Elmont Health Center Work Authorized?

The Civic received numerous phone calls today pertaining to construction occurring at the Elmont Health Center. Residents of Locustwood Estates, the neighborhood directly south of Belmont Park are furious.

Despite the inclement weather, with snow and mixed rain, construction and work with machinery were taken place on Sunday, December 21, 2008. None of the neighbors were advised and the manner in that the work is being done have residents questioning whether it is authorized and whether proper safety precautions are being taken.

Many questions arose from this secret construction. Were Town Building Inspectors aware of the work, and was the roof integrity inspected to ensure the safety of the workers, and the future condition of the building?

As neighboring residents were not aware of this work, residents also question whether or not the Town Zoning Board were aware of this construction.

Phone calls to local officials pertaining to this manner have been unanswered.

Community Civic and Residents Oppose VLTs

The Locustwood Estates founded in 1929, and renamed in 1989 to the Locustwood / Gotham Civic Association serves as the civic that represents the homeowners, families and children of the residents that reside in the western section of the hamlet of Elmont. Slightly over eighty percent of Belmont Park is within the area referred to as Locustwood Estates. As the civic with the closest proximity to Belmont Park, and ultimately the greatest impact to development at the location, we had done an extensive research and study as to what would best fit the community, as well the needs of the taxpayers and the benefit of the horse racing industry.

The Locustwood / Gotham Civic Association, in conjunction with research and community responses from Elmontcivic.com recommends the State of New York and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to oppose Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at Belmont Park.

The State is in a tough economic situation. There is a conscious strategy across the nation on part of the gambling industry to take advantage of States who are forced to make these tough decisions. There is no evidence that states with large sources of gambling revenues are better financially or better off in providing services to the citizens of its State.

In 1999, a Federal Commission reported, “States should refuse to allow the introduction of casino style gambling including VLTs into pari-mutuel facilities.” Largely because of deceptive advertising practices, and how these facilities tend to target minority and poor communities. As Newsday recently reported, Elmont is a lower-middle class, working and multi-cultural community. Elmont is a community that is most at risk and vulnerable to the social and economic damages that VLTs create.

The University of Alabama in May 2008 identified scientific proof that gamblers of VLTs have the same chemical reaction similar to cocaine, according to high-tech imaging that looks inside the brain. A 2004 New York State Senate study found that VLTs are the most addictive and most dangerous form of gambling. In 2002, even casino advocate US Senator John McCain, acknowledged to a crowd in South Carolina, those electronic games such as VLTs hurt families and communities.

While New York State may receive some financial benefit because of expanding gambling, the social and economic burden will fall on the community. Counties that have gambling facilities have bankruptcy rates go up by over 18%. Small business around casinos often close due to financial loses, and there is a degradation of quality of jobs, and the local work force and their opportunities for self-growth. Ultimately, the result to the local community is another mandated cost. Social costs are staggering after a few years a VLT operator opens. The cost to the local community is $13,000 to $22,000 for each problem gambler. Taken into account the average of problem gamblers generated by VLTS across the nation, it will cost the hamlet of Elmont $14.43 Million to $57.72 Million a year, to cover the social costs of VLTs alone. The federal study also noted that communities like Elmont with a high minority population and or youth population tend to have substantially higher financial burdens as a result. This figure does not include the costs of infrastructure, or the costs of increased police coverage nor the financial implications to other surrounding communities such as Bellerose, Floral Park, South Floral Park and Queens Village.

States across the nation are cutting back from gambling projects. Massachusetts stopped their plans of three casinos. In Buffalo, New York, the current economic climate halted the construction of a casino. In the province of New Brunswick, Canada the government eliminates 50% of VLT locations and the result was million of dollars more for the horse racing industry. Evidence that more is not always better.

Casinos in New Jersey and Las Vegas are going bankrupt and laying off thousands of jobs. Last month, Mayor Oscar Goodman of Las Vegas opposed the construction of VLTs in the city’s downtown. Instead, the Union Park downtown revitalization project focuses on creating a community and performing arts center.

NYRA Chairman Charles Hayward publically noted to CBS Sports that VLTs at Belmont is not necessary for NYRA to be profitable. In fact, last week in Bloodhorse he was quoted saying, “VLTs will not be bringing in revenues 10 years from now.”

Video Lottery Terminals bring more harm than good; provide no long-term economic benefit and only breeds corruption and degradation of families and the quality of life of communities. Russia has completely banned them. States across the nation are stopping projects. Multiple referendums last November had voters opposed to new casinos.

Tough decisions call for tough answers. While we look for quick solutions to our troubled economy, we must not forget who will have to front the burden and the most importantly the consequences in the future. It is the children, and the many who attend schools around Belmont Park, some just a hundred feet away that ultimately would face the consequences. We must look at the harsh reality. Though VLTs seem to create a quick fix, we must not be blind to the economic, social and scientific evidence that prove that not only in our State, our nation, but the world that ultimately VLTs cause more harm than good.

Schools Need More Information

Advising the public, especially the school districts about heroin arrests and the like, is vital to the security and safety of school personnel and the children that attend the public schools. At this present time, there is no way of knowing if personnel from after-school programs could be a risk, not only due to their presence but also increase trafficking. We are all aware that children are unfortunately targets. The Civic Board, had approach this idea for some time, and hope that it would have been expanded to a complete background check to school board members.It is our hopes that the wording of the bill would be accommodated to meet the needs of both caucuses to ensure the safety of school personnel and most importantly the children of our public schools.

On This Veterans Day: Perhaps All is not Forgotten

There are major holidays that we celebrate during the month of November. November 4th we had perhaps the greatest historical, if not memorable election in our life times. Whether the candidates of your choice won or not, it was clear that people were proud to vote. As President Elect Barrack Obama stated in his acceptance speech: "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

Anything is possible if we work united. Elmont for some time has been on the heels of a great renaissance. Multiple plans for revitalization, and we are glad that Governor Paterson is taking the initiative to listen to all viable plans for revitalization. Let us not forget that revitalization does not mean condemnation, destruction or even necessarily creating new elements in the community. Revitalization involves reviving a neglected part of a community, or to give new life or greater recognition.

It was the year 1998, when the community was completely united with civic associations, the ECCC, the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, and County officials to “focus on the west side of town and beautify the area around the Belmont Race Track.” The community stated, “we would like to see an equestrian museum go up on that side of town, and perhaps a few souvenir shops."

