Renovations have started at Yonkers Raceway to transform the racetrack into a grand casino.

Even though it will be another six months before the new facility opens, raceway owner Tim Rooney was anxiously checking the progress of the $200 million project Wednesday. Rooney says the racetrack and part of the original bar from 1899 will be all that remains after the casino is built. Rooney says Empire City will employ 1,200 people and will take in an estimated $400 million a year.

The casino will house thousands of video lottery terminals, which will help fund state education. Rooney says he doesn?t know how much of that money will be given locally, but says he is aware Yonkers is counting on millions for its financially strapped schools.

Related stories Yonkers schools hit the jackpot with video slot machines Yonkers puts traffic plan in place for raceway casino