The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency approved a hearing to negotiate an economic development incentive package for a $40 million expansion of the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway that is expected to create 179 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs.

If an agreement is reached, the new expansion would protect the raceway’s competitiveness with Aqueduct by creating a new 60,000-sq-ft east wing with 30,000 sq ft to be used for new gaming space including 400 new gaming tables and 350 Video Lottery Terminal machines, 20,000 sq ft of new food and beverage space and 10,000 sq ft of office and storage space, as well as mechanical rooms.

Empire City at Yonkers Raceway has already generated tremendous economic benefits to this city both in jobs and in tax revenue,” said Mayor Philip A. Amicone, chairman of the Yonkers IDA. “This expansion will add to that equation-creating new jobs while protecting an important local business that is facing a direct competitive threat. We look forward to reaching a fair agreement that allows this project to move forward.”

Also scheduled for the hearing, is the negotiation of an economic development incentive package for a $1.7 million expansion of Kimber Manufacturing, manufacturer of 1911 firearms used for law enforcement, military and competitive uses. If approved, Kimber would expand to its third facility in Yonkers at 1120 Saw Mill River Road and is expected to create 30 construction jobs and 82 permanent jobs.

The public hearings for both Yonkers Raceway and Kimber Manufacturing are scheduled for June 16. After the hearings, the projects must return to the Yonkers IDA for final approval.