Elmont Online

Assemblyman Tom Alfano was briefed today by Governor Paterson’s executive staff and members of the Empire State Development Corporation on the Belmont Park Redevelopment Study.  The study, commissioned by the Governor and strongly supported by Assemblyman Alfano and Senator Dean Skelos, outlines 3 draft proposals for the redevelopment of the Belmont Park property.  Alfano called the proposal a “turning point for Elmont and Floral Park that will mean jobs, jobs, jobs and a sure fire way to cut property taxes for homeowners.”

The proposals, outlined in the study, call for retail shopping, a hotel, spa, restaurants and a VLT parlor which are being formally backed by the Governor. In other aspects of the proposal, senior housing is explored, a neighborhood walking preserve area and a recreational sport complex is examined and graded.

Each of the plans will also utilize a section of the Empire Zone that Assemblyman Alfano and Senator Skelos were able to win for Elmont during the tenure of Governor George Pataki.  The Empire Zone offers tax incentives for creating jobs and bringing in business to the Hempstead Turnpike area.  The Site B area is in the zone and is eligible for benefits. “What we need to do is use all of the assets we have in the zone and bring together the best and brightest minds in the construction and retail industries to forge a plan that will be first class all the way. The Empire Zone is an added benefit that only helps us in this plan. What we have to do now is encourage the Governor to move this process along,” said Assemblyman Alfano.

The development study is an outgrowth of community stakeholder and officials meetings at the Elmont Public Library.  Empire State Development Corporation then put together the recommendation list outlined in the Belmont Redevelopment Proposal.  The recommendations mirrored initiatives championed by Assemblyman Alfano, Senator Skelos and countless community members and leaders in neighborhood meetings over last Summer and Fall.

The site proposals developed by Empire State Development Corporation are as follows:

Site A—Known as Grandstand Side in FRONT of Grandstand

Proposal #1:    Racino Stand Alone
Proposal #2:    Small Hotel with VLTS in Grandstand or in Hotel
Proposal #3:    Large Hotel with VLTs in Grandstand or in Hotel

Site B—Known Locally as the South Lot

Proposal #1:    Retail with 30 stores with Theatre and Food Complex with and/or small hotel
Proposal #2:    Big Box Power Retail Center with Sport Complex Center
Proposal #3:    Senior Housing with Retail Center

Each of the plans in the Empire State Development Corporation study were graded and ranked for feasibility and assessment of opportunity of the land.  The highest grades awarded were for the proposals championed by Assemblyman Alfano and Senator Skelos.  The large Hotel with Racino and Lifestyle Retail Center with shopping, restaurants and Movie Theatre complex received the top grades.

“This is what we’ve been talking about since last year. We need to revitalize the Hempstead Turnpike corridor and bring in new business.  This proposal does what we’ve been hoping for. In each site option is a hotel, retail shopping, spa, restaurants and quality economic development.  The next step is looking at what the right combination is.  I don’t support the senior housing component because we have enough senior housing in the area.  What I want to focus all of our efforts on is creating jobs and lowering taxes on homeowners. With this proposal, we can help our young people get a job. With this proposal we can create construction jobs. With this proposal we’ll create sustainable jobs. With this proposal we can cut taxes on homeowners. With this proposal we’ll be expanding the tax base. With this proposal we’ll bring revitalization to Hempstead Turnpike. With this proposal we’ll finally make Belmont a destination point instead of raw iron gates,” said Alfano.

Senator Dean Skelos called the proposal “a step in the right direction. What we’ve been saying all along in this process is that we need economic development and to cut taxes on homeowners. Right from the start, Assemblyman Alfano and I have been pushing for this kind of plan for the community. We have to move now on these proposals and we can’t let allow this process to get bogged down like Aqueduct. Time is of the essence. Let’s get to work.”

Patrick Nicolosi, President of the Elmont East End Civic Association said, “this is the kind of news Elmont wants to hear.  In this economy with all of the challenges we face, we need to cut taxes and create jobs. This proposal starts us down this road finally. I want to see the large hotel, retail and Belmont redeveloped to help all our communities.”

Sandra Smith, Chair of the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, called the site plan very exciting and a big shot in the arm for Elmont and Floral Park. “This is the beginning of something big for all our communities. From the beginning we outlined what we wanted to see and pushed hard for it every step of the way.  Now with the Governor, Senator Skelos and Assemblyman Alfano all pushing in the same direction we literally hit the triple!”

“The grades that were awarded by the study group were very exciting to see because it proves again that the community was right and had the right feel for what was feasible, doable and would create jobs and lower taxes. I had over 17 community meetings from High School students to senior citizens about what they wanted to see at Belmont. It’s truly heartening to see that our ideas are being put into action,” Alfano said.

Assemblyman Alfano is making copies of the plan available to residents.  You can email Assemblyman Alfano at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for your copy of the plan.  You can also call him at 437-5577.

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