NYRA been a bad neighbor. NYRA hasn't helped the surrounding stores and businesses. NYRA doesn't care about Elmont. These are the words of our locally elected representatives in Albany.
What can we say about their oversight on NYRA?
Probably the same things.
Truth is, NYRA isn't the typical bad neighbor; but one that got lazy because no one bothered to watch them. Their hands got caught in the cookie jar, and they vouch for change; and perhaps it is for the better. They've been there for over 50 years. In the early 1900s, that plot of land was up for sale. The mostly rural setting was worried, that another large plot of land (600 acres at the time), would be sold to add another cemetery in the community.
Fortunately, the likes of Belmont and Morgan, bought the land, back then known as the Oatlands. There was a Tudor-Gothic Mansion surrounded by "ancient trees" and where the Turf and Field Club remained till 1956.
1903, in part to immigrants (from Italy, Poland and Ireland) helped to build Belmont Park. Many of these immigrants later stayed and helped formed the first suburbia, and Elmont. So from its commencement in 1905 to 1965, it was the Westchester Racing Association that owned the property, led by Belmont II.
It was in 1965, that New York State, decided in order to provide a competitive and controlled (and the best) racing in America, a single entity should control the four major racing tracks in New York. Thus the Greater Racing Association of New York was formed. They purchased the shares and deeds of the 4 tracks. One year later, they become known as its current name, New York Racing Association (NYRA).
By 1966, NYRA was in full flight, and "modernizing" the tracks at Belmont and Aqueduct. The historic mansion was demolished, and big giant "ancient trees" were cleared to make way. However, the "old tree" remained, giving us a glimmer as to what this land was once before.
Thanks to NYRA, we were able to witness, the glorious racing of Secretariat, the tragic end of Ruffian, Seabiscuit cross the country in train to race, the record of the largest attendance at a sporting event, and the honor of hosting the first sporting event in the US, after the tragedy of 9-11.
With its history, lore and glamor, from the place where US Air Mail first took flight, where the Wright Brothers held their International Air Flight Competition, to where the French King sought asylum from political persecution. It is a place, where others would be jealous of what it means.
The 600 acres once known as the Oatlands, and now Belmont Park, is no longer 600 acres. Its Southwest corner, converted to a city park, its northwest corner, converted to an Elementary School, its Southeastern corner, converted to a small police hub, and its western corner having the Cross Island Expressway, and a train station. Nevertheless, it remains being 430 acres, give or take.
Belmont history and lore has been forgotten. Forgotten by even the politicians who swore to seek out what is best for our community. When approached with the idea of adding a museum, to attract visitors, restore and reunite the community; we got the rude response, "when are we going to be done speaking." Needless to say, this came from the same individual who said, "Who's going to pay for the traffic light," in regard to a dangerous place on Hempstead Turnpike where numerous accidents and fatalities had occurred.
However, VLTs took a higher priority. Where did these same individuals sought to gain support for them? By visiting a local elementary school. Let me ask you this. How would feel if your state elected official visited the elementary school of your child, and talked to them how VLTs (in simpler terms gambling) will help their education. This is extremely sad, and in one word: tragic.
Tragic in that, they can convince individuals that gambling money is the only way to help Elmont. It is tragic to see, the hard work of Italian, Irish and Polish workers to build the best Racing Track in America, be shortchanged and demoralized into a VLT parlor.
Todays residents of our great community, will suffer tremendously. Let's don't forget that less than 6% of the money spent on VLTs actually go to education. Simply think, of all the potential lives that are risk, the individuals and families who are ruined. I am concerned for the welfare of the children of the community. I am aware of what VLTs had done to that poor baby who died in her mothers car in South Carolina, because she had to go and gamble on VLTs. I am aware of likes of what happen in Kentucky, West Virginia, New Brunswick, Rhode Island, Quebec, Alberta, and others (just naming a few from news reports and studies) where children are affected, unable to get supplies for school, become addicted themselves and are unable to live a normal life cause of what VLTs had done to their families and community. These are the harsh reality, and the deep cutting price and long lasting affect VLTs have.
