MGM Resorts International’s casino planned in Yonkers, New York, is moving forward thanks to getting the green light from a Community Advisory Committee.
The members voted unanimously 5-0 to approve a full license for the $2.3 billion proposal, which calls for the redevelopment and expansion of the existing Empire City Casino gaming areas. It would span 863,500 square feet in total.
“This is going to be a boon to the local economy and local businesses,” Frank Jereis, member of the Community Advisory Committee, said.
Other upgrades to Empire would include three new restaurants, meeting space and an entertainment venue that holds a maximum of 5,000 individuals.
This marks the first casino this year in the downstate New York area to advance for license consideration, according to CoStar. Recently, a Community Advisory Committee voted against proposals for three casinos in the borough, which included Mohegan’s Freedom Plaza, which would have cost an estimated $11 billion.
New York State law allows for three downstate new casino licenses to be approved. CoStar reports that the state is expected to issue all of them by the end of the year. MGM, whose proposal will head to consideration by the state board, hopes it's one of them. As will Steve Cohen (owner of the New York Mets), for his $8 billion investment plan in Queens. The State Senate has agreed to allow the redesignation of parking lots from parkland to entertainment use — but Cohen has yet to be granted a license, which awaits a vote from the CAC.
CAC votes for other casino plans will happen by Tuesday.
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