Ten years has past and what has been accomplished? The community and its youth having to “clean-up” the mess created by others. If anything is to come out of this, is the unity of frustration and disappointment that the lack of, or misguided revitalization projects had occurred. This clearly stated in multiple letters from resides expressing

If we really want to see an example of successful revitalization, all we have to do is examine Harlem. We have to explore ideas for people to want to come. Building a hotel is not a solution for bringing people. As evident with near by hotels such as the Courtesy Hotel and the Garden City Hotel they give more headaches than good. What positives would a hotel do in the middle of a residential zone area? What type of jobs would it attract? What types of people would it bring?

Ultimately, it is the residents of the Locustwood Estates area (Locustwood / Gotham / Belmont) of Elmont who has to face the burden. We once had a beautiful park, worldwide known as the finest track and training facility in the world.

We cannot be close-minded. We have to explore all possible options that are available to us. We have to listen to local input, professional input and input from outsiders. Ultimately, if we want people to come and improve the local economy we have to listen to what people from outside the community wants. We do not necessarily have to agree. Just like 20 years ago, there was a plan from individuals from New Jersey to build a hotel and the community disapproved it. For so many years, Elmont has been the source of economic assistance to the State, County and Town. It is time that financial benefits be return to Elmont and the surrounding communities.

Ultimately, if we really want to see true renaissance in our downtown, we have to explore all options and analyze its pro and cons. For example, where will people park their cars for the big races if the parking lot is gone? How would a parking garage affect the aesthetics of the Park, and the surrounding residential homes?

In this day of energy conservation, it must be noted that during the 70s a united plan with Nassau County, the city of New York and NYRA was established to create Belmont Park as a Metropolitan Mass Transit Transportation Hub. With Belmont Park’s access to busing, and trains (and subway), the parking lots serves as unique car-pooling center. The plan in the 1970s was to have express trains between Belmont and Penn Station.

Let us not forget that August Belmont was the pioneer who invested and funded the New York City Subway system. Often, the original Belmont Park Station was nicknamed the Penn Station of Long Island. A major transportation hub, would serve economic wonders to the surrounding businesses, promote energy conservation and help revitalize a lost element of Belmont Park’s past success. It also serves as an alternative to the Third Track that would affect negatively to our neighbors.

On November 11, we celebrate another holiday and that is Veterans Day. As we continue to reflect on Belmont Park, let us not forget that August Belmont himself at the age of 65 volunteered and served in the arms services. While fighting in WWI, his wife named their new colt, Man O’War. That horse later became one of the greatest horses of the twentieth century and one that “galvanized the slumping sport of horse racing and became a national hero.” A horse named in honor of a service man and the founder of the greatest thoroughbred track in America.

He was not alone, and is one of many forgotten veterans. As we reflect on Veterans Day we must take the time to give thanks and credit to all those who serve today and in the past. We must thank the living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served not only those who died have sacrificed and done their duty. We as a community must thank them for protecting our liberties and bringing a sense of honor in being Americans. Some came home, some never did. Some live in our memories, some in our tears.

It is my hopes and inspiration that Belmont Park would become revitalized and beautiful once again. Just as the area of Locustwood Estates was created for WWI veterans, it would bring me great privilege and pride in my community to see the day that the Park be finally dedicated to the men and women who served our country so proud. Some of us have not forgotten 9/11 either, as Belmont Park served as the first sporting event in New York after that great tragedy. Belmont Park is more than just horses, or the trees of which it symbolize. It is about pride of being an American.

Belmont Park’s image and legacy, and ultimately that of Elmont, Bellerose, Floral Park and South Floral Park alike, will depend on the actions and decisions that this generation do. It is my firm belief that forgetting one’s past ultimately leads to a forgotten future.

No taxation by exploitation

"Using predatory slot machines to take hundreds of millions of dollars from the elderly, the desperate and those with addictive disorders as the preferred way to fund government completely contradicts the message of both candidates [for president]," wrote Les Bernal, executive director of StopPredatoryGambling.org. "We are a nation of strong families and communities…not a collection of selfish individuals who prey on the weaknesses of our neighbors for profit."Here's more from Bernal:"Why don’t the owners and promoters of slots, including public officials, often use slots? Because they know it is a near total waste of their money. They know the odds of winning are truly near impossible and they also know the way a person advances in America is by working hard, saving money and investing over the long-term."The truth is slots are government’s version of sub prime lending, best described as predatory gambling. AIG and Lehman Brothers executives were all part of what’s been called casino capitalism – using predatory practices and financial gimmicks to promote an illusion of free money, all at the expense of unsuspecting Americans."Among many well-intentioned people who presently advocate for slots, there is a complete lack of understanding about the design, technology and marketing behind the machines. If they did understand how predatory the machines are, there is no question that most would strongly oppose them. "Every feature of the machine -- the mathematical structure, visual graphics, sound dynamics, seating and screen ergonomics -- is geared, in the language of the predatory gambling trade, to get gamblers to 'play to extinction,' which means until their money is gone. "MIT Professor Natasha Schull has called the machines a 'high-tech version of loaded dice.' For those unfamiliar with the term, using loaded dice is cheating."One of America’s most sacred founding principles was: 'No taxation without representation.' It’s time the principle of 'No taxation by exploitation' was added right beneath it."

