Communities: VLTs failed us.

Recently, Skelos and Alfano formally expressed their support for VLTs at Belmont Park and provided this as their reason as printed in the Three Village Times:
"$20 million in state aid payments that would be apportioned between the (1) affected school districts, including the Elmont Union Free School District, Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District and Sewanhaka Central High School District, (2) the Nassau County Police Department's Fifth Precinct and (3) a newly created "Belmont Park Community Reinvestment Trust."

Everything sounds wonderful, but is it really?

The misconception is that the Elmont Union Free School District will get a guaranteed $20 million per year via VLTs. The money is no way guaranteed, nor is the total amount going to Elmont schools. So after dividing the $20 million into 3 school districts, then giving a portion to Nassau County for funding the extra need of Police, and then maybe with funds left over create a Reinvestment Trust; how much of it is actually going to fund education?

Then comes the issues. How will VLTs compete with VLTs at Aqueduct, less then 8 miles away? Then what will happen if the funds come short?

These same state representatives expect machines to have a $400-$500 per day revenue. What will expect Belmont to have greater results than Yonkers Raceway that expectations fell dramatically with its current $192 per day revenue. Based on a NY times article, Casino operators at Yonkers want the State to help them, because they are losing $12 million a year. The plan for VLTs to help and improve Yonkers have failed. In June of this year, Senator Larkin proposed a bill to help the racinos, by reducing their obligation to education by 20%. Then the question comes, how would Elmont be different? Economically, how would more racino competition help generate more funds for education?

Of course, many would argue that Saratoga is a symbol of success of VLTs. Saratoga has two racetracks, one operated by NYRA, and the other being the racino. Even there, VLTs failed to reach its hype, at $258 per day revnue per machine. The city of Saratoga received a deal of getting $3.6 million a year for improvements. This perhaps similar to the plan being designed for Elmont. But what is conveniently being omitted is that this money is not guaranteed and it is dependent on its placement on the New York State budget. That means the legislature, or the governor can cut it at any time, and most importantly if there is a state budget in place.

The New York Times published that brining VLTs is like going on the Wrong Track. And I quote, "The state should not be expanding gambling at its racetracks - the euphemistically named slot machines that are a gambler's version of crack cocaine."

It is a tragedy that these State Representatives held a press conference in an elementary school in front of children to endorse in essence gambling in the community of Elmont. Studies show that eighty percent of VLT gamblers reside with 10 miles of the casino. That mean that parents, seniors, veterans, and workers of the surrounding communities need to spend their free time and money at the Casino in order for it to survive. That in essence is what these representatives believe will help Elmont.

I hope that the children of Elmont, their families, and my fellow community members do not get misguided by the notion that gambling is the solution to better education and lower taxes. State and federal studies has shown that VLTs are only a short term infusion of money, where the financial consequences after five years outweigh the short term benefit it had attained in some studies at a 5:1 ratio.

VLTs are not the solution for the future of Elmont.

October 18 Meeting Review

Our October 18th meeting was a very informative and productive meeting and we thank all the members in attendance. Additionally, we welcome all our new and returning members.

Mrs. Jakab, announced as tradition, the October meeting serves as an opportunity for election candidates to come and have their voices heard. Our doors are open, and the only thing requested was for them to contact the civic announcing if they were planning to attend. Mrs. Jakab noted that only one individual called, and that was Ali Mirza, who despite having a fundraiser in his honor at the same time, will nevertheless spend time to communicate with our members.

Mr. Barker discussed the possibility of Belmont as a potential place for new businesses to take place, and made people aware that they are individuals who are interested in adding revenue such as VLTs casino, hotel and outlets. The community has had a lot of meetings, in that individuals were able to express their concerns and voice their opinions with this important matter.

In regard to future development of a Supermarket, Mr. Barker made the membership aware that there is a plan to have one along Hempstead Turnpike, and the talks is to have it at the old Argo Theatre. Mr. Barker suggested to have the supermarket be constructed in the current Home Depot shopping center. Mr. Barker opened the floor for additional suggestions.

Mrs. Singh asked why did the Wauldbaums supermarket leave in the first place. The response was that, the answer isn't clear, but it had to do with not enough profit and the termination or discontinuation of the lease. Also noted was that Home Depot did also expand.

