Islanders consider move to Belmont

Raceway is possible landing spot

Posted

The National Hockey League commissioner announced last Friday that the New York Islanders were considering a move from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn back to Long Island. This time, however, they most likely would not return to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale. Their new home might be Belmont Park, in Elmont, where the team might submit a bid to build a new arena.

Speaking to  the press, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the Islanders organization planned to submit a proposal to construct an arena at Belmont, where a number of plans to further develop the property have fallen through in recent years.  

The Islanders did not respond to Herald requests for comment by press time.

Since 2012, Belmont Park has been considered as a potential site for several development projects. Last year the state rejected proposals for a 25,000-seat soccer stadium for the New York Cosmos, and video lottery terminals such as those at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park. 

Amy Varghese, the Empire State Development press secretary, said in an email that no proposals had been solidified, and she would not comment on the Islanders' potential move. "Development at Belmont will be an economic boost to the region, and all improvements to the site will occur through the normal process," Varghese said. "We're working to finalize an RFP for the site."

Some neighbors of the racetrack, such as Tammie Williams, would like to see greater planning before proposals are submitted to the state for consideration. A new Islanders arena in the Elmont area could limit street parking, while increasing traffic and garbage on local roads, she said. Williams added that she would prefer to see mixed-use development, with a combination of high-tech businesses alongside recreational zones. 

"Who can be against having a request for proposal that allows all economically viable development plans for this property of regional significance?" she said. "We shouldn't be limiting the ideas, but rather encouraging as many ideas as possible. That is how taxpayers get the best deal possible. 

"We also need to consider future generations," she said, "because right now we aren't seeing their input in any of these decisions. What would they want? They would want an affordable place to live and work. We need younger people to have a say in what development happens here."

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat who represents the 22nd District, which includes parts of Franklin Square and Elmont, is urging Empire State Development to draft a Request For Proposal to redevelop Belmont Park that is transparent and fair, saying that a RFP tailored to a particular developer would be a disservice to the local community and limit the negotiation process. She is open to hearing all suggestions about projects, adding that community stakeholders must be included in the RFP process.  

"Belmont Park is hundreds of acres of economic opportunity for Long Island," she said. "The state needs to solicit serious proposals that will embellish the horse-racing industry already in place, redevelop the train station while creating high-paying jobs, and improve the quality of life throughout the surrounding communities. In our lifetime, we only have one opportunity to transform Belmont Park into a world-class destination. We must not let it pass us by."

Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony Santino and State Assemblyman Ed Ra called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials to upgrade the train station at Belmont Park to provide year-round commuter train service, noting that the state's focus on development at the site was a perfect opportunity to seek such a plan.

"Redevelopment plans for the property at Belmont Park present a unique opportunity for local commuters that should not be overlooked," Ra said. "The hamlets of Franklin Square and Elmont deserve a viable alternative when it comes to commuting to the city."

Saying the Islanders are "reviewing their options," Bettman said that the land next to Citi Field in Willets Point could be a potential landing spot for the Islanders and added that the renovated Nassau Coliseum is "not a long-term option."

Representatives of Citi Field or the Barclays Center didn't respond to calls requesting comment at press time. Bettman's comments were the first time that arena plans for the Islanders were discussed publicly.