The licensing process for casinos in New York State has entered a critical phase, with two highly anticipated casino projects—Metropolitan Park in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers—having completed their second round of public hearings this week. These projects are currently awaiting the decision of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which will directly affect their eligibility for state-level review.
According to New York State regulations, each project's community advisory committee must conduct a binding vote by the deadline of September 30. The voting results will integrate written and oral public opinions, reflecting the level of community support each project receives. Any project must receive approval from two-thirds of the committee members to qualify for the final competition for one of the three casino licenses available by the end of the year.
The Metropolitan Park project, driven by billionaire and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, plans to invest $8 billion to develop a comprehensive entertainment project in the parking lot near Citi Field. The plan includes a casino, hotel, entertainment venues, and 25 acres of park space, aiming to create a "walkable village" concept. The project has received strong support from local business groups, who believe it will create wealth and opportunities for often overlooked communities.
However, the project also faces opposition from some community residents. At recent hearings, some Asian community members expressed concerns, questioning the real benefits of the project to the community. Notably, Asian Americans make up 26% of the population in Queens, the largest ethnic group in the area, and there is a clear division of support and opposition within the community regarding the project.
On the other hand, the MGM Empire City project is located in Yonkers, formerly known as Yonkers Raceway. The site has been operating as a video lottery terminal facility since 2006 and was acquired by MGM Resorts in 2019. The project plans a $2.3 billion renovation and expansion, including transforming the casino space, constructing a new porch, and a 5,100-seat entertainment venue, with an expected start in July 2027.
The MGM project has received strong support from the local government. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano stated that without a full casino license, the facility might not be able to compete with nearby casinos and could face the risk of closure. This view has also resonated with the facility's employees, many of whom emphasized the potential impact of the licensing decision on their jobs at the hearing.
However, nearby residents have raised their concerns about the project, mainly focusing on traffic, flooding, and drainage issues, as well as the potential negative impacts of the entertainment venues. Many residents pointed out that the proposed $2.3 billion investment is the lowest among the eight license applicants and demanded more explicit commitments from the project proponents.
The community advisory committees for both projects are expected to vote soon. The Metropolitan Park project needs four out of six committee votes in favor, while the MGM project requires four out of five. The voting results will provide important references for the final allocation of New York State casino licenses.
As the deadline of September 30 approaches, the competition for New York State casino licenses is becoming increasingly intense. The final outcomes will not only determine the fate of these projects but also shape the future landscape of the gambling industry in New York State.