Texas GOP: Firm Stand Against VLTs

from: http://www.texasgop.org/site/PageServer?pagename=library_gambling
THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY’S ULTIMATE CON GAME
The Gambling Industry desires to expand gambling in Texas by introducing video slot machines (also referred to as “VLTs”) as well as casino gambling, and some of our legislators’ have said that they want to turn Texas into the “next Las Vegas.” Below are a few facts about the consequences of such a con game and why the Republican Party of Texas’ Platform states its opposition to the expansion of gambling in our State.
DESTROYS LIVES
Addictive
Video slot machines are the “crack cocaine” of gambling because of their addictive nature. People become addicted more quickly, lose more money more quickly, while buying into false promises of winning.
In 2002, the Rhode Island Gambling Treatment Program identified video slots as “the most addictive form of gambling in history.”
Addiction cycle is much shorter – about 1 year to become addicted.
30-50% of revenue from VLTs is generated from compulsive gamblers.
80% of casino revenue is from addictive slot machines.
In 1994, South Dakota closed all video slot machines for 3 months – the number of gamblers treated per month dropped by 93.5%.
Deceptive – Con Game
Game makers intentionally design games to be addictive with their speed of play and the games’ hypnotizing effect. Advertising is false and misleading in giving the perception that skill is somehow involved.
Game designers intentionally use psychological behavioral techniques to stimulate increased gambling.
U.S. Patent for computerized slot machines states, “It is important to make a machine that is perceived to present greater chances of payoff than it actually has.”
Combination of deceptive disclosure of odds of winning and games designed for players to have many near misses entices people to gamble more.
Illusion of success encourages even lucid player to behave compulsively – marked loss of control in even ordinary players.
3 of every 5 players interviewed in a recent study had a significant degree of impaired control when playing video slot machines
Ravages Families
Gambling ravages families, and children pay the price.
Results in increased divorce, separation, domestic violence, child neglect, and child abuse.
Incidents of child abuse, domestic violence and neglect increase by as much as 50 % among pathological gamblers.
Divorce rates among pathological gamblers (most often addicted by VLTs) are almost 3 times as high as those of non-gamblers. Millions of adults cite a spouse’s gambling problem as a significant factor in their divorces.
The National Gambling Impact Study Commission reported: “Children of compulsive gamblers are often prone to suffer abuse, as well as neglect, as a result of parental problem or pathological gambling.” VLT addicted parents are more likely to have children who are pathological gamblers.
Increased Suicides - Suicide rates among addicted gamblers are 30 % higher than in the general population.
Increased Illness - As gambling increases, so does illness including cardiovascular problems, anxiety, depression, cognitive disorders, chronic or severe headaches, and stress-related sickness.
Targets Victims
Slot machines are being designed to prey upon the young, women, seniors, and minorities.
Gambling is fastest growing addiction among U.S. teens, women, and senior citizens.
Pathological gambling for youth and young adults is growing at twice the rate for adults.
Poorest and least educated participants spend largest percentage of their income on gambling.
Texas experts estimate that video slot machines will cost poor Texans as much as a $1000 a year on top of the $1,000 they are already losing on the lottery.
One researcher noted that it is hard to lose thousands of dollars in one night in the lottery but not uncommon if playing video slot machines.
WRECKS THE ECONOMY
Gambling venues devastate the economy for both gamblers and non-gamblers:
Studies show that VLTs cost states $3 in social costs for every $1 of revenue generated.
Without including costs related to suicides and abused dollars, estimates of costs to taxpayers range from $13,000 - $52,000 a year per addicted gambler.
Compulsive gamblers cost the U.S. economy about $80 billion annually - $10 billion more than that spent to combat drug abuse.
The poor provide 90% of gambling revenue.
Gambling is a regressive, invisible tax paid directly by the poor and vulnerable, but indirectly by all taxpayers who must shoulder the burden for the subsequent social costs.
Skyrocketing Crime
Sept. 2004 research showed casinos hiked violent crime 13%.
Everywhere video slot machines have been legalized, crime rates have skyrocketed, including aggravated assault, rape, robbery, larceny, burglary, auto theft, embezzlement, and fraud.
1st 3 years of gambling in Atlantic City, New Jersey went from 50th in nation in per capita crime to 1st in the nation.
This results in:
Increased Need for Enforcement – police, fire, EMS, lighting, and other crime prevention costs.
Increased Overload of Court System.
Increased Overload of Prison System.
Increased Bankruptcies
Costs include lawsuits and legal costs as well as bill collection costs.
Bankruptcy rates in counties with state sponsored gambling are 18 % higher than in counties that have no gambling.
Increased Business & Employment Losses
Businesses suffer lost productivity, lost work time, unemployment related employer costs from employees who become addicted.
Cannibalizes other industries – restaurants, clothing stores, theaters, and other retail shops suffer in direct proportion to the gambling industry’s success. Thus, it changes the economic base and character of local communities.
Fully half of the small businesses in Atlantic City closed in the first years of legalized gambling there.
Riverboat gambling in Natchez, MS gutted the local business community.
Increased Government Social Services
Need to create or increase government social services such as gambling addiction treatment/therapy costs.
Resulting increase in unemployment, welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, and other social services drain local resources as well as state and federal taxpayer programs.
Increased Government Regulatory Expenses
Requires expansion of regulatory agencies, infrastructure, and government salaries.
Increased Dollars Abused
Diverts resources acquired from family, friends, employers under false pretenses away from family needs.
UNDERMINES AMERICAN VALUES
Unprincipled
It discourages hard work and saving.
State sponsored gambling – specifically video slot machines – promote a government sponsored message to citizens that getting ahead in life is a result of blind luck not education, hard work and initiative.
Building our government budgets on games of chance bolstered by deceptive state sponsored advertising campaigns sends a negative anti-work message to citizens and undermines the goals of personal achievement and individual contributions to our communities.
Breeds Corruption
Convenient front for organized crime to launder money from other activities such as drugs and prostitution.
Political corruption is rampant in states receiving revenue from casinos.
Does not stem illegal gambling, but rather creates a shadow industry.
State sanctioned advertising forces taxpayers to prop up this corruption.
LESSONS LEARNED
Poor Tax Policy
Not neutral.
Regressive.
Invisible – not transparent.
Allows legislators to shuffle money around that would have been used for education.
Promises are always larger than the actual return.
States Gambled and Lost
Governor of Nevada said “the lesson from the last 20 years is clear; our revenue system is broken because it has relied on regressive and unstable [gambling] taxes.”
Even the Mayor of Las Vegas wants VLTs removed from neighborhoods outside the strip to prevent the creation of more gambling addicts.
Even the casino-industry in Nevada only provides the state with a third of its revenue, much less than promised.
Every state that uses gambling as a revenue source has a budget deficit – most notably Nevada and New Jersey.
In 1999 Louisiana voted to unplug almost 5,000 VLTs.
Louisiana leaders say that most of the revenue from gambling in the state is immediately taken out of the state and sent to franchise owners in New Jersey.
South Dakota, the first state to house video slot machines in 1989 still had an estimated $54 million budget deficit for 2004 and an estimated $17 million deficit projected for 2005 (Center on Budget & Policy Priorities).
Former South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow called VLTs “the biggest mistake the state ever made.”
Former Nebraska Governor and current United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns reported that he would be, “hard-pressed to think that gambling benefits outweigh the detriments.”
In South Carolina, lawmakers abandoned plans to institute VLTs when “the huge social costs in the form of addiction and financial hardship” failed to produce any real economic benefit.
New York reports that it has earned only half of what it was projected to earn from VLTs at its race tracks.
Historical odds predict that areas that embrace VLTs make a relatively quick slide to full-blown casino gambling.
Texas
Gambling Industry promised $99.2 million ($98 revenue + $1.2 million for Commission) in 1987 when legislation to allow race tracks first passed. The first track opened in 1990. Revenues peaked at $5 million and have been declining since that time.
The Gambling Industry has repeatedly asked the Texas Legislature for changes characterized as vital to the survival of the industry only to insist that more is needed.
Public debt – After claiming that Texas would make millions, the industry asked the State to forgive $10.5 million in public debt in 1993, only 3 years after the first track opened.
Now the declining racing industry wants taxpayers to bail them out again.
VLTs provide 80 % of the revenues at race tracks and casinos. VLTs are propping up a declining gaming industry. Texans should not subsidize a failing industry.
State sponsored gambling may be a tax on the ignorant – but it is a tax that the state encourages through massive gambling advertising. The cost of that advertising is not reflected in the public balance sheet on gambling.
A Risky Bet but a Sure Fall
In 1999, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Called for a Moratorium on Gambling Expansion.
The experience of states that have legalized slots and casinos reveals that the much hyped revenue is a mirage that never fully materializes.
Relying on the pathological behavior of VLT consumers to keep state revenue steady is a gamble in itself. Texas cannot wager the education and future of our children by counting on revenue that is predictably undeniable.
We are the Party of strong families and personal responsibility. We believe in government that is accountable to the people. Governments should protect and serve not abuse and enslave.

