Elmont Online

"Hempstead Town might use eminent domain to force him [Mr. Cavalluzzo] to sell the land on Hempstead Turnpike so a developer can build a supermarket."  Many progressive Elmont residents have worked to get economic development started along the Hempstead Turnpike corridor which includes the use Cavalluzzo’s property as a substantial supermarket.

During the winter of 2005, candidate for the 3^rd Legislative District, Ali Mirza, introduced Long Island’s Sustainable Development to Elmont.  Since then many good things have happened.  Assemblyman Alfano successfully worked to bring an Empire Economic Development Zone to Elmont; Elmont Coalition of Sustainable Development (ECSD) was established and is presently chaired by Sandra Smith and Patrick Nicolosi; and, announced in December of ’06 and executed in 2007, the ECSD engaged the community in many Vision Planning sessions.   These sessions lead to the creation of a Vision for Elmont.

Now as I recall, the idea of a supermarket was floated by some including the president of the Jamaica Square Civic Club, Claudine Hall and leader[s] of another abutted civic, Locustwood - Gotham.  Others residents felt an upscale business complex was an alternative that better suited to the area.  In the end a supermarket was included as part of the broader plan.

Let me be clear, a supermarket is not economic development.  Supermarkets are great places for teens to work part-time after school, and maybe Elmont benefits with one or two managers here or there.  Therefore, I would disagree with the town if it uses eminent domain to get a “supermarket”, but Mr. Cavalluzzo’s representation is narrow and flawed. The town is in fact executing on one aspect of the community supported visioning plan.

In no small way and above the objections of many in Elmont who whispered that the new Public Library would be a “baby sitting service for South Elmont” the Elmont Board of Education forged ahead with plans to turn the controversial and abandoned ATS building into a substantial educational destination for all of Elmont and the surrounding communities.  Today, as I drive by the New Public Library or participate in the Elmont Online – Highlighting Success Black History Month Celebration I know we were right to push past the negativity and as my then colleague, Ms. Madera, said “build it and they will come”. What Hempstead Turnpike needs are more big ideas (Visioning Plan) and political leadership with the courage to pursue them.

The town must push forward with rezoning the Turnpike as called for in the Vision Plan.  Secondly, residents must push against the “no gambling at Belmont” nonsense.  The third leg of the Triple Crown in horse racing is at “Belmont Park” and has been there well over half century.  As I said during this years’ Elmont Online Black History Month Roundtable “people on horseback galloping around an oval shaped track, while spectators bet on which one will win, place, show or box is gambling.  Stop the nonsense – these are the same people who over twenty years ago blocked the development of the Marriot Hotel – it time they are called out for who they are - obstructionists.

Eminent domain is a useful tool if it supports solid, visionary development in a community.  Lets stop the nonsense and get behind the community approved Vision Plan.

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