Let us bring back what Belmont Park was. Bring back the Turf and Field Mansion. Make into a museum, a community center. Have a place to hold concerts, community events and make it friendly, and family oriented place. The community wants an improvement at Belmont. not its destruction. We only hope that the media will not remain one sided by only listening to individuals who live across town, or in farther away communities, but take into account the opinions and sentiments of people that actually live around Belmont Park.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
VLTs Placement Should Be Limited
We Suggest the following restrictions to be implemented in New York State in regard to placement of VLTs
1. VLTs should not be installed within 10 miles of a prior planned or installed facility. No two VLTs should share the same 10 mile radius.
2. VLTs should not be installed within 1500 feet of a school facility. This is not limited to the exact location to the machines, but access to the facility that supports or contain these machines.
1. VLTs should not be installed within 10 miles of a prior planned or installed facility. No two VLTs should share the same 10 mile radius.
2. VLTs should not be installed within 1500 feet of a school facility. This is not limited to the exact location to the machines, but access to the facility that supports or contain these machines.
States and its Lotteries and Gambling
Some interesting facts and statements:
In 2000, New York State kept 38 percent of its lottery revenue for education. That share has dropped to 32 percent, but the dollar amount rose from $1.3 billion in 2000 to $2.2 billion last year.
But Jerry McPeak, a Democratic state representative in Oklahoma, said states that have committed to a percentage should not later lower that number.
“I think if you pass a lottery and tell people that a certain proportion of those dollars are going to something like education, then you ought to keep your word,” Mr. McPeak said.
Source: For Schools, Lottery Payoffs Fall Short of Promises, New York Times. October 17, 2007.
They say the games take particular advantage of the most vulnerable members of society, including the poor and members of minority groups.
“Scratch-off tickets are to the lottery what crack is to cocaine,” said State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, a Democrat who represents El Paso.
Source: The $50 Ticket: A Lottery Boon Raises Concern, The New York Times, December 27, 2007
But make no mistake, gambling is a tax - the worst kind. As Money magazine reported, it is inefficient since most of it goes to prizes and administration. And it mostly taxes the poor because, as the Illinois Lottery billboards in poor neighbourhoods used to say, "This could be your ticket out".
For those of us who buy and don't win, it is a 100% tax. (If all it takes for us to accept a 100% tax rate is to have a chance - ever so slight - to win big, then why not have an Income Tax Roulette game: when we send in our income tax returns, a certain percentage of us win back the amount we would have had to pay.)
Aren't VLTs just the poor man's stock market? Aren't we surrounded by breathless billboards about the next big jackpot, media glorifying the newest millionaires, hospitals organizing casino nights and dream lotteries?
Source: New Brunswick Telegraph Journal April 2001
New York Racing Association Chairman Barry Schwartz said NYRA's two main concerns with the installation of the VLTs are the "continuance of our existing relationship" and the negative impact "we feel the VLTs will have on the 36-day Thoroughbred meet.
Source: Thoroughbred Times. January 29, 2002.
In 2000, New York State kept 38 percent of its lottery revenue for education. That share has dropped to 32 percent, but the dollar amount rose from $1.3 billion in 2000 to $2.2 billion last year.
But Jerry McPeak, a Democratic state representative in Oklahoma, said states that have committed to a percentage should not later lower that number.
“I think if you pass a lottery and tell people that a certain proportion of those dollars are going to something like education, then you ought to keep your word,” Mr. McPeak said.
Source: For Schools, Lottery Payoffs Fall Short of Promises, New York Times. October 17, 2007.
They say the games take particular advantage of the most vulnerable members of society, including the poor and members of minority groups.
“Scratch-off tickets are to the lottery what crack is to cocaine,” said State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, a Democrat who represents El Paso.
Source: The $50 Ticket: A Lottery Boon Raises Concern, The New York Times, December 27, 2007
But make no mistake, gambling is a tax - the worst kind. As Money magazine reported, it is inefficient since most of it goes to prizes and administration. And it mostly taxes the poor because, as the Illinois Lottery billboards in poor neighbourhoods used to say, "This could be your ticket out".
