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