Ministers Against VLTs

"The church has a responsibility to help bring morals to the area and help bring people out of certain lifestyles," said Bishop James M. Briscoe, pastor of Free Gospel Church of Bryans Road in Indian Head. "Gambling is something we don't need in the community." Proponents say that legalizing slots would help produce badly needed revenue for education and other programs in a state facing serious budget problems. Ministers have been an important part of the anti-slots effort, said Bridgett Frey, a spokeswoman for Marylanders United Against Slots. The group provides brochures describing arguments against slots to ministers and other community leaders, and the material "flies out the door," she said. Marylanders United lists more than 30 religious leaders among its roughly 150-member steering committee, including Briscoe, treasurer of the Charles ministers alliance. "People are so jaded by Annapolis at this point that politicians are a difficult group to trust," Frey said. "But when your pastor looks at you and says this is the wrong decision for the state, we think that's a very powerful message." Members of the ministers alliance said that moral and religious beliefs prompted them to oppose the legalization of slot machines. Many cite Scriptural prohibitions against gambling, including a passage from Proverbs that says, "An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed." Pastor Willie R. Hunt, who leads New Community Church of God in Christ in Waldorf, said he has seen the harm that gambling can cause families. He said he has counseled people who have lost their homes and watched personal relationships deteriorate. Briscoe, a lifelong Maryland resident and longtime pastor in Prince George's and Charles counties, said he remembers watching people put money into slot machines for hours during the 1950s, when they were legal. The machines prey on lower-income people hoping to get rich quickly, he said, and they contribute to the moral degradation of the community.

Maryland Voters urging No Vote to VLTs

The Maryland General Assembly did not write any new funding for education into the proposal last year—since the politicans and gambling industry lobbyists were eager to pressure various groups into supporting the Referendum. "Promising" money to State-funded organizations if they supported the Referendum without any written guarantee was a way to push organizations of teachers and others to support this Amendment to the Maryland Constituton.The money which is supposed to come, in a few years, from slot machines to the State Treasury has been informally, conversationally, "ear-marked" numerous times over.Anybody who has even casually listened to advertisements and politicans knows that the money which is supposed to come, in a few years, from slot machines to the State Treasury has been informally, conversationally, "ear-marked" numerous times over. The gambling establishments could never bring in the exaggerated, many-times-over, claimed, advertised, and rumored benefits for the horse racing industry, for senior citizens, for police and fire protection, for public schools, for the Maryland Teachers Pension Fund, to underwrite health care for needy residents, and everything else.Where's the owner of the big company that Maryland plans to let run gambling establishments here? Canada. This means one-third of the proceeds will go out of the country.Meantime, we know that one-third of the money will go to the owners of the gambling corporations—those people who contend they will be performing such a public service for the State. And, where's the owner of the big company that Maryland plans to let run gambling establishments here? Canada. That's what these proponents of Question 2 call "bringing money into Maryland." That is what these endorsers of the Amendment to our State Constitution call "keeping the money in Maryland."

Ohio Pols Against VLTs

Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Ohio Racing Commissioner Jerry Chabler yesterday urged people to vote against a constitutional amendment for a single gambling casino in the Cincinnati area.Issue 6 on the statewide ballot asks voters to amend the Ohio Constitution to allow a casino resort off I-71 in Clinton County.The mayor said the issue does nothing for northwest Ohio; Mr. Chabler said it would threaten existing jobs at Ohio's racetracks.MyOhioNow.com, the group sponsoring the casino initiative, claims the proposal will yield 5,000 new jobs and generate a 30 percent gross-receipts tax that would be distributed to all Ohio counties.While the amendment would subject the casino to a tax of up to 30 percent on its gross receipts, if another casino is built in Ohio, the Clinton County casino's maximum tax rate of 30 percent would be reduced to 25 percent, or to the taxation level of the future casino if that rate is lower.It is unclear whether a Native American casino would be considered not taxable - meaning that the Clinton County's casino tax rate would remain at 30 percent - or if its tax rate would be considered zero, a recent analysis found.U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland also oppose Issue 6.

