Belmont Development

Residents await state’s decision on new stadium at racetrack

Posted

Residents are debating four proposed development plans for the 28-acre south parcel at Belmont Park. Three of those plans involve converting the land into big-box retail outlets as well as a grocery store. The fourth plan is more ambitious and much more costly.

The New York Cosmos, a minor league soccer franchise, are seeking to build a 25,000-seat arena equipped with retail space, restaurants and a 175-room hotel. According to the Cosmos, the project would cost $400 million and be funded entirely by the team. Opponents of the plan question the need for such a large structure across the street from another massive venue that has seen a decline in attendance in recent years.

In the fall of 2012, the Empire State Development Corporation sent out a request for proposals for the south parcel. The four developers responded in February 2013, and six months later, state officials said that a decision would be made within weeks. Two and a half years later, the development corporation contacted the developers and asked for updated bids, but has yet to reach a decision.

“We are re-engaging respondents in order to obtain the best possible deal for the state,” Empire State spokesman Jason Conwell said in a statement.

In the meantime, locals have been divided on the best use of the land. Some want to see mixed use, with commercial space on street level and affordable residential space above. The RFP restricted residential proposals, however, because the land is zoned for commercial use. This has led some local officials, including County Legislator Carrié Solages, to call for the state to reissue the RFP and allow for plans that include residential development. The stadium, he said, would not make the best use of the space and would not benefit Elmont.

Page 1 / 4