Yonkers residents and local leaders gathered Monday, August 11, at the Grinton I. Will Public Library for the first of two mandated public hearings on MGM Empire City’s application for a commercial casino license. Hosted by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), the meeting gave attendees three minutes each to present their opinions, with no direct questions to committee members or MGM permitted.
Public Weighs In on $2.3B Yonkers Casino Expansion
MGM Resorts submitted its application on June 26, proposing a $2.3 billion redevelopment of the current “racino”at the former Yonkers Raceway. If approved, the facility would replace its video lottery terminals with full Las Vegas-style Class III gaming. The plan also includes renovating and enlarging the gaming floor, adding three full-service restaurants, constructing a parking garage, and building a 5,000-seat entertainment venue for concerts and large events.
According to News 12 Westchester, Mayor Mike Spano expressed strong support, stating, “The award of a casino gaming license to MGM Empire City will spur a transformative redevelopment, including new destination dining experiences and a first-of-its-kinds entertainment venue in the region that will draw A-list performers and events.”
Union representatives and business advocates made up a large share of the supporters. Armando Moreno of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America urged the audience to “focus on real tangible benefits this project brings” rather than hypothetical concerns.
Tom LeCount, business manager for the mechanical insulators of Local 91, noted that “at least 1,250” of the projected 6,500 construction jobs would be apprenticeships, offering long-term career opportunities. “The apprenticeship programs that we provide aren’t just jobs for the duration of the job,” he said. “It’s a job, it’s a career, it’s a skill you’re going to learn for a lifetime.”
Local business leaders also voiced their endorsement. Yonkers Chamber of Commerce president Lenny Caro stated, “We support this 100%,” while Planning Board member and small business owner MacKenzie Forsberg said the expansion “fully aligns with supporting the ecosystem of the city, not just the casino itself.”
Opponents Raise Concerns Over Traffic, Infrastructure, and Community Impact
Opposition came primarily from residents who questioned whether promised benefits would reach the broader community. Concerns included increased traffic, strain on emergency services, and the lack of detailed commitments for community benefits.
Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo, the only elected official to speak, stopped short of endorsing the project, warning of “an increase in traffic, an increase in noise and an increased need for emergency and first responder services.” He urged MGM to address “the strains on our emergency services and infrastructure” before seeking approval.
Lifelong resident Margaret Vitulli criticized the negotiation process, saying, “The fact 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.”
Dr. Judith Garrett noted her property taxes had risen in recent years despite the casino’s existing presence, saying, “The money is not getting down to the kitchen tables.” Another speaker warned, “This is either the renaissance of Yonkers or the rape of Yonkers. I want to see the renaissance, and we need the leadership of everybody in Yonkers to bring everybody up so we can be an example for the nation of what can be done.”
This was the first CAC hearing held for any of the eight downstate New York casino bids. A second hearing for MGM Empire City is scheduled for September 16 at Yonkers Montessori Academy. For the proposal to advance, four of the five CAC members must vote in favor at their September 30 meeting.
CAC Chair James Cavanaugh reminded attendees that a host community agreement between Yonkers and MGM has already been negotiated and will be voted on by the city council in early September. “Feedback is a gift. It’s not always welcome sometimes, but it always, always is a gift,” CAC member Maria Fernandez told the audience before adjournment.
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