with some expressing doubts about whether public input would influence licensing decisions.

One woman in particular, a retired city employee named Margaret, said: "Some people may not like what I’m going to say: We all know this is gonna happen." She added: "The fact that we are here begging MGM, a multimillion-dollar international corporation, for a few lousy concessions is a disgrace. They should have been begging us with concessions to come here."

Kisha Skipper, president of the Yonkers NAACP branch, said that Assemblyman Gary Pretlow told her directly years ago that he was opposed to a full-scale Yonkers casino. That sentiment apparently changed somewhere along the line, she said.

MGM has projected that Empire City could close without a license, citing competition from three new commercial casinos in the region. Some residents voiced dissatisfaction with this statement.