Hidden Costs of Gambling (PA)

In the last year, the number of calls to the Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling has jumped 39 percent to 1,250 a month. Those numbers will likely continue to climb as more slots parlors open and more people get hooked. The New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling estimates that 20 percent of the customers in Atlantic City are problem gamblers. One study found that each compulsive gambler costs the economy between $14,000 and $22,000, which comes to $280 to $440 for every citizen.Nevada - where Las Vegas is the casino capital - often ranks at or near the top among states in suicide rates, crime, divorce, individual bankruptcies, gambling addiction and high school dropouts. Look for many of these same problems to increase in Pennsylvania as slots gambling spreads.

Cellular Phone Tower

The civic has contacted the Town of Hempstead regarding the unacceptable, and disrespectful condition of the property in front of the Cellular Phone Tower, located on 443 Hempstead Turnpike. (Picture shown)

We had been informed Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino to do the necessary cleaning and visual improvement as promised. His assistant informed us that they have contacted the appropriate agency in an attempt to resolve this issue.

When the tower was first installed, with much hesitation, and extensive criticism from the Civic, and local community members, we were promised that the property will have extensive and beautiful landscaping. As everyone can see, that is not the case.

Several weeks and months had past and the property has not improved. In fact, you can see it degrading.

This matter may require a more direct communication with the Town of Hempstead to resolve this visible eye sore in the community.

Belmont Stakes

The week of the Belmont Stakes, starting on May 31at, has the potential of having a long lasing positive influence on the community. As long as NYRA puts family and community first, success will spill over to the neighboring businesses and be a positive component to the surrounding communities. Additionally it is important that enforcement of current laws and regulations take place to serve as an opportunity for revitalization.
Not every community has the opportunity to be on national television and the whole world watching. Individuals from across the country and world will be attendance, and participate in watching the “Sport of Kings,” at the most famous track in American horseracing. Elmont has the unique benefit of hosting the Belmont Stakes since 1905.
On June 7 regardless of how financially successful the day or week is. It helps to remind us, of what Historic Belmont Park really represents. Belmont Park by its design and accessibility is the peoples’ track. Whether or not you enjoy horseracing, there is the potential of history in the making. It is a day that helps us to remember passion of a sport, culture that existed on the Hempstead Plains since the 1600s and the history of champions.

I hope that once again, Elmont will be in the history book as we celebrate another Triple Crown winner.

NJ and Gambling

New Jersey, after supporting a full out Ban on VLTs, ponder the question of Keno.

Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic said he opposed the keno idea.
Whelan, chairman of the Senate Wagering and Tourism Committee, said, "I think the casino industry is facing challenging times right now and we need to support the industry in Atlantic City and not divert our attention with keno or VLTs or other issues from around the state."

As the industry is already suffering, instead of expanding; focus should be on improving the current products into a more productive and safer operation.

New York could learn ad thing or two.

Hopefully with open hearings and forums, the state, and the surrounding communities where the "burden of adding VLTs" will become unnecessary.

Gambling Confirmed as a Drug

A new study at the University of Alabama has found that gambling triggers a chemical reaction similar to cocaine, according to high-tech imaging that looks inside the brain. Don Ross, a philosophy and economics professor and a pioneer in neuroeconomics, says it can produce a strong drive to keep betting.

American Psychiatric Association estimates that pathological gamblers range from 0.5 percent to 3.4 percent in adults, with higher rates among adolescents and college students.

"By any measure, the problems far outweigh the benefits. "


Source: http://starbulletin.com/2008/05/09/editorial/editorial01.html

May 15 7:30PM , Next Civic Meeting

Next Meeting: Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:30 P.M.
Place: New Elmont Memorial Public Library.
Guest Speaker: Sewanhaka CHSD Superintendent, Mr. Warren Meierdiercks
Topic: Sewanhaka CHSD School Budget / Improving our area.



At our May meeting, our quest speaker will be Sewanhaka CHSDSuperintendent Warren Meierdiercks. It will be a great opportunity for usto discuss about the issues that are truly affecting our immediate area.The meeting will start promptly at 7:30 P.M. sharp. All our meetings arean open forum, and provide all our members the opportunity to askquestions and receive answers. Important components of our community areour schools and we encourage all our community members, neighbors andfriends to join this important meeting.Brainstorming ideas and solutions may help ensure a more tranquil, andenjoyable months ahead. Now that the weather is nicer, please interactwith your neighbors, participate in the civic and become better informedto what is going around in the community.We hope that everyone has taken the time to read and review the proposedschools and library budgets and we encourage everyone to vote. Inaddition, everyone should review the candidates running for the School andLibrary Board of Trustees and vote for those whom you feel would representour community well. The School Budget Vote and Trustees Elections willtake place on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Members in our area will vote at theGotham Avenue School. We remind that you must be over eighteen years old,a resident of Elmont for more than thirty days, and be a United Statescitizen in order to vote. We hope that everyone who is able takes the timeto exercise his or her freedom to vote.On Sunday, May 11, we celebrated Mother’s Day in the United States.Washington Irving once stated that “A mother is the truest friend we have,when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes theplace of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine,desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, andendeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds ofdarkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”. On Mother’s Day, takethe time to thank, rekindle, and to appreciate the “mothers” in our livesand in the community.At the end of this month, we celebrate Memorial Day for all the men andwomen who served this country for the preservation and protection ofdemocracy. We asked all our members to show your support for theindividuals who had served in the armed services and who are currentlyserving. We especially must show our respect for all those who gave theultimate sacrifice for our great nation. They are the true American rolemodels and we must continue to display our gratitude for their service. Weask all our members who are capable to march with us in the Memorial DayParade. There will be more information pertaining to the celebration atour May meeting.Participating in the civic process help shapes the future of our communityand of our world. The civic understands that we all have busy schedules tokeep. However, we should give some time to help preserve the quality oflife of our neighborhood. This upcoming meeting is important to attendbecause there are serious issues that affect us directly. It is importantfor all members be informed, and to work together to resolve these issues.Together we can make Elmont the best place to live anywhere.Come on down on the 15th at 7:30 P.M. at the Elmont Memorial PublicLibrary and be a proactive component of our community. Bring your family,neighbors and friends. It is always great to see our neighbors togethersupporting a positive cause.A special salute to our troops and armed forces, because thanks to theirpatriotism and sacrifice, they help protect our freedoms and are aninspiration to all Americans.

