Advisory board members, gamblers react to MGM announcement
On Tuesday, officials with MGM said they made the decision because of changes in their expected return on investment.
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MGM’s sudden decision to pull its application for a full-scale casino in Yonkers is still creating quite the buzz.
Frank Jereis said he was shocked to learn about MGM Yonkers' announcement.
He was one of five members of the community advisory committee who voted unanimously in September to approve the proposal to expand the casino.
"It was about a three-month process, countless meetings, thousands of papers being reviewed and for them to just pull out at the last minute was really just stunning," Jereis said.
On Tuesday, officials with MGM said they made the decision because of changes in their expected return on investment.
"I'm happy because I had gone to both public hearings, was totally against it because I thought it would be a nightmare for traveling," resident Asharnee Harris said.
MGM officials also said the proposal was based on receiving a 30-year license but learned they would only qualify for a 15-year license.
"I mean I'll come back here just to get out but, eventually, I'll stop coming here, too," said gambler Janet Kaufmann.
Shamar Owens owns a clothing store near the casino called Made in Space.
He told News 12 that the withdraw could have an impact on businesses like his, as well.
"A lot of my clients, or my customers, they're heavy gamblers, sports betters. We attract that...So we might lose a couple dollars with that," Owens said.
However, Jereis reassured the community that the fight for the casino isn't over.
"The community is still in its capacity [and] can reach out to the governor and join the mayor in asking for an investigation into Yonkers MGM," Jereis said.
MGM officials said they knew about the 15-year license in August but didn't explain why they still let the advisory committee vote in September.