For those of us who buy and don't win, it is a 100% tax. (If all it takes for us to accept a 100% tax rate is to have a chance - ever so slight - to win big, then why not have an Income Tax Roulette game: when we send in our income tax returns, a certain percentage of us win back the amount we would have had to pay.)
Aren't VLTs just the poor man's stock market? Aren't we surrounded by breathless billboards about the next big jackpot, media glorifying the newest millionaires, hospitals organizing casino nights and dream lotteries?
Source: New Brunswick Telegraph Journal April 2001
New York Racing Association Chairman Barry Schwartz said NYRA's two main concerns with the installation of the VLTs are the "continuance of our existing relationship" and the negative impact "we feel the VLTs will have on the 36-day Thoroughbred meet.
Source: Thoroughbred Times. January 29, 2002.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Preserve Belmont
After reading an article in Thoroughbred Times, where the Preservation
League of New York State placed Saratoga Race Track to its list; we are
concerned and perhaps confused as to why Belmont Park is not on the same
list.
Belmont Park is sharing the potentially same fate as Saratoga, yet it
served a far greater historical contribution to the horse racing
community. The decision to construct the Belmont Race Track was in
reference to the historical racing that occurred on the Hempstead Plains
during the 1600s when Richard Nicolls would sponsored races. Horse racing
had occurred in the surrounding areas of the Belmont Park, close to 100
years prior to Saratoga. Thus, supporting a far richer historical
significance.
Additionally, Belmont Park is the home track of the triple crown; where
the most historical, significant, and memorable races has occurred in
horse racing history.
We hope that members of the Preservation League and others in New York
State, value the accomplishments of Belmont Park, and its contribution to
the history of New York State, and of our great country. We have been
advocating a museum at Belmont Park for some time now. With NYRA
re-mastering its recordings and films, it may serve as a great opportunity
to revitalize Belmont Park historical nature and ensure its legacy lives
on properly.
Friday, December 14, 2007
NYRA: VLTs Not Needed
Reported by CBSSports, NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward stated that "NYRA can be profitable by the end of 2009... with or without the start-up of Video Lottery Terminals."
With proper oversight, and increase participation with the community, Belmont Park can once again regain its glory with the surrounding residents and families. Let us restore the greatness of horse racing that Belmont Park has shown for over a century, without destroying its essence.
Churchill Downs, has the Kentucky Derby Museum. www.derbymuseum.org
It would serve as a wonderful opportunity for family and children from around our area to explore the rich history Belmont Park has, the Triple Crown Jewel in horse racing. Proceeds from ticket sales and tours could go to improving the facilities and the ambiance of the surrounding areas.
With proper oversight, and increase participation with the community, Belmont Park can once again regain its glory with the surrounding residents and families. Let us restore the greatness of horse racing that Belmont Park has shown for over a century, without destroying its essence.
Churchill Downs, has the Kentucky Derby Museum. www.derbymuseum.org
It would serve as a wonderful opportunity for family and children from around our area to explore the rich history Belmont Park has, the Triple Crown Jewel in horse racing. Proceeds from ticket sales and tours could go to improving the facilities and the ambiance of the surrounding areas.
Monday, December 10, 2007
VLTs in NY Shutting Down
Tioga and Vernon Downs are considering closing down, due to high costs, taxes owed to the State, and tough competition. These racinos are the first to formally announce the possible closure at the end of the year, and as highly speculated Yonkers Racino may follow in suit.
The NY State Senate, passed a measure to reduce these racinos' tax obligation to the state by 10%. In other words, 10% less will be going to help education funding, because the racinos need more money for marketing.
Even though it does make some sense, especially since there is competition with Native American, Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, and other NY State racinos, that marketing might be useful. Though, we should ask ourselves how successful are those NY Lottery TV and radio commercials?
With competition already very high, many in the NY State Senate wish to add even more racinos in New York. Common sense tells us, if competition is heavy and racinos are being forced to close; that adding more racinos is not a suitable solution.
