Empire City Casino got one step closer on Thursday to getting a full casino license.

The process gained major momentum when an advisory committee voted unanimously to approve a proposal to expand the casino.

"This is just a win for Yonkers and really the numbers say it all. A $2.3 billion investment for the city, 6,500 construction jobs, majority of them being union labor," said Committee member Frank Jereis.

Councilmember John Rubbo said the renovations would turn the casino into a world-class gaming destination.

"So, we see these what look like slot machines, those machines will be replaced with traditional slot machines, but also they'll have an opportunity to have sports betting and table games," Rubbo said.

The proposal also got lots of praise from businesses along Central Avenue.

"It improves the business," said Citgo gas station owner Hazim Ibrahim.

However, resident Judith Garan said she still has concerns about the project.

"We are going to need more police; we are going to need more firemen," Garan said.

Attorney Mark Weingarten said MGM is committed to addressing these anxieties.

"There's over a $100 million of mitigation measures, and measures of the Community Benefits Agreement, that have been committed to by MGM as part of both the environmental review process and the Community Benefits Agreement," Weingarten said.

Advisory committee chairman Jim Cavanaugh said it's now up to the state to decide if Empire City will get one of the three downstate gaming licenses.

"They've promised to do that by Dec.1. So, now it's up to New York state," Cavanaugh said.

If approved, city officials said the upgrades could come as soon as next year.