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."

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.

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

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,

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.

Preserve Belmont

After reading an article in Thoroughbred Times, where the Preservation
League of New York State placed Saratoga Race Track to its list; we are
concerned and perhaps confused as to why Belmont Park is not on the same
list.

Belmont Park is sharing the potentially same fate as Saratoga, yet it
served a far greater historical contribution to the horse racing
community. The decision to construct the Belmont Race Track was in
reference to the historical racing that occurred on the Hempstead Plains
during the 1600s when Richard Nicolls would sponsored races. Horse racing
had occurred in the surrounding areas of the Belmont Park, close to 100
years prior to Saratoga. Thus, supporting a far richer historical
significance.

Additionally, Belmont Park is the home track of the triple crown; where
the most historical, significant, and memorable races has occurred in
horse racing history.

We hope that members of the Preservation League and others in New York
State, value the accomplishments of Belmont Park, and its contribution to
the history of New York State, and of our great country. We have been
advocating a museum at Belmont Park for some time now. With NYRA
re-mastering its recordings and films, it may serve as a great opportunity
to revitalize Belmont Park historical nature and ensure its legacy lives
on properly.

VLTs in NY Shutting Down

Tioga and Vernon Downs are considering closing down, due to high costs, taxes owed to the State, and tough competition. These racinos are the first to formally announce the possible closure at the end of the year, and as highly speculated Yonkers Racino may follow in suit.

The NY State Senate, passed a measure to reduce these racinos' tax obligation to the state by 10%. In other words, 10% less will be going to help education funding, because the racinos need more money for marketing.

Even though it does make some sense, especially since there is competition with Native American, Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, and other NY State racinos, that marketing might be useful. Though, we should ask ourselves how successful are those NY Lottery TV and radio commercials?

With competition already very high, many in the NY State Senate wish to add even more racinos in New York. Common sense tells us, if competition is heavy and racinos are being forced to close; that adding more racinos is not a suitable solution.

Proponents for VLTs argue that New York earned $273 million dollars from VLTs, from 2006-2007. Which when it gets divided, Elmont UFSD receives a check of about $500,000. Yes, it is better than nothing, but in terms of tax relief its contribution is nil. But what many proponents of VLTs would not mention is, how much money is gambled on VLTs.

In 2006-2007, $6.4 billion dollars were spent on VLTs. With only 4.2% of it, actually going to education. 91.9% goes to credit won, or simpler terms prize winnings. With numbers like these, it is no surprise that racinos are losing money. Again, notice where the NY Senate plans to fix this...not the credit win aspect, but the education funding.

During the same time, the NY State Lottery, received a total of $6.6 billion dollars. This figure just marginally higher than that of the VLTs figure. However, 31.2% and $2 billion dollars actually goes to funding education. There is a huge difference between $273 million and $2 billion.

Distribution of VLT funds in NY is broken. New York is still very young in terms of VLTs, and its implications.

New Brunswick, Canada has had VLTs since 1989, the first province to obtain them. Today, they are downsizing and reducing the numbers and locations of VLTs. An idea, that originally thought would bring in revenue for tax relief, instead brought much grief. Close to 5% of the population became addicted gamblers due to VLTs. 56% of the popular knows someone close to them who is an addicted gambler. The population has grown intensively wary about the moral implications on their society, and the effects of it on their children, who many look at VLTs as entertainment and culture high-life. Today, 70% of the population there oppose having them in their community.

Let us hope that the same mistake will not happen in New York. Let is start in Elmont: where morality and our concerns for our children's future must and should come first.

Why Say No to VLTs?

There are numerous reasons why we oppose VLTs. Below are just some of the reasons.

1. VLTs provide the most addicting version of gambling. It is highly visual, quick and easy in that it requires no skills. VLTs display the greatest rate of gambling addicts. When gambling appears in a community, it brings a wave of addiction. In a mature gambling market, compulsive gambling typically seizes the lives of 1.5% to 2.5% of the adult population. That amounts to three to five times the number of people suffering from cancer. The New York Times published that brining VLTs is like going on the Wrong Track. And I quote, "The state should not be expanding gambling at its racetracks - the euphemistically named slot machines that are a gambler's version of crack cocaine."

