Belmont finishes out of the money

Governor David Paterson announced a plan late Sunday to try and stave off a fiscal crisis in New York state, and one revenue generator in particular may be painful for Elmont and Franklin Square leaders to see.

Paterson introduced the Executive Authority Option, a package of cost-saving cuts and payment collections that could save the state $1.6 billion against this year’s debt. Among the measures are an 11 percent reduction in state agency non-personnel services budgets, an increase in recollection of fraudulent Medicaid payments, and notably, a $200 million payment from the winning bidder in the race to place video lottery terminals in the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

That payment most likely will not sit well with Elmont and Franklin Square officials, who have been trying in vain for years to persuade the government to allow those VLTs to operate at Belmont Park. Local groups, including the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, have lobbied for years to have VLTs installed at the racetrack, and were close this year until a provision was pulled from the budget at the last minute.

Now, seeing that the governor is counting on $200 million from VLTs that are soon to be installed at nearby Aqueduct, local leaders say they are frustrated by the governor’s lack of leadership in bringing the terminals — and the revenue they would generate — to Elmont.

“It aggravates me because here’s a community that’s said yes to VLTs, yes to economic development,” said Pat Nicolosi, co-chair of the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development. “What are we waiting for? We’ve been asking for this for the last couple of years. It should have been done already.”

Nicolosi said he found it ironic that the state couldn’t be bothered to support video lottery terminals and economic development at Belmont Park when times were good, but now that the state is struggling to make up billions in debt, it is counting on payments from VLTs in Queens to close the budget gap. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out this is going to make revenue,” Nicolosi said. “It’s going to be good for everyone, so let’s just get it done. Let’s stop talking about it and get it done.”

State Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Garden City) said he is upset and puzzled by the governor’s lack of action on the issue.

“Since the executive branch released its Belmont study nearly 10 months ago, I have seen no visible movement towards crafting a solid economic development plan for the race track and no inclusion of Belmont in the Governor's numerous long- and short-term economic plans,” Johnson said. “There is bipartisan support for VLTs among local elected officials and members of the community. The Governor needs to show some leadership and join us in making development at Belmont a priority.”

Assemblyman Tom Alfano (R-Franklin Square) agreed. “The bottom line is that VLTs at Belmont can help economic development and create jobs. The governor needs to step up to the plate and show leadership,” Alfano said. “People are really hurting in communities like Elmont and Franklin Square.”

Paterson has been working since mid-October to create some kind of budget consensus in the state Legislature. Appearing fed up with legislators’ inaction as the holiday weekend came to a close, he issued a statement on Sunday promising action if legislators were unwilling or unable to come up with savings for the state on their own.

“As I said directly to New Yorkers last week,” the governor said, “if legislators won’t face up to their responsibility and join me in making the tough decisions, I’ll do it myself. I will continue to fight every single day to keep New York State afloat in the midst of this historic economic crisis — with or without the help of the Legislature.”

In addition to saving money for the state, Paterson readily admitted that his most recent savings plan was a way to provide political cover for some legislators who feared being associated with tax increases and program cuts the governor has championed.

“I know certain legislators fear the political consequences if they vote to approve my plan to save New York state’s finances,” he said. “So I am doing everything within my current authority to reduce the fiscal burden these legislators must deal with.”

The easiest thing for Elmont and Franklin Square residents to deal with, Nicolosi said, would be seeing Albany approve local economic development. “I’m looking to press this in the community,” he said. “I’m looking to press this because it’s the right thing to do.”

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