Town of Hempstead Councilman supports soccer team’s project

Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino, standing, along with East End Civic President Pat Nicolosi, support the Cosmos’ plan to build a 25,000-seat stadium.

Steve Smirti/Herald

The proposed stadium complex that the New York Cosmos wish to build would boast a 25,000-seat arena with restaurant and retail space, as well as a 175-room hotel.

Courtesy New York Cosmos

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Hempstead Town Councilman Edward Ambrosino spoke to Elmont residents at the East End Civic Association meeting on May 3 about development at Belmont Park. While some community members have criticized a proposal to build a soccer stadium on the south lot — instead expressing their preference for affordable housing — others, including East End President Patrick Nicolosi, have come out in favor of the plan, citing job creation and economic growth for the area.

There are four developments currently being evaluated by the Empire State Development Corporation. Three of them involve converting the land into big-box retail outlets as well as a grocery store. The fourth plan, put forth by the New York Cosmos, a professional soccer team, is more ambitious. The Cosmos hope to build a 25,000-seat stadium on Belmont’s south parking lot, part of a complex that would include restaurants, retail space and a 175-room hotel.

“The Cosmos is a great, great opportunity for the community,” Ambrosino said at the meeting. “I think the Cosmos is the best proposal.”

Belmont Park is state-owned land, which means the Town of Hempstead will not play an integral role in the development process. According to Ambrosino, jurisdiction fluctuates greatly in his 2nd Councilmatic District among town, county and state authorities, which makes it difficult to help constituents on certain issues.

“During my last campaign I got bashed by my opponent … that we didn’t stop [a] liquor store from opening up — I didn’t interfere,” Ambrosino said, referring to his race last year against Elmont Library Trustee Tammie Williams, which he won by over 4,000 votes. “The state liquor authority has the jurisdiction.”

The Cosmos plan, he said, is under similar restrictions: Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the ESDC will decide which development plan will be chosen. Ambrosino said he hoped the Cosmos’ project would be their choice, because it offers the best opportunity for an economic boom.

“I think the Cosmos will be a great opportunity,” he said, “and I think they can mitigate traffic concerns, but the governor is calling the shots on this one, and we have no zoning jurisdiction over Belmont Park whatsoever.”

Changed opinion