2. VLTs will bring social and economic costs. Studies show that costs include bankruptcy, tax fraud, loan and credit card fraud, embezzlement, assault, theft, child and spousal abuse, investigatory, judiciary and penal costs, overloading of infrastructure, payment default, loss of business and several others. Gambling costs more than raising taxes. Each compulsive gambler costs the economy between $14,006 and $22,077 per year. Various studies have placed the costs from equal to revenues to five times revenues. We find the issue of traffic, crime, and intrusion into the quality of life of a single family residential area to be troublesome.


3. Most at risk are those who live close. Studies show that eighty percent of VLT gamblers reside within 10 miles of the casino. That mean that parents, seniors, veterans, and workers of the surrounding communities need to spend their free time and money at the Casino in order for it to survive. Therefore, it is the citizens of the surrounding location who are most at risk in facing the social and economic hardships from VLTs.

4. VLTs will not help our children. Dr. Zabilka a former proponent to VLTs in Kentucky states the follow reflection: "... (Ten) years ago I had my first experience of seeing children in my classroom suffering from hunger because there was no money at home for food, because it had all been spent on the lottery. That experience was so strong that it changed me from an indifferent occasional bettor and participant in office pools and sweepstakes, to a passionate opponent of gambling in all its forms." We do not want the children of our community to suffer. "I believe that our state legislators should be responsible and find another way to fund our schools. We can't destroy neighborhoods and people's lives and that's the piece people just don't get." - educator and Baltimore, MD City Council President, Sheila Dixon. We are in total agreement.

5. Funds from VLTs are unpredictably and unreliable. The funds are handled similarly as the Lottery, where revenue isn't going directly to education as originally intended nor stated. Many consider the lottery system as a failure as the VLT system following in suit. A figure of $20 million dollars, similar in nature as the one given to Yonkers was presented. However, what was misleading was that the $20 million dollars are going to fund the education of Elmont's children. Instead it is divided.
Divided in funding police. Funding for beautification project. Then the rest divided among three school districts.
What amount will be left for Elmont? How much of it will actually benefit the children of Elmont?
We will find Elmont with a extra funding of maybe $4.6 million combined for our two school districts. For some it may seem a lot. However, when you look at it in terms of the big picture; elementary and high school budgets at over 60 and 140 million respectfully. We are getting no more than a 2% increase from the state. To note, this figure does not include any additional expenses, and with school budgets rising after each year, its financial contribution will be even more minimal.
This is something that our state representatives should be working to get for the children of Elmont, without the need of installing VLTs, and its potential to damage families, children's' future, value of our homes and quality of our life. Just like the plan given to Yonkers and Saratoga, the funding is always dependent on its placement in the New York State budget. The funds come from the general fund, and therefore we technically do not have a guarantee, if we'll consistently get that amount (agreement is for up to $20 million), or any amount five years from now.

6. VLTs in New York has not lived up to expectations. State representatives originally expected machines to have a $400-$500 per day revenue. Yonkers Raceway fell dramatically with its current $192 per day revenue. Even resort community Saratoga Springs, only reached $258 per day revenue per machine. Based on a June 2007, NY Times article, Casino operators at Yonkers want the State to help them, because they are losing $12 million a year and sought for Senator Larkin to propose a bill to help racinos, by reducing their obligation to education by 20%.

7. There are currently too many racinos in New York State. The idea of having multiple near by racinos to the NY Metro area is troublesome. Aqueduct is currently less than 8 miles away from Belmont. Multiple competitive racinos may actually hurt funding.

8. VLTs will change the image of Belmont Park negatively. We believe it is important it is that we maintain the integrity and character that has made Belmont a destination point for racing enthusiasts and tourists alike. We introduced the idea of adding a museum, to highlight the location of one of the historical rich location in the history of American racing. We believe that potentially adding a family oriented tourist location at Belmont Park will benefit everyone involved.VLTs will hinder this notion.