Mr. Piil noted that the welding place on Hempstead Turnpike was knocked down, and the rumor is to have Supermarket at its location. Noted was that the property isn't large, and it lacks sufficient place for parking. He agreed that adding the supermarket by Home Depot would be better.

Mr. Smith noted, that the idea of adding a supermarket at the Home Depot Shopping Center is a good idea however there is the issue of the buses. He is concerned about the health and environmental damages that the buses cause to the surrounding properties and the health of individuals around. He believed that Elmont should not be subsidizing a corporate bus company, and feel that the other communities of the high school district is taking advantage of us.

Mr. Piil noted that with NYRA, the Belmont Park has become a dinosaur who gives more importance to housing horses than caring about people. Senior housing could be an alternative plan.

Mr. Mirza presented himself as the Democrat and Working Family candidate for the Nassau County Legislature, Third District, and is a father, single parent of a daughter attending Northwestern University. He became more involved with government, in regard to the continuous increase of taxes, and made people aware that we are paying more taxes than in Garden City. He mentioned that he helped to bring in Sustainable Long Island to Elmont, to help revitalize the area and to help bring in new ideas and advancements for business. To decrease taxes, Mr. Mirza believes that we need to increase the county tax base, without increase the burden on residents by revitalizing business in return will bring in more taxes and increase in sales tax. He hopes to have more people come into Nassau County to shop.

Committee Reports:
School District, nothing to be reported. Many of the members stop attending the meetings due to their displeasure of the atmosphere of the meetings and the tension portrayed.
Sustainable Long Island, Mr. Nicolosi reported that Walmart and other corporations are meeting with local officials, including our school superintendents, in regard to their interest in building in Elmont. Also mentioned was the report that Albany is looking into changing the way schools are funded by the state,
Civic Coalition Council, Mr. Nicolosi reported that a letter was sent to Town Supervisor Kate Murray, and State Senator Dean Skelos, individuals who represent us, to ask them to show up at a community meeting.

Mrs. Davidson, noted that Elmont is at a critical point. Our streets are dirty, many of our children are out of control, and large number of cars parked on the streets, even with properties having empty driveways.

Mrs. Jakab, mentioned that another issue, and perhaps the root to the problem with our streets filled with cars, is the issue of illegal apartments. There needs to be greater enforcement in preventing the use of basement apartments that are illegal, and a safety hazard.

In regard to parking, Mr. Rodriguez noted that in our area there is currently no parking between 10am to 4pm. He felt that enforcement of current codes should take priority over adding something like no over night parking. A return to the parking sticker, and enforcement of it is necessary. Once progress is met, then we can advance in regard to over night parking. The membership agrees that this is an appropriate step to take in the manner.

Mr. Rodriguez made the motion, that in regard to various complaints in regard to garbage, and businesses not cleaning, it perhaps be of interest to invite a representative from Sanitation Six to attend the meeting. The motion was moved by Mrs. Davidson, and seconded by Mrs. Jakab, and approved unanimously.

There was concerns about our next meeting being close to Thanksgiving, however the civic will still hold its next meeting on November 15th.

Belmont Park Future

There are needs for major changes and or added contributions from Belmont Park to Elmont. Improved elements that would include the beautification of the area and greater revenue to compensate in particular our school taxes.

Belmont Park has a rich history since it opened in 1905. It is known as the championship track, where all eleven of the triple crown winners claimed their victory. Aside from horse racing, its history includes the 1910 International Aviation Tournament. Some 150,000 people were drawn to the track on Oct. 30, 1910 at the climax of the a Wright Brothers-staged international aerial tournament. The event came to be during a period (1910, 1911 and 1912) in which racing was outlawed in New York State.

Outsiders call Belmont, one of the most beautiful tracks in the world with its landscaping, and its park behind the grandstand. Since 1955, Belmont Park and its sister tracks (Saratoga, Aqueduct and the defunct Jamaica) are operated by NYRA, formerly known as the Greater New York Association.