Proponents for VLTs argue that New York earned $273 million dollars from VLTs, from 2006-2007. Which when it gets divided, Elmont UFSD receives a check of about $500,000. Yes, it is better than nothing, but in terms of tax relief its contribution is nil. But what many proponents of VLTs would not mention is, how much money is gambled on VLTs.
In 2006-2007, $6.4 billion dollars were spent on VLTs. With only 4.2% of it, actually going to education. 91.9% goes to credit won, or simpler terms prize winnings. With numbers like these, it is no surprise that racinos are losing money. Again, notice where the NY Senate plans to fix this...not the credit win aspect, but the education funding.
During the same time, the NY State Lottery, received a total of $6.6 billion dollars. This figure just marginally higher than that of the VLTs figure. However, 31.2% and $2 billion dollars actually goes to funding education. There is a huge difference between $273 million and $2 billion.
Distribution of VLT funds in NY is broken. New York is still very young in terms of VLTs, and its implications.
New Brunswick, Canada has had VLTs since 1989, the first province to obtain them. Today, they are downsizing and reducing the numbers and locations of VLTs. An idea, that originally thought would bring in revenue for tax relief, instead brought much grief. Close to 5% of the population became addicted gamblers due to VLTs. 56% of the popular knows someone close to them who is an addicted gambler. The population has grown intensively wary about the moral implications on their society, and the effects of it on their children, who many look at VLTs as entertainment and culture high-life. Today, 70% of the population there oppose having them in their community.
Let us hope that the same mistake will not happen in New York. Let is start in Elmont: where morality and our concerns for our children's future must and should come first.
The NY State Senate, passed a measure to reduce these racinos' tax obligation to the state by 10%. In other words, 10% less will be going to help education funding, because the racinos need more money for marketing.
Even though it does make some sense, especially since there is competition with Native American, Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, and other NY State racinos, that marketing might be useful. Though, we should ask ourselves how successful are those NY Lottery TV and radio commercials?
With competition already very high, many in the NY State Senate wish to add even more racinos in New York. Common sense tells us, if competition is heavy and racinos are being forced to close; that adding more racinos is not a suitable solution.
Proponents for VLTs argue that New York earned $273 million dollars from VLTs, from 2006-2007. Which when it gets divided, Elmont UFSD receives a check of about $500,000. Yes, it is better than nothing, but in terms of tax relief its contribution is nil. But what many proponents of VLTs would not mention is, how much money is gambled on VLTs.
In 2006-2007, $6.4 billion dollars were spent on VLTs. With only 4.2% of it, actually going to education. 91.9% goes to credit won, or simpler terms prize winnings. With numbers like these, it is no surprise that racinos are losing money. Again, notice where the NY Senate plans to fix this...not the credit win aspect, but the education funding.
During the same time, the NY State Lottery, received a total of $6.6 billion dollars. This figure just marginally higher than that of the VLTs figure. However, 31.2% and $2 billion dollars actually goes to funding education. There is a huge difference between $273 million and $2 billion.
Distribution of VLT funds in NY is broken. New York is still very young in terms of VLTs, and its implications.New Brunswick, Canada has had VLTs since 1989, the first province to obtain them. Today, they are downsizing and reducing the numbers and locations of VLTs. An idea, that originally thought would bring in revenue for tax relief, instead brought much grief. Close to 5% of the population became addicted gamblers due to VLTs. 56% of the popular knows someone close to them who is an addicted gambler. The population has grown intensively wary about the moral implications on their society, and the effects of it on their children, who many look at VLTs as entertainment and culture high-life. Today, 70% of the population there oppose having them in their community.
Let us hope that the same mistake will not happen in New York. Let is start in Elmont: where morality and our concerns for our children's future must and should come first.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Why Say No to VLTs?
There are numerous reasons why we oppose VLTs. Below are just some of the reasons.
1. VLTs provide the most addicting version of gambling. It is highly visual, quick and easy in that it requires no skills. VLTs display the greatest rate of gambling addicts. When gambling appears in a community, it brings a wave of addiction. In a mature gambling market, compulsive gambling typically seizes the lives of 1.5% to 2.5% of the adult population. That amounts to three to five times the number of people suffering from cancer. 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."
