Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioThe last two second-round Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearings in New York’s downstate casino licensing process were held on September 16 and showed starkly different atmospheres.
At Metropolitan Park next to Citi Field, support dominated the room before tensions boiled over in an abrupt adjournment. In Yonkers, the MGM Empire City hearing saw a more even split. Supporters touted jobs while neighbors warned of traffic and crime.
Metropolitan Park
The Metropolitan Park hearing in Queens opened like a rally, a contrast to the first meeting a week ago. The majority of the approximately 50 speakers supported the $8 billion proposal from Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.
But while most speakers were in support, tensions spiked near the end when opponents placed petitions on stage and chanted. CAC Chair Larinda Hooks called for security and abruptly adjourned the hearing after only two hours. That cut off more than 50 remaining speakers.
Supporters Emphasize Jobs, Equity, and Park Space
As with most of the CAC hearings, those in favor emphasized the project’s jobs and economic benefits. The developers promise over 23,000 jobs, one of the highest figures among the bids.
“This isn’t about a new sports and entertainment district. It’s about building wealth in communities that too often have been left out,” said Bill Thompson, the former New York City Comptroller whose firm is an equity partner in the project.
Dr. Helen Artiaga, a local hospital CEO, called it a health lifeline: “This project is going to give 23,000 individuals health care, good health care to them and their families… I live in Corona my whole life, and I want to see my kids growing up healthy… and this project will do that.”
“Union jobs, union wages, and union benefits. I’ll say it again. Union jobs, union wages, and union benefits,” declared Phil Fierino of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, drawing cheers from a large union contingent.
Erica Ford, CEO of Life Camp, said: “The majority of the people in this neighborhood said they want this… Let’s block the noise out and let’s focus on the wins.”
Opponents Warn of Flood Risks & Public Land Loss
Only a few speakers voiced opposition, warning about the environmental and civic costs of building on public parkland.
“Do not mistake the zoning compliance as unprecedented community support,” said Margaret Flanigan of Jackson Heights.
“Transforming the quote 50 acres of asphalt is an even better opportunity for climate resilience and community flood protection instead of a mega casino hotel built in a flood plain with zero clarity on flood protection… Please reject this proposal and preserve our public land.”
Rebecca Pryor of Guardians of Flushing Bay told the Queens Eagle the process was tilted: “The whole public process for this has felt really weighted towards the folks who are for this… We’re not being given the equal respect that they’re being given.”
MGM Empire City
The second CAC hearing for the $2.3 billion MGM Empire City expansion took a more even tone. There was no presentation from the developers, and the committee proceeded directly to testimony. Over 77 speakers testified in two hours, offering a roughly even mix of praise and concern.
Supporters Tout Jobs & Economic Survival
Mike Spano, Mayor of Yonkers, was the first speaker. He highlighted that the existing racino generates $600 million in annual tax revenue and the potential that a full casino could bring.
“If we get a full license, we can see the additional 2,000 jobs, we can see additional millions of dollars in terms of aid [for] education… and of course, what could be a very great opportunity for the people of our city,” said Spano, who also warned:
“We all know that if we don’t get this license, that Yonkers could not possibly compete with the other casinos as just as a racino… if we don’t get this license, our track will probably close.”
Many speakers came in support of the economic impact and job creation. Don Folley, a lifelong Yonkers resident and union carpenter, said,
“A project like this will give other young people in Yonkers the opportunity to start their own career in the building trades… This project will make this city a better place to live, work, raise families, and retire.”
Scott, a resident who works for MGM, closed the session: “I fully support MGM Empire City’s application for a full gaming license because it’s the right thing to do. The right thing for Yonkers, the right thing for Westchester County.”
Opponents Raise Fears of Congestion, Crime & Overreach
Opponents warned that a full-scale casino could overwhelm local infrastructure and compromise the quality of life.
Christin, a Yonkers resident, gave a passionate testimony:
“This administration would have you believe that a casino would bring the promise of jobs. Didn’t we get the same spiel with Lionsgate Films? Yet the wealthy are getting wealthier, and the working class are forced to take whatever crumbs are thrown at us.”
Adelaide, a 74-year-old resident, warned of congestion, saying: “The buses are packed, it’s a living nightmare.”
In another passionate testimony, Michael Pineda, a paramedic who lives near the site, said:
“This is nothing more than a bad deal for the host community… outsiders don’t carry the burden that we do… adding a 5,000-seat arena and a casino will overwhelm an area that’s already stretched thin.”
What Comes Next
All eight casino applicants have now hosted the state-mandated two public hearings. Now, the CACs must vote on whether to advance them to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board by September 30. The board will then decide which of the eight downstate casino contenders moves on in the licensing process.
The contrast between the two September 16 hearings was stark. Metropolitan Park felt like a rally that erupted into chaos. Meanwhile, MGM Empire City resembled a town hall split down the middle.
