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.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
VLTs Placement Should Be Limited
We Suggest the following restrictions to be implemented in New York State in regard to placement of VLTs
1. VLTs should not be installed within 10 miles of a prior planned or installed facility. No two VLTs should share the same 10 mile radius.
2. VLTs should not be installed within 1500 feet of a school facility. This is not limited to the exact location to the machines, but access to the facility that supports or contain these machines.
1. VLTs should not be installed within 10 miles of a prior planned or installed facility. No two VLTs should share the same 10 mile radius.
2. VLTs should not be installed within 1500 feet of a school facility. This is not limited to the exact location to the machines, but access to the facility that supports or contain these machines.
States and its Lotteries and Gambling
Some interesting facts and statements:
In 2000, New York State kept 38 percent of its lottery revenue for education. That share has dropped to 32 percent, but the dollar amount rose from $1.3 billion in 2000 to $2.2 billion last year.
But Jerry McPeak, a Democratic state representative in Oklahoma, said states that have committed to a percentage should not later lower that number.
“I think if you pass a lottery and tell people that a certain proportion of those dollars are going to something like education, then you ought to keep your word,” Mr. McPeak said.
Source: For Schools, Lottery Payoffs Fall Short of Promises, New York Times. October 17, 2007.
They say the games take particular advantage of the most vulnerable members of society, including the poor and members of minority groups.
“Scratch-off tickets are to the lottery what crack is to cocaine,” said State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, a Democrat who represents El Paso.
Source: The $50 Ticket: A Lottery Boon Raises Concern, The New York Times, December 27, 2007
But make no mistake, gambling is a tax - the worst kind. As Money magazine reported, it is inefficient since most of it goes to prizes and administration. And it mostly taxes the poor because, as the Illinois Lottery billboards in poor neighbourhoods used to say, "This could be your ticket out".
For those of us who buy and don't win, it is a 100% tax. (If all it takes for us to accept a 100% tax rate is to have a chance - ever so slight - to win big, then why not have an Income Tax Roulette game: when we send in our income tax returns, a certain percentage of us win back the amount we would have had to pay.)
Aren't VLTs just the poor man's stock market? Aren't we surrounded by breathless billboards about the next big jackpot, media glorifying the newest millionaires, hospitals organizing casino nights and dream lotteries?
Source: New Brunswick Telegraph Journal April 2001
New York Racing Association Chairman Barry Schwartz said NYRA's two main concerns with the installation of the VLTs are the "continuance of our existing relationship" and the negative impact "we feel the VLTs will have on the 36-day Thoroughbred meet.
Source: Thoroughbred Times. January 29, 2002.
In 2000, New York State kept 38 percent of its lottery revenue for education. That share has dropped to 32 percent, but the dollar amount rose from $1.3 billion in 2000 to $2.2 billion last year.
But Jerry McPeak, a Democratic state representative in Oklahoma, said states that have committed to a percentage should not later lower that number.
“I think if you pass a lottery and tell people that a certain proportion of those dollars are going to something like education, then you ought to keep your word,” Mr. McPeak said.
Source: For Schools, Lottery Payoffs Fall Short of Promises, New York Times. October 17, 2007.
They say the games take particular advantage of the most vulnerable members of society, including the poor and members of minority groups.
“Scratch-off tickets are to the lottery what crack is to cocaine,” said State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, a Democrat who represents El Paso.
Source: The $50 Ticket: A Lottery Boon Raises Concern, The New York Times, December 27, 2007
But make no mistake, gambling is a tax - the worst kind. As Money magazine reported, it is inefficient since most of it goes to prizes and administration. And it mostly taxes the poor because, as the Illinois Lottery billboards in poor neighbourhoods used to say, "This could be your ticket out".
For those of us who buy and don't win, it is a 100% tax. (If all it takes for us to accept a 100% tax rate is to have a chance - ever so slight - to win big, then why not have an Income Tax Roulette game: when we send in our income tax returns, a certain percentage of us win back the amount we would have had to pay.)
Aren't VLTs just the poor man's stock market? Aren't we surrounded by breathless billboards about the next big jackpot, media glorifying the newest millionaires, hospitals organizing casino nights and dream lotteries?
Source: New Brunswick Telegraph Journal April 2001
New York Racing Association Chairman Barry Schwartz said NYRA's two main concerns with the installation of the VLTs are the "continuance of our existing relationship" and the negative impact "we feel the VLTs will have on the 36-day Thoroughbred meet.
Source: Thoroughbred Times. January 29, 2002.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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.
Friday, December 14, 2007
NYRA: VLTs Not Needed
Reported by CBSSports, NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward stated that "NYRA can be profitable by the end of 2009... with or without the start-up of Video Lottery Terminals."
With proper oversight, and increase participation with the community, Belmont Park can once again regain its glory with the surrounding residents and families. Let us restore the greatness of horse racing that Belmont Park has shown for over a century, without destroying its essence.
Churchill Downs, has the Kentucky Derby Museum. www.derbymuseum.org
It would serve as a wonderful opportunity for family and children from around our area to explore the rich history Belmont Park has, the Triple Crown Jewel in horse racing. Proceeds from ticket sales and tours could go to improving the facilities and the ambiance of the surrounding areas.
With proper oversight, and increase participation with the community, Belmont Park can once again regain its glory with the surrounding residents and families. Let us restore the greatness of horse racing that Belmont Park has shown for over a century, without destroying its essence.
Churchill Downs, has the Kentucky Derby Museum. www.derbymuseum.org
It would serve as a wonderful opportunity for family and children from around our area to explore the rich history Belmont Park has, the Triple Crown Jewel in horse racing. Proceeds from ticket sales and tours could go to improving the facilities and the ambiance of the surrounding areas.
Monday, December 10, 2007
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
