Yonkers officials hope approval of full-gaming license will help the 300 people losing jobs at the Yonkers Refinery
City leaders are hoping to get the full gaming license for the Empire City Casino to have open jobs for those losing theirs at the Yonkers Refinery.
More Stories
A major production facility in Yonkers is closing its doors by the end of the year.
Now, city officials are hoping a possible new project will help the employees losing their jobs.
The Yonkers Refinery, known for its large Domino's sign, is only a few months away from closing its doors after 130 years.
"After 37 years, it's the end of my career," says Harkiertan Siengh, a worker at the Yonkers Refinery.
As News 12 reported, American Sugar Refining (ASR) is closing it as part of its strategy and investments in its northeast facilities.
Now, the search is on to help the 300 employees, 92 of which are Yonkers residents, with new jobs.
"I'm really concerned about the future because I'm close to retirement," says Siengh.
City officials, union representatives and ASR all say they're working with the employees.
City leaders are having a job fair on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the facility.
They're hoping another door opens for opportunities.
"That new open door is quite possibly the expansion of gaming right here in Yonkers," says Mayor Mike Spano.
Spano is talking about the full-gaming license for the MGM Empire City Casino that MGM applied for from the state.
The hope is to have open jobs for those losing theirs at the Yonkers Refinery.
City leaders say thousands of jobs could be created.
MGM will know by the end of the year if they get the license.
"They're good, solid six figure jobs. It's a great opportunity for many people to transition over those positions if we are able to that license," says Spano.
"If we can get this approved and get it accepted and built in Yonkers, we'll subsidize what we lost and we'll be happy to create new jobs," says Yonkers Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro.
Some employees at the Yonkers Refinery tell News 12 they didn't know about this but they would be interested.
"I hope we get those jobs," says Siengh. "If they would give me one, I'd be very happy to do the job."