Elmont is the gateway and the entrance to Long Island. The Belmont Park borders, Hempstead Turnpike (State Route 24), a main artery and it needs to be beautiful. There is no clear visible difference between Queens County (NYC) and Nassau County (Long Island). There is a need for a more welcoming entrance. A suggestion is a decorated triangle with a statue of a famous Belmont Winner, whether it is Secretariat, or Affirmed the last horse to hold the honor of a Triple Crown winner. Ruffian is also a good choice for her her incredible love of running and unwillingness to lose. Whatever gets done needs to be something that is welcoming, and clearly displays that Elmont is a beautiful place to live. Other improvement projects should include the sidewalks that need to be cleaner, and enlarged. Bus stops along the park's southern border needs to be maintained and modernized to help the commuting residents in the area. Lastly, the boundaries of the Belmont Park needs be improved. Assistance to nearby businesses in terms of expansion of the track's necessities, bringing in more customers, more community involvement and communication and most importantly supporting an appropriate market for the residential neighborhood that surrounds it.

Inside the race track has a lot of potential. One idea would be to add a children’s museum for all children to learn about horses, the history of horse racing, the history of Belmont Park, and about Elmont, because it is an historical landmark. A small community/convention center can also be added to enhance the cultural element. Elmont is a residential and family community and the musuem will be a benefit for all children, including the over 8,000 in Elmont elementary and high schools, and in addition, the nearby Floral Park-Bellrose schools that shares it borders with the race track, such as the High School to the east, and the elementary school to the north, separated only by a fence.

Though the idea of adding a museum and a community / convention center may not add as much revenue such as from casino like Video Lottery Terminals or perhaps even a hotel, but such propositions are not viable solutions to our residential neighborhood nor the family atmosphere that Belmont Park tries to portray. Those options will serve as a disservice to the community and tarnish the image of Elmont and Belmont Park. Video lottery terminals serve only as a quick money fix, and are not a solution to helping horse racing or improving the elements of the track. Horse racing does not occur year long, and a hotel will be for a large portion of the year be unused.


If Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are added, What will prevent the state to permit additional slot machines in the future to other near by locations? If they allow them in one place, what will prevent them from adding them in a restaurant, your local deli, or your neighbor? Aqueduct is a better choice because for VLTs because they serve as a way to ensure the location survives. With current plans, Belmont Park will be receiving 10 to 15 million dollars a year for capital projects from Aqueduct's VLTs. As of right now, it is illegal to have VLTs at Belmont Park due to New York State Law.

Elmont dissatisfaction in the Belmont Park is party due to NYRA's lack of contribution and communication to the Elmont community. Reports state that there are years in that taxes aren't being paid. Additionally, any money that is made from Belmont, Elmont never really sees cause it goes to a general fund at the County. (approx 10.6 million a year). Just recently the County invested $40,000 and the money matched by the Town of Hempstead to create studies, visioning and plans for improving the area outside the park. Just now, after so many years are the rusting fences being painted and potential plans to improve the eye sore stables that Elmont residents see as they pass by. With a new contract, Elmont has the opportunity to ensure that revenues get assigned to generate projects, community services and capital improvement projects.

There are other alternatives such as a shopping center or a small outlet center with recognizable names to generate revenue and taxes for Elmont. These alternatives help to enhance the racing element of the track, as they serve as a way for patrons to spend the day at a wonderful facility. Families can then enjoy the race track, visit the museum, shop and eat at good restaurants and spend the day at a beautiful and historic park. We are searching for beautification, and restoring Belmont to its former glory, and not just making money. Hard work and desire for enhancement and being the best represents what Elmont and Long Island is about.

Elmont appreciates culture, as evident by the wonderful library we have. A museum would extend that notion, and become a welcoming site for everyone to enjoy, learn and appreciate what Elmont is about. A community / convention center could help unite Elmont even more, and its neighboring communities. That, is Elmont Today.

The Locustwood / Gotham Civic Association, has a special relationship with Belmont Park. It is the civic that is directly affected by changes to the Belmont Park, because the civic area covers the entire southern length of the park, and its address is technically in the civic area. Many of our members live just half a block away from the race track, are concerned about the quality of life changes that might occur. Members in the area know the implications of changes and events at the Belmont Park, from witnessing patrons parking in front of our homes and the effects of patrons and workers from the park interaction with the vicinity. We all want to ensure that any changes are positive and benefit our community both with tax compensation and beautification.