2. VLTs will bring social and economic costs. Studies show that costs include bankruptcy, tax fraud, loan and credit card fraud, embezzlement, assault, theft, child and spousal abuse, investigatory, judiciary and penal costs, overloading of infrastructure, payment default, loss of business and several others. Gambling costs more than raising taxes. Each compulsive gambler costs the economy between $14,006 and $22,077 per year. Various studies have placed the costs from equal to revenues to five times revenues. We find the issue of traffic, crime, and intrusion into the quality of life of a single family residential area to be troublesome.
3. Most at risk are those who live close. Studies show that eighty percent of VLT gamblers reside within 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. Therefore, it is the citizens of the surrounding location who are most at risk in facing the social and economic hardships from VLTs.
4. VLTs will not help our children. Dr. Zabilka a former proponent to VLTs in Kentucky states the follow reflection: "... (Ten) years ago I had my first experience of seeing children in my classroom suffering from hunger because there was no money at home for food, because it had all been spent on the lottery. That experience was so strong that it changed me from an indifferent occasional bettor and participant in office pools and sweepstakes, to a passionate opponent of gambling in all its forms." We do not want the children of our community to suffer. "I believe that our state legislators should be responsible and find another way to fund our schools. We can't destroy neighborhoods and people's lives and that's the piece people just don't get." - educator and Baltimore, MD City Council President, Sheila Dixon. We are in total agreement.
5. Funds from VLTs are unpredictably and unreliable. The funds are handled similarly as the Lottery, where revenue isn't going directly to education as originally intended nor stated. Many consider the lottery system as a failure as the VLT system following in suit. A figure of $20 million dollars, similar in nature as the one given to Yonkers was presented. However, what was misleading was that the $20 million dollars are going to fund the education of Elmont's children. Instead it is divided.
Divided in funding police. Funding for beautification project. Then the rest divided among three school districts.
What amount will be left for Elmont? How much of it will actually benefit the children of Elmont?
We will find Elmont with a extra funding of maybe $4.6 million combined for our two school districts. For some it may seem a lot. However, when you look at it in terms of the big picture; elementary and high school budgets at over 60 and 140 million respectfully. We are getting no more than a 2% increase from the state. To note, this figure does not include any additional expenses, and with school budgets rising after each year, its financial contribution will be even more minimal.
This is something that our state representatives should be working to get for the children of Elmont, without the need of installing VLTs, and its potential to damage families, children's' future, value of our homes and quality of our life. Just like the plan given to Yonkers and Saratoga, the funding is always dependent on its placement in the New York State budget. The funds come from the general fund, and therefore we technically do not have a guarantee, if we'll consistently get that amount (agreement is for up to $20 million), or any amount five years from now.
6. VLTs in New York has not lived up to expectations. State representatives originally expected machines to have a $400-$500 per day revenue. Yonkers Raceway fell dramatically with its current $192 per day revenue. Even resort community Saratoga Springs, only reached $258 per day revenue per machine. Based on a June 2007, NY Times article, Casino operators at Yonkers want the State to help them, because they are losing $12 million a year and sought for Senator Larkin to propose a bill to help racinos, by reducing their obligation to education by 20%.
7. There are currently too many racinos in New York State. The idea of having multiple near by racinos to the NY Metro area is troublesome. Aqueduct is currently less than 8 miles away from Belmont. Multiple competitive racinos may actually hurt funding.
8. VLTs will change the image of Belmont Park negatively. We believe it is important it is that we maintain the integrity and character that has madeBelmont
9. VLTs are morally wrong. "Avoid gaming. This is a vice which is productive of every possible evil., equally injurious to the morals and health of its votaries. It is the child of Avarice, the brother inequity, the father of Mischief. It has been the ruin of many worthy families: the loss of many a man's honor and the cause of Suicide." - George Washington, 1783.