9. VLTs are morally wrong. "Avoid gaming. This is a vice which is productive of every possible evil., equally injurious to the morals and health of its votaries. It is the child of Avarice, the brother inequity, the father of Mischief. It has been the ruin of many worthy families: the loss of many a man's honor and the cause of Suicide." - George Washington, 1783.

The following organizations are opposed to gambling and / or VLTs:

National:

Citizens Equal Rights Alliance
Community Forum
Concerned Women for America
Focus on the Family
National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling
United Property Owners
Reservation Report
United Methodist Church
USPACT

New York:

Casinos-Free Sullivan County
Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County
Citizens for a Better Buffalo
Don't Gamble Our Future
Oneida Land Claims Victim
New Yorkers Family Research Foundation, Inc.
No Casino 1000 Islands
No Casinos Erie County
NoSaugertiesCasino
Save the East End
Shawangunk Ridge Coalition
Stop the Casino in Hampton Bays
Upstate Citizens for Equality
Western New York Coalition for Progress
Coalition Against Gambling of New York
Conservative Party of New York State

Following are representatives opposing gambling and or VLTs:

Frank Padavan - State Senator - Vice President Pro Tempore - Republican 11th District Queens
Sheldon Silver - State Assemblyman - Assembly Speaker - Democrat - 64th Assembly District - Manhattan
Sam Hoyt - State Assemblyman - Democrat - 144th Assembly District - Buffalo
William Parment - State Assemblyman - Democrat - 150th Assembly District - Jamestown

10. VLTs have created unnecessary casualties. We do not want what happened in South Carolina to happen here. South Carolina eliminated VLTs after a baby died as her mom gambled on VLTs. We must face the harsh reality and consequences of VLTs.

11. Youths are most at risk. October 2007 New York State report stated that 1 in 5 youths are hooked on gambling. This is largely due to on-line and electronic type gambling, that are identical to VLTs. Promoting VLTs at an elementary school only helps to promote this troublesome issue. Representatives in Albany should be working to help prevent gambling, and especially protect our children.





We agree in a plan for beautification. We agree with a plan to improve upon the restaurants (3-4) already inside Belmont Park and perhaps add another. We agree to install stores and shops. We also would be in favor of a convention center / hotel inside Belmont Park, similar in nature to the historic club house demolished in 1960. Something that will highlight and showcase the historic nature of the grounds. There is no need for VLTs nor their consequences.

We as residents of Elmont, and the surrounding communities must not be fooled by the false hopes of politicians seeking reelection. We must examine all the facts, look both sides of every issue. Why are some communities so adamantly against VLTs and casinos? What makes individuals think that Elmont is different and thus is a positive thing? Is it because the people from Elmont are different from other communities? Yes, we want change. We want positive change; and yes, the locals want respect.

NYRA Extension Seems to be Confirmed

According to a source familiar with closed-door negotiations between Governor Spitzer's office and the state Senate and Assembly, a deal is firming up that will extend the franchise NYRA has held since 1955 for another 30 years, as the governor has strongly advocated.

A move we believe may be the best thing for Elmont with the appropriate oversight. Our State Senator Craig Johnson has been named to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee and we hope he will fight to protect what the surrounding residents of the Belmont Park want.

Johnson said that past events have shown the need for any final franchise agreement to include specific language that spells out what the track's relationship with the communities will be, and how residents will be able to benefit. He continued, "I hope that this appointment will bring these communities one step closer toward having an iron-clad agreement with the track that is backed by the full force of the law."

We are glad that some representatives in Elmont feel the same concern as we have. Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver has been adamant all along that there be no VLTs at Belmont, and that appears to prevail. While details remain fuzzy, that NYRA is all but assured the uninterrupted franchise should come as a great relief to the state's billion-dollar thoroughbred industry.

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.

October 18 Meeting Review

Our October 18th meeting was a very informative and productive meeting and we thank all the members in attendance. Additionally, we welcome all our new and returning members.

