The New York casino bidding process heated up further this week as public hearings for Metropolitan Park in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers took place on Tuesday. These hearings mark the second round for each project as they vie for one of the three lucrative casino licenses set to be awarded by the end of the year.
The appointed community advisory committees (CAC) for each project now have the authority to conduct a binding vote anytime before the pivotal 30 September deadline. These votes will be influenced by the level of public support, gauged through written and oral comments during the hearings. A two-thirds majority is required from the local committees for the projects to advance in the selection process.
For the Metropolitan Park project and its competitors within New York City, this means securing four out of six favorable votes. MGM, being unique with a five-member CAC, still needs a strong four yes votes to proceed.
Both projects have emerged as strong contenders for different reasons. Empire City, formerly Yonkers Raceway, has been operating as a video lottery terminal facility since 2006 and was acquired by MGM in 2019. This long-standing presence has enabled the property to contribute billions in tax revenue and foster strong community ties, presenting a distinct advantage over new developments starting from scratch.
Conversely, Metropolitan Park benefits from significant financial backing and political clout, with Mets owner Steve Cohen spearheading the push. Located on parking lots near Citi Field, this project is expected to minimize construction and housing disruptions compared to other proposals in denser areas like Manhattan.
Despite initial resistance from local representative Senator Jessica Ramos, Cohen secured crucial support from Senator John Liu, who facilitated the necessary rezoning legislation for Metropolitan Park. Liu’s district covers a smaller portion of the project area, highlighting the intricate political dynamics at play.
The Metropolitan Park hearing started unusually early at 10 a.m. and ended abruptly after less than two hours, puzzling many attendees. Despite this, supporters passionately advocated for the $8 billion mixed-use development, which promises a casino, hotel, entertainment venues, and 25 acres of park space, aiming to create a “walkable village” around Citi Field. Bill Thompson, former NYC comptroller, emphasized the project’s potential to bring wealth and opportunities to underrepresented communities.
Supporters expressed a strong desire to replace the existing parking lots, noting the lack of alternative developmental prospects for the Citi Field site. The Queens Chamber of Commerce joined the chorus of business groups backing the project, emphasizing its support for small businesses.
However, opposition surfaced towards the end of the hearing, with residents voicing concerns over the project. A Chinese immigrant named Sandy challenged the inclusivity of the process, arguing that genuine community input was lacking. The hearing revealed a cultural divide, with many Asian-Americans both supporting and opposing the project. Mets fans, too, expressed reservations, fearing the casino would exploit vulnerable individuals.
Meanwhile, MGM’s hearing in Yonkers attracted about 75 speakers, with Empire City proposing a $2.3 billion renovation and expansion plan. The project envisions a remodeled casino, a new entertainment venue, and more, with a prospective launch in July 2027. However, MGM has warned that without a casino license, the facility might not survive against newly established casinos.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano underscored the urgency of obtaining the license, as the VLT venue wouldn’t compete effectively otherwise. MGM employees echoed these concerns, stressing the potential impact on their jobs and the facility’s future.
Yet, not all are convinced by MGM’s promises. Some residents voiced skepticism, recalling unfulfilled commitments from past iterations of the property. Concerns were also raised about traffic, flooding, and environmental impacts of the expansion, especially given Yonkers’ residential nature.
CAC Chair James Cavanaugh announced that the committee will convene for a vote on the MGM proposal on 25 September, setting the stage for a critical decision in the New York casino race.
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