LI School District Warns About Gambling

The Three Village School District in Suffolk County, had sent out a notice to parents warning about gambling. Article can be viewed here: http://www.threevillages.com/Articles-i-2008-05-01-71471.113114_School_warns_parents_on_dangers_of_teen_gambling.html

The mailing produced by Three Village listed several common types of gambling, including lottery tickets and raffles, but also noted newer gambling outlets, including Internet gambling sites and gambling machines at restaurants. "It is important for parents to be aware of the different types of gambling available in today's society, reasons teens give for gambling, and the warning signs that your child might be addicted to gambling, a problem sometimes referred to as the 'hidden illness,'" the publication noted.

Study found that in the Three Village District, 70% of children from ages 10 to 17 had gambled. With a national rate of 4 to 7% of gamblers becoming problem gamblers, the issue is staggering.

It only will get worse, if more gambling opportunities become available. We must be proactive in this issue, before children lives and communities get destroyed.

NY Comptroller notes more debt in budget6

For some time now, we have been posting about how VLTs are not working.
Today, in the Associated Press, NY State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said, that there will a lot more debt in the New York State Budget.

One part was that "VLTs revenue may not materialize. "

So once again, we ask, "How can VLTs bring revitalization, when they themselves are in economic trouble?"

Hayward: There are better options than VLTs

Strike a big win for Belmont Park, and its surrounding communities, as Charles Hayward openly expressed his hesitation with VLTs. Instead, he hopes to market Belmont Park, as an elite sporting location. Now we are talking about revitalization.

From the Sports Business Journal (April 28, 2008):http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/58847Aqueduct Race Track in New York is slated to get more traditional slot machines in 2009, but New York Racing Association President and CEO Charles Hayward said he doesn’t expect many of the future slots customers to “cross over” and start betting the races.Four years ago, the largest crowd in New York horse racing history turned out to watch the Belmont Stakes, where Smarty Jones came up short in a bid for the Triple Crown. Instead, Hayward is targeting group sales efforts on Wall Street firms and law firms to find people who like things that are intellectually challenging. “You can’t take someone who is not predisposed to analysis and all the things that go into handicapping (and make them a fan). If people don’t like that, they are not going to be a horse player.”But, Hayward added, “If you get a good fan … that is a fan for life because there is no better game than betting on horses.”

Voicing Out Choice

The issue of VLTs, is something that must trigger debate as it should question ones values and ethics. What everyone agrees upon is that compulsive gambling is dangerous.
VLTs offer the most addictive form of gambling, and thus which creates the largest number of compulsive gamblers.
Visiting http://cagnyinf.org/ or http://www.ncalg.org/, you could see statistics, documents, reports that all state the obvious, expansion of gambling hurts communities.

Visiting http://www.nhptv.org/productions/theater.asp?streamdata=http://media.nhptv.org:8080/ramgen/outlook/nho04202008a.rm
offers an excellent documentary as to why states should oppose VLTs.

"Gambling is a very poor source of economic development. There is no evidence whatsoever that those states that have large sources of gambling revenues are better financially, or any better off in terms of what services they are offering and delivering. "
- Rhode Island Governor Donald Cariceri [R]

Elmont isn't a community in the middle of a dessert, or with a waterfront, or with a mountain landscape in the middle, it is surrounded by middle class, single family residential homes.
There is a difference that is obvious to see.

Fortunately, we have a choice. We do not need to have VLTs at Belmont. That is what many are not aware about. Belmont Park, is a world class racetrack, that offers the opportunity for many to invest in its development, and most importantly its recovery to becoming the finest race course in the world. Many are willing, however our voices need to be heard.

A museum and a cultural center that offer enriching concerts overseeing beautiful Belmont Park, a highlight to one of America's oldest sport, and a collection of history and triumph, at the Championship Course, that is Belmont.

We encourage everyone to voice out for choice, and sign our online petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/novlts/petition.html

Other States Saying No to Slots

In the last few years, several states (11 of them) had referendums voted no to the expansion of gambling in their states. The most prominent being California, and New Jersey.

The latest state to fight against gambling is Maryland.
An interesting article came out a couple day ago, and can be read here:
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_17-21/GOV


Since 2001, New York State had legalized the expansion of gambling in the State with VLTs, despite the State Constitution clearly defining gambling as prohibited. However, the court system accepted it, since it was an artificial form of gambling through a virtual computer generated chance.

What many do not notice is, in that the same law that legalized VLTs in New York, strictly prohibits the addition of VLTs at Saratoga and Belmont Park.


The residents of Maryland has a point. VLTs are just the beginning. As we already are seeing, revenues are by far not reaching expectations, and revenue that were going to fund education, are going back for advertisements, and further expansion of gambling. As already seen in other states, VLTs locations are working on becoming full fledged casinos, and what will happen after that?

Spread the word, and join the hundreds of people who have voiced against the expansion of gambling at Belmont Park. Together, we can work together to protect the integrity and morality of Elmont, as well as the State of New York.

The "Real" Truth

With a recent rise of false comments being spread locally and in Albany, I believe it is imperative that certain things should be stated publicly in order to protect and preserve fact and truth and the future of the community that I lived in my entire life.

Once upon a time, a certain individual started to spread around a statement that everyone around Belmont Park is in favor of VLTs including officials from Floral Park. For some it might come as a surprise that Floral Park’s Major stated the following: "At the public hearing, I expressed deep reservations about state sponsored gambling in general and the proposed expansion of gambling at Belmont Park in particular. I do not see an Atlantic City environment as a blueprint for economic success of revitalization." He continued stating, "As for those who think that the expansion of gambling at Belmont is the shortest route to an economic renaissance in western Nassau, I think they will be sadly disillusioned." In fact, there is a large group, of multiple organizations who are in opposition and in that documents, videos and petitions were sent to Albany opposing the VLTs.

Nevertheless, there were articles printed in Newsday, and an editorial on News 12 that may depict a positive outlook on VLTs. It is an issue that merits debate, and not a one sided censorship approach. Paul Moran, Newsday’s thoroughbred racing writer and handicapper wrote that it is an “absolutely obscene idea of video lottery terminals at Belmont Park.” Readers of the New York Times would have read an editorial where it states "The state should not be expanding gambling at its racetracks ‑ the euphemistically named slot machines that are a gambler's version of crack cocaine."

