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.

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.

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.

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?"

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

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.

NYRA Gets Extension: Thoughts

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.

Water Tank: UPDATE

After conferring with the Water Authority of Western Nassau County the Water Tank on Hempstead Turnpike was finally getting cleaned.

Their response:

This 5 million gallon
storage unit is the largest of our seven water tanks.  It was last
repaired and painted in 2000 and used a Urethane exterior paint coating.
Given the fact that we have active wells at this location we are extremely
limited by Department of Health regulations as to the cleaning product and
process allowed to clean this tank.  We have once before cleaned this
surface after its last overhaul in 2000.  Given the size and open location
of the unit it is highly susceptible to accumulate this build up making it
unsightly.

It is our hope, weather permitting, that we can finish cleaning this tank
within two - three weeks time. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that the
dirt and mold will not begin to show up again in the not too distant
future.  By using our own employees in this cleaning process, as opposed
to outside contractors,  we are saving a significant amount of money while
at the same time carefully addressing the exterior finish so as not to
damage the paint layer costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to
repaint.  We appreciate your patience during this time and hope to make
this tank look like new. 

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the resolution to this issue.

Views on Assessment

In response to the letter "Freezing Assessments Doesn't Solve Problem" found in the Three Village Times August 17, 2007 edition written by George Rand, I reply: why not?

The reason why we are having annual reassessment is because public sentiment and a court settlement was that the previous system discriminated against minority communities. Did it really fix the problem? If we examine the tax burden today, minority communities are still paying an extraordinary amount of taxes. Is this system fairer, or is the problem elsewhere?

Now comes the true litmus test of the assessment department. House values across Long Island, are currently going down. Are we going to see these changes accordingly on our assessment? Or is the assessment department only establish to increase taxes regardless? As of right now, the assessment department have the value of our homes to be increased for next year, despite current market trends. Will there be an updated assessment, or would we be getting a refund of our over payed taxes, or will the assessment department continue with the status quo?

We are currently getting assessed every year, and at what costs to the taxpayers? The assessment department can not and does not control the school budgets, the largest portion of our taxes. The question that arises then is: why do we need them? To what benefit having this assessment bring to the taxpayers? Each year, we are spending tax money to have this system in place, in the name of equality. Current house assessments are no longer unbalanced as they once were. Do we really need to continue with these annual assessments, or would biannual or 5 year assessments be more budgetary and cost effective?

Assessment will not solve the problem of our high tax burden, whether or not we have freezing assessments or not. In order to reduce the burden on tax payers, we need cost effective budgets with the smallest amount of money wasted. Removing annual reassessment in exchange for a longer term assessment could as a result reduce the tax burden by reducing the cost that reassessment has on the tax payer.

Ruth Jakab