Joint Statement on the Futue of Belmont Park

JOINT STATEMENT FROM SENATOR CRAIG M. JOHNSON AND ASSEMBLYMAN TOM ALFANO ON THE FUTURE OF BELMONT PARK RACE TRACK AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY

As representatives of the communities surrounding the Belmont Park Race Track, we remain very concerned with what appeared to have been a lack of consideration for Elmont and Floral Park in the awarding of a new state franchise for the thoroughbred franchise.
Recent events, however, have given us optimism that the communities’ voices will not be ignored during this process that will determine who runs Belmont for the next 30 years.
We, like many of you, were alarmed that the memorandum of agreement between the governor and the New York Racing Association made no references to the race track’s role in the community.
The decades that NYRA has operated Belmont in a bubble has also left many with little faith that, unless mandated to, they would become the good neighbors that our communities need and our residents deserve,
The day the decision was announced, we sent a letter to Governor Spitzer that spelled out our concerns and strongly requested that the communities have a seat at the table during any decisions that were made about Belmont.
Since that time, the governor has said, both personally and publicly, that he agrees that the communities should be part of the process.
We applaud him for heeding our call.
But, make no mistake about it: We have a long way to go.
We need to make sure that these assurances are in writing and part of the final franchise agreement, which has to be approved by the state Legislature.
As your representatives in the Senate and the Assembly, we vow to make sure that the community’s needs are met in the final version of the agreement.
How the track can best benefit the community is something that should be left up to the community. Elmont is currently undergoing a visioning process designed to determine the community’s future direction.
Its relationship with Belmont, an attraction that draws thousands of people to the area, is sure to figure prominently into this plan.
We promise to work with them to make sure that their vision is taken to the state level, and becomes a reality.
In fact, the Elmont Community Coalition Council, which serves as the umbrella organization for all civic groups in the community, has put together a comprehensive, sensible list of recommendations we feel should be used as a roadmap for this new relationship. Some of these include:
• A major overhaul of the facility including new painted fencing, more attractive landscaping, sidewalk improvements, renovation of backstretch housing and educational facilities for backstretch workers and erection of lamps instead of poles surround the park and many others.
• Community participation and inclusion in the Annual Belmont Stakes and other important races as well as a celebration parade at major events.
• Economic development and tourism initiatives including high-end restaurants and shops on the grounds of the park as well as a hotel and convention center to expand the use of the grounds year- round.
• Creating an overall business and service center to generate tax revenue for the community, at the same time increasing the tax base which results in lower property taxes to homeowners.
• An iron-clad PILOT (Payment in Lieu Of Taxes) agreement guaranteeing a revenue stream from Belmont to local area governments, specifically the school districts.
Of course, the only way that we can be truly successful is if all of us, state officials, local leaders, and residents, to work together. This is not an issue that can afford to be infected by partisanship and any other difference that may divide us.
The future never is.

Water Tank

The civic has contacted the Town of Hempstead regarding the unacceptable, and disrespectful condition of the Water Tank, located on Hempstead Turnpike. (Picture shown)

We had been informed that Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino has contacted the Water Authority to do necessary cleaning and painting.

Several weeks had past and the water tank has not improved, not even the dirt and mold cleaned with a hose. This matter may require a more direct communication with the Water Authority to resolve a visible eye sore in the community.

Future of the Belmont Racetrack

I am astonished to hear that Governor Spitzer had ignored the Town of Hempstead and the County of Nassau to be involved in the decision process regarding the future of the Belmont Race Track in Elmont, Long Island. Take into account where the Belmont Race Track is located on the map, and it is surrounded by residential areas. Homes that have front yards, and drive ways and are owned by hard working families. Why is the State avoiding local government the public interaction of community members and leaders of the hamlets of Elmont, and the villages of South Floral Park, and Floral Park? The map published by Newsday on September 2, 2007 (Page A6, Long Island Edition) clearly displays the proximity of how changes to the racetrack will effect my quality of living, my house value, and the safety of my family, neighbors and myself.


The Belmont Race Track is one of the largest and most profound race track in the country. By coincidence, I have visited a casino in Connecticut this last weekend. I was shocked by the lack of conformity, irresponsible behavior of the workers and attendees and the near chaotic atmosphere that was witnessed. Also taking into consideration is that this casino is surrounded by undeveloped, natural land and not residential homes. If by chance that the State does choose to add casinos, did the members of the deciding board take into account the compensation that the community of Elmont deserve? Are the funds going to help compensate the school taxes? Extended programs to help children and their families be protected by the negative atmosphere that a casino could bring and have brought to other communities?

There is the issue of needing greater law enforcement in the area. We are already short on police staff at the Nassau County Fifth precinct. Just recently with a lot of effort the community and I we were able to attain ten new police officers in our local precinct. These officers were added to address the need to protect and serve our growing residential area. Changes that are proposed to the Belmont Race Track would acquire more police. This not only includes the extra needed on Hempstead Turnpike to control traffic but the need to have extra police patrol and protect the residents from individuals who would park in front of their homes. I am especially concerned for the residential homes that are just half a block away from the racetrack. Will the State or the racetrack keep our streets free of liter and compensate owners of vandalism as a result of patrons going to the Casino? Is the State looking into the well-being, and safety of the public, citizens of the State of New York, or just looking at the financial gains that State Government may acquire?
- Ruth Jakab