Mrs. Jakab, announced as tradition, the October meeting serves as an opportunity for election candidates to come and have their voices heard. Our doors are open, and the only thing requested was for them to contact the civic announcing if they were planning to attend. Mrs. Jakab noted that only one individual called, and that was Ali Mirza, who despite having a fundraiser in his honor at the same time, will nevertheless spend time to communicate with our members.

Mr. Barker discussed the possibility of Belmont as a potential place for new businesses to take place, and made people aware that they are individuals who are interested in adding revenue such as VLTs casino, hotel and outlets. The community has had a lot of meetings, in that individuals were able to express their concerns and voice their opinions with this important matter.

In regard to future development of a Supermarket, Mr. Barker made the membership aware that there is a plan to have one along Hempstead Turnpike, and the talks is to have it at the old Argo Theatre. Mr. Barker suggested to have the supermarket be constructed in the current Home Depot shopping center. Mr. Barker opened the floor for additional suggestions.

Mrs. Singh asked why did the Wauldbaums supermarket leave in the first place. The response was that, the answer isn't clear, but it had to do with not enough profit and the termination or discontinuation of the lease. Also noted was that Home Depot did also expand.

Mr. Piil noted that the welding place on Hempstead Turnpike was knocked down, and the rumor is to have Supermarket at its location. Noted was that the property isn't large, and it lacks sufficient place for parking. He agreed that adding the supermarket by Home Depot would be better.

Mr. Smith noted, that the idea of adding a supermarket at the Home Depot Shopping Center is a good idea however there is the issue of the buses. He is concerned about the health and environmental damages that the buses cause to the surrounding properties and the health of individuals around. He believed that Elmont should not be subsidizing a corporate bus company, and feel that the other communities of the high school district is taking advantage of us.

Mr. Piil noted that with NYRA, the Belmont Park has become a dinosaur who gives more importance to housing horses than caring about people. Senior housing could be an alternative plan.

Mr. Mirza presented himself as the Democrat and Working Family candidate for the Nassau County Legislature, Third District, and is a father, single parent of a daughter attending Northwestern University. He became more involved with government, in regard to the continuous increase of taxes, and made people aware that we are paying more taxes than in Garden City. He mentioned that he helped to bring in Sustainable Long Island to Elmont, to help revitalize the area and to help bring in new ideas and advancements for business. To decrease taxes, Mr. Mirza believes that we need to increase the county tax base, without increase the burden on residents by revitalizing business in return will bring in more taxes and increase in sales tax. He hopes to have more people come into Nassau County to shop.

Committee Reports:
School District, nothing to be reported. Many of the members stop attending the meetings due to their displeasure of the atmosphere of the meetings and the tension portrayed.
Sustainable Long Island, Mr. Nicolosi reported that Walmart and other corporations are meeting with local officials, including our school superintendents, in regard to their interest in building in Elmont. Also mentioned was the report that Albany is looking into changing the way schools are funded by the state,
Civic Coalition Council, Mr. Nicolosi reported that a letter was sent to Town Supervisor Kate Murray, and State Senator Dean Skelos, individuals who represent us, to ask them to show up at a community meeting.

Mrs. Davidson, noted that Elmont is at a critical point. Our streets are dirty, many of our children are out of control, and large number of cars parked on the streets, even with properties having empty driveways.

Mrs. Jakab, mentioned that another issue, and perhaps the root to the problem with our streets filled with cars, is the issue of illegal apartments. There needs to be greater enforcement in preventing the use of basement apartments that are illegal, and a safety hazard.

In regard to parking, Mr. Rodriguez noted that in our area there is currently no parking between 10am to 4pm. He felt that enforcement of current codes should take priority over adding something like no over night parking. A return to the parking sticker, and enforcement of it is necessary. Once progress is met, then we can advance in regard to over night parking. The membership agrees that this is an appropriate step to take in the manner.

Mr. Rodriguez made the motion, that in regard to various complaints in regard to garbage, and businesses not cleaning, it perhaps be of interest to invite a representative from Sanitation Six to attend the meeting. The motion was moved by Mrs. Davidson, and seconded by Mrs. Jakab, and approved unanimously.

There was concerns about our next meeting being close to Thanksgiving, however the civic will still hold its next meeting on November 15th.