The following organizations are opposed to gambling and / or VLTs:
Frank Padavan - State Senator - Vice President Pro Tempore - Republican 11th District Queens
Sheldon Silver - State Assemblyman - Assembly Speaker - Democrat - 64th Assembly District - Manhattan
Sam Hoyt - State Assemblyman - Democrat - 144th Assembly District - Buffalo
William Parment - State Assemblyman - Democrat - 150th Assembly District - Jamestown
10. VLTs have created unnecessary casualties. We do not want what happened in South Carolina to happen here. South Carolina eliminated VLTs after a baby died as her mom gambled on VLTs. We must face the harsh reality and consequences of VLTs.
11. Youths are most at risk. October 2007 New York State report stated that 1 in 5 youths are hooked on gambling. This is largely due to on-line and electronic type gambling, that are identical to VLTs. Promoting VLTs at an elementary school only helps to promote this troublesome issue. Representatives in Albany should be working to help prevent gambling, and especially protect our children.
We agree in a plan for beautification. We agree with a plan to improve upon the restaurants (3-4) already inside Belmont Park and perhaps add another. We agree to install stores and shops. We also would be in favor of a convention center / hotel inside Belmont Park, similar in nature to the historic club house demolished in 1960. Something that will highlight and showcase the historic nature of the grounds. There is no need for VLTs nor their consequences.
We as residents of Elmont, and the surrounding communities must not be fooled by the false hopes of politicians seeking reelection. We must examine all the facts, look both sides of every issue. Why are some communities so adamantly against VLTs and casinos? What makes individuals think that Elmont is different and thus is a positive thing? Is it because the people from Elmont are different from other communities? Yes, we want change. We want positive change; and yes, the locals want respect.
1. VLTs provide the most addicting version of gambling. It is highly visual, quick and easy in that it requires no skills. VLTs display the greatest rate of gambling addicts. When gambling appears in a community, it brings a wave of addiction. In a mature gambling market, compulsive gambling typically seizes the lives of 1.5% to 2.5% of the adult population. That amounts to three to five times the number of people suffering from cancer. 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."
2. VLTs will bring social and economic costs. Studies show that costs include bankruptcy, tax fraud, loan and credit card fraud, embezzlement, assault, theft, child and spousal abuse, investigatory, judiciary and penal costs, overloading of infrastructure, payment default, loss of business and several others. Gambling costs more than raising taxes. Each compulsive gambler costs the economy between $14,006 and $22,077 per year. Various studies have placed the costs from equal to revenues to five times revenues. We find the issue of traffic, crime, and intrusion into the quality of life of a single family residential area to be troublesome.
3. Most at risk are those who live close. Studies show that eighty percent of VLT gamblers reside within 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. Therefore, it is the citizens of the surrounding location who are most at risk in facing the social and economic hardships from VLTs.
4. VLTs will not help our children. Dr. Zabilka a former proponent to VLTs in Kentucky states the follow reflection: "... (Ten) years ago I had my first experience of seeing children in my classroom suffering from hunger because there was no money at home for food, because it had all been spent on the lottery. That experience was so strong that it changed me from an indifferent occasional bettor and participant in office pools and sweepstakes, to a passionate opponent of gambling in all its forms." We do not want the children of our community to suffer. "I believe that our state legislators should be responsible and find another way to fund our schools. We can't destroy neighborhoods and people's lives and that's the piece people just don't get." - educator and Baltimore, MD City Council President, Sheila Dixon. We are in total agreement.
5. Funds from VLTs are unpredictably and unreliable. The funds are handled similarly as the Lottery, where revenue isn't going directly to education as originally intended nor stated. Many consider the lottery system as a failure as the VLT system following in suit. A figure of $20 million dollars, similar in nature as the one given to Yonkers was presented. However, what was misleading was that the $20 million dollars are going to fund the education of Elmont's children. Instead it is divided.
Divided in funding police. Funding for beautification project. Then the rest divided among three school districts.
What amount will be left for Elmont? How much of it will actually benefit the children of Elmont?
We will find Elmont with a extra funding of maybe $4.6 million combined for our two school districts. For some it may seem a lot. However, when you look at it in terms of the big picture; elementary and high school budgets at over 60 and 140 million respectfully. We are getting no more than a 2% increase from the state. To note, this figure does not include any additional expenses, and with school budgets rising after each year, its financial contribution will be even more minimal.