Let us answer these simple questions. Can something good come from something that is morally wrong? If something is really going to bring positive change, why is there so much hesitation in debate? Former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger stated the following, “there is a very conscious strategy” on part of the gambling industry “to take advantage of vulnerable states and to ally with state officials who don’t want to make tough decisions about taxes. But when there’s a full and fair public policy debate, it’s tough for the gambling forces to win. People realize there’s no quick and easy fix to these tough economic problems.”

Some would argue that VLTs could serve as a model for economic development and revitalization. An environment similar to Atlantic City would be disastrous to the residential single family homes that surround Belmont Park. In addition, the track record of racinos in New York State is horrendous. New York has 8 racino operations, and 6 of them are showing losses. In fact, state legislation was recently passed that moved $195 million of state lottery education money to operators of VLTs, as Senator Bruno put it, “for their survivability”. If you believe that is a lie, ask your state elected officials about it.

In addition, we are going to have VLTs at Aqueduct with shared revenue. The market is already competitive enough, that placement of VLTs at Belmont, would create a level of saturation where any benefits would be hurt, in addition to the survivability of the other locations such as Yonkers Raceway, who like Tioga, Vernon Downs and Monticello potentially could close. A June 2007, New York Times article states that the owners at Yonkers Raceway are losing over $12 million a year. This left Bennett Liebman of the Racing and Wagering Law Program at Albany Law School to say that Yonkers Raceway is "a major disappointment." How can entities that are losing millions bring in revitalization? Long term studies state the fact: they do not, and only bring increase expenses to local social programs. We only have to look to our neighboring country to the north that had VLTs longer to see the negative impact on a larger scale Perhaps the moral of this is that, we must take everything in moderation. VLTs is an unnecessary burden to Elmont, especially since we have other more viable solutions available.

Proponents for VLTs would say there is a lot of money available that could help stimulate a struggling economy. New York Times article in May 2003, reported that $68 billion were gambled in 2003 alone. It continues stating that “Americans now spend more on gambling than on movies, videos, DVD’s, music, and books combined; and with an annual growth rate of about 9 percent since 1991, gambling is growing substantially faster than the economy as a whole.” The Washington Post in 2002 warns, that the current expansion of gambling occurred similar as a result as to what happened in 1930. We must learn our mistakes from the past prior to creating false hopes and misconceptions on what revitalization should be.

A false statement is that a small group is out to destroy the works of Sustainable Long Island, and its’ Elmont Visioning Plan. In fact, this is completely the contrary, unless the writer is discussing about themselves. There is a large group of individuals that are looking at the broader and long term future of Elmont. Others sought for a quick short term fix with VLTs, which is typical of New York State politics. Let us don’t forget, they said the same thing about the lottery in the 1970s. The issue isn’t whether we want revitalization or not, but the issue is how.

Instead of working out an action plan similar to that of the Elmont Visioning Plan, setting up a framework of how Belmont could help Elmont. This small, yet very vocal group instead pushed VLTs at higher priority, with full disregard to the interests of the civic organizations (emphasis on the S) and residents around Belmont Park. Where did these same individuals sought to gain support for them? By visiting a local elementary school and having a press conference in front of children.

Let me ask you this. How would you 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 sadly happened and in one word: tragic. Tragic in that, they can convince individuals that gambling money is the only way to help Elmont. Ultimately, this small vocal group hurt the work done by the Elmont Visioning Plan, to the extent that individuals living in Elmont, individuals who have worked in Elmont, and individuals who have vested interests in Elmont’s revitalization question the motives and intentions of individuals who take a one sided, and very stubborn approach. This laundry list of names is staggering. Mr. Patrick Nicolosi once stated in the Elmont Herald on August 17, 2007, “A small group being fueled by the Assemblyman’s office [are] working to destroy this community.” Makes you wonder, who the real small group is.

In 1999, a commission created by then President Bill Clinton recommended that “States should refuse to allow the introduction of casino style gambling including VLTs into pari-mutuel facilities.” Largely because of deceptive advertising practices, and how these facilities tend to target minority and poor communities.

Sheila Dixon, educator, first African American Council President, and first woman Mayor of Baltimore, MD City said it best in regard to VLTs, "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."

It is amazing what we can learn from individuals who live in other states. Many of us, can learn a thing or to. The “real” lie that is being spread is the notion that only VLTs could bring in revitalization. It is important for the future of Elmont, and the community where we live to explore every potential avenue before we make a harsh decision that we may regret down the road. We owe this to the children of our community

February 21st Next Meeting

Our next Civic meeting will take place on February 21st as it serves as a perfect forum to discuss about issues pertaining to our community in order to ensure the best for our families, neighbors and friends. The Locustwood / Gotham Civic Association represents over 1,500 homes at the north-western corner of our great community of Elmont and all business from the Queens Border to Elmont Road on Hempstead Turnpike. In the spirits of our former “Long Island” President Theodore Roosevelt, the Civic has always “speak softly but carried a big stick.” It is our opinion that actions speak louder than words. Standing the test of time, the Civic has always worked hard to protect and maintain the highest level of community standards and working to maintain the social, economic and civic status of the community. As our community grew and the individuals who call Elmont home changed, many has forgotten or are not aware of one of the oldest civic association. It is up to all of us to continue for future generations to protect what we call a suburban community.

The Civic understands that we all have busy schedules to keep. It is often hard to find that free time to volunteer for the community. However, there are times it is necessary to help preserve the quality of life of our neighborhood. Keeping true to our by-laws, we shall always remain non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit and perhaps more important during these times: non-political. It is important for everyone to be informed, and to work together to resolve the issues that affects our families, neighbors and friends. Together we can make Elmont the best place to live anywhere. Do not always depend and expect everything from others. Paraphrasing another former and great President, John F. Kennedy: Ask not what your community can do for you, but ask what you can do for your community.

We expect to see greater involvement and participation in the months ahead. Attending our next meeting on February 21st at 7:30 P.M. at the Elmont Public Library is the first step in being proactive in our community. Bring your family, neighbors and friends. United, we stand to protect the voice of the people, the true sense of democracy,

Will Closing OTB's be good for Elmont?

The New York City Off Track Betting Corporation will cease operations June 16 unless state officials provide regulatory relief before then, according to a January 16 report to the OTB’s board of directors.

Officials with some OTB’s, including NYCOTB, say the talks in Albany over the Thoroughbred franchise should also include resolution of long-standing competition problems between the tracks and off-track betting corporations.

