Senator Elaine Phillips announced today that the New York State Senate passed her legislation that establishes a local advisory board for the Belmont Park redevelopment project.
“With the redevelopment of Belmont Park approved, it is critically important that we continue to provide residents with direct input and a voice in the process,” Senator Phillips said. “Providing an open dialogue between the developers and the community is vital, as this project will bring about change to the community, create new jobs and promote economic growth.”
The bill, S.8986, would establish a local advisory board to ensure local residents and community members have direct input in the recently approved redevelopment of Belmont Park. The board would be comprised of 15 individuals who live, work or own a business within five miles of Belmont Park.
“On behalf of the residents of the Village of Floral Park, I want to thank Senator Phillips for proposing this bill to create the Belmont Community Advisory Committee in the fashion of those already at Aqueduct and Saratoga Racetracks,” Floral Park Mayor Dominick A. Longobardi said. “Floral Park shares the largest neighboring border with Belmont Park. Once established, this Committee, will enable our residents and our neighbors around us to work together with NYRA, NY State and others to ensure that what occurs at Belmont Park will be beneficial to all involved. Belmont Park is state property, which means it is owned by all of us. Maintaining and improving our quality of life is of utmost importance to all surrounding beautiful Belmont Park. Senator Phillips recognized the need for this collective forum and the Committee is a great step towards ensuring everyone’s issues and concerns are met.”
Since the Empire State Development Corporation has already convened a separate Community Advisory Committee to provide local input on the proposed new sports arena by the New York Arena Partners, this new local advisory board will advise only on NYRA’s operations and capital improvements to avoid duplication and overlap.
Last year, the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) selected the New York Islanders as the winning bidder to redevelop Belmont Park. The Islanders’ plan includes an 18,000-seat arena, a full-service hotel and a retail and community space.
—Submitted by the office of Senator Elaine Phillips