This is something that our state representatives should be working to get for the children of Elmont, without the need of installing VLTs, and its potential to damage families, children's' future, value of our homes and quality of our life. Just like the plan given to Yonkers and Saratoga, the funding is always dependent on its placement in the New York State budget. The funds come from the general fund, and therefore we technically do not have a guarantee, if we'll consistently get that amount (agreement is for up to $20 million), or any amount five years from now.
6. VLTs in New York has not lived up to expectations. State representatives originally expected machines to have a $400-$500 per day revenue. Yonkers Raceway fell dramatically with its current $192 per day revenue. Even resort community Saratoga Springs, only reached $258 per day revenue per machine. Based on a June 2007, NY Times article, Casino operators at Yonkers want the State to help them, because they are losing $12 million a year and sought for Senator Larkin to propose a bill to help racinos, by reducing their obligation to education by 20%.
7. There are currently too many racinos in New York State. The idea of having multiple near by racinos to the NY Metro area is troublesome. Aqueduct is currently less than 8 miles away from Belmont. Multiple competitive racinos may actually hurt funding.
8. VLTs will change the image of Belmont Park negatively. We believe it is important it is that we maintain the integrity and character that has made
9. VLTs are morally wrong. "Avoid gaming. This is a vice which is productive of every possible evil., equally injurious to the morals and health of its votaries. It is the child of Avarice, the brother inequity, the father of Mischief. It has been the ruin of many worthy families: the loss of many a man's honor and the cause of Suicide." - George Washington, 1783.
The following organizations are opposed to gambling and / or VLTs:
National:
Citizens Equal Rights Alliance
Community Forum
Concerned Women for America
Focus on the Family
National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling
United Property Owners
Reservation Report
United Methodist Church
USPACT
New York:
Casinos-Free Sullivan County
Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County
Citizens for a Better Buffalo
Don't Gamble Our Future
Oneida Land Claims Victim
New Yorkers Family Research Foundation, Inc.
No Casino 1000 Islands
No Casinos Erie County
NoSaugertiesCasino
Save the East End
Shawangunk Ridge Coalition
Stop the Casino in Hampton Bays
Upstate Citizens for Equality
Western New York Coalition for Progress
Coalition Against Gambling of New York
Conservative Party of New York State
Frank Padavan - State Senator - Vice President Pro Tempore - Republican 11th District Queens
Sheldon Silver - State Assemblyman - Assembly Speaker - Democrat - 64th Assembly District - Manhattan
Sam Hoyt - State Assemblyman - Democrat - 144th Assembly District - Buffalo
William Parment - State Assemblyman - Democrat - 150th Assembly District - Jamestown
10. VLTs have created unnecessary casualties. We do not want what happened in South Carolina to happen here. South Carolina eliminated VLTs after a baby died as her mom gambled on VLTs. We must face the harsh reality and consequences of VLTs.
11. Youths are most at risk. October 2007 New York State report stated that 1 in 5 youths are hooked on gambling. This is largely due to on-line and electronic type gambling, that are identical to VLTs. Promoting VLTs at an elementary school only helps to promote this troublesome issue. Representatives in Albany should be working to help prevent gambling, and especially protect our children.
We agree in a plan for beautification. We agree with a plan to improve upon the restaurants (3-4) already inside Belmont Park and perhaps add another. We agree to install stores and shops. We also would be in favor of a convention center / hotel inside Belmont Park, similar in nature to the historic club house demolished in 1960. Something that will highlight and showcase the historic nature of the grounds. There is no need for VLTs nor their consequences.
We as residents of Elmont, and the surrounding communities must not be fooled by the false hopes of politicians seeking reelection. We must examine all the facts, look both sides of every issue. Why are some communities so adamantly against VLTs and casinos? What makes individuals think that Elmont is different and thus is a positive thing? Is it because the people from Elmont are different from other communities? Yes, we want change. We want positive change; and yes, the locals want respect.
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