Trimming OTB could result in greater benefits to the area tracks with increase attendance and betting. With $1Billion last year betted at NYCOTB, that money could potentially be spent at Aqueduct and Belmont. With a greater system of cost management through consolidation and a better system of profit sharing, the move might result in a benefit to NYRA, the surrounding communities and greater revenue to the State.

Leonard O. Allen, president of District Council 37’s Local 2021, which represents most of the employees who would be laid off, said he believed OTB appeared to have little choice but to close if the state does not make changes.

Revitalization of Elmont's Down Town

Working with the Town of Hempstead, the Locustwood / Gotham Civic Association helped petition a Restore New York Grant to revitalize our down town area. $100 million were awarded to various projects across the state through competitive grants. Despite this large figure, three quarters went to needed funding of upstate projects, that left the Long Island area with a total of $7 million.

Fortunately, for the residents of Elmont, the Restore New York with the works of the civic and the Town of Hempstead helped secure $2.5 million for the Argo Theatre / Down Town Project. We hope to continue working hard with the Town to secure a brighter future and securing the essence of our suburban residential community.

VLTs Do Not Bring Sustainable Development

Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development

Goals

• Facilitate Community Revitalization by working with professional visioning, community development and architectural/engineering agencies/corporations to develop a safe, fun, and environmentally healthy place to live, work, and shop for all of our citizens.

• Identify and re-develop dilapidated structures within the community.

• Identify and develop green spaces

Belmont Park is perhaps the largest area of green space in Western Nassau. This beautiful land should be developed, properly for the health of the environment, and in a safe and fun way for the citizens. VLTs will do the exact opposite.

• Improve Hempstead Turnpike by working with the DOT to improve the Turnpike, which is on the State Department of Transportation’s Calendar for major renovation in 2008?. This includes but is not limited to repaving, traffic lights, bulb-outs, medians, turning lanes and sidewalks.

• Work with Town Council Representatives to introduce legislation that informs the DOT that our community has a Elmont Coalition for Community Revitalization and that we are developing a land use plan.

• Develop a Land Use Plan.

• Pursue the idea of burying or moving to the outer perimeters electric, cable and phone wires.

Traffic, crime, congestion, accidents and littering will all become more severe issues on Hempstead Turnpike with VLTs. Hempstead Turnpike is a State controlled road. Various studies were performed already, and our state representative said that the turnpike was safe. We are all aware of the safety issues of Hempstead Turnpike, but what we need is reform at Albany to ensure that the necessary revitalization and modifications to the turnpike takes place. VLTs will hinder this task even more.

• Foster Economic Development and the future potential of the Elmont district as a business friendly community.

• Create a Business Improvement District (BID)

• Create a business incubator environment including the possibility of a specially designed WiFi network.

• Work collaboratively with the Town and County to market the advantages of the Empire Zone designation to attract businesses to Elmont.

Adding VLTs will prevent the formation of a BID, because individuals going to the VLTs, will congregate in a central area inside. As seen with Yonkers and else where, the effects on the local business is nil and often case, makes matter much worse. The area is an Empire Zone for years, and a WiFi network would be a plausible and forward thinking idea. What we need is stores that attract people, including the residents to shop and browse. An entity like VLTs will increase this separation, and prevent business growth.

• Create “downtown” areas along major corridors in Elmont. The location of these areas specific to Hempstead Turnpike will be determined by the results of the visioning process.

A downtown area, as planed by the former Argo Theater area is a wonderful idea. We must work to retain our suburban lifestyles, while accepting needed modern necessities.

• Build a Process for the Development of the Youth of Our Community by addressing the specific needs of young children and teenagers, and by fostering partnerships with specific organizations throughout the district to help meet these needs.

• Create recreational opportunities for youth as determined by visioning plan.

• Encourage the creation of teen services offered by the schools, youth organization (GYO) and library working in partnership.

• Encourage local business to address the recreational and workforce development needs of youth.

Belmont Park provides a rich environment and potential to provide recreational opportunities. Originally the Southern portion of the Park, was all fields that many of the former residents and old time residents had the opportunity to play in. Adding VLTs will prevent this. Belmont Park should be a family friendly environment.

• Develop a Range of Housing Options and look for places to build affordable housing particularly to support younger workers.

Housing is important for our residential suburban community. We must also protect the residents who are currently living here. Projects like the Golden Age Complex, have experienced problems and delays. Elmont is the gateway to Long Island, to suburbia. We must remember that we should try to preserve this.

• Identify funding options for the implementation of community development projects.

Funding for numerous projects such as the Empire Zone are already available. What we need is individuals willing to invest in Elmont. Funds from VLTs, will not help, and will become limited to the increase need of police safety, traffic control and social issues. Projects of the Sustainable Long Island worked hard in other communities without the introduction of VLTs in those communities. The residents of Elmont, should be treated like 2nd class citizens by being forced to have VLTs, and the infestation and implications that casinos bring to surrounding communities. It is reading the goals and objectives of this organization, that it makes sense that VLTs will not be a good thing for Elmont.

Opposition Voices of VLTs Rising.

The voices of those who oppose the VLTs at Belmont Park are rising.

January 2, 2007, Floral Park mayor Phil Guarnieri in his monthly message found at: http://www.fpvillage.org/ clearly shares the same sentiments of the "western" Elmont civic association.

Here are some quotes to highlight:

"Saratoga Racetrack, however, would be conspicuously exempt from VLT's and racinos because, as one observer put it, Saratoga is a gem that needs no polishing."

Unlike how our "Eastern" Elmont civic member noticed, Saratoga racetrack held by NYRA will not have VLTs thanks to Senatorial leadership.

"At the public hearing, I expressed deep reservations about state sponsored gambling in general and the proposed expansion of gambling at Belmont Park in particular. I do not see an Atlantic City environment as a blueprint for economic success of revitalization."

VLTs goes against everything we're working hard for improving. It goes against the basic objectives of the Sustainable Long Island Project. VLTs will become a disaster for revitalization of the community.

"As for those who think that the expansion of gambling at Belmont is the shortest route to an economic renaissance in western Nassau, I think they will be sadly disillusioned."

We agree.
As the forces in support of VLTs may seem inevitable, even the strongest forces will fall to the will and for the good of the people.