Belmont's future: A roll of the dice?

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, left, Sen. Hugh Farley, Sen. Kemp Hannon and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos watched as Gov. Cuomo signed the 2012-13 New York State budget.

Courtesy New York State Senate

Last week, state leaders approved a $132.6 billion budget for 2012-13 that includes funding and a study for the redevelopment of Belmont Park. For many local residents, who've been urging development there for years, the announcement was considered a bout of luck.

Through the collaboration of Sens. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and Dean Skelos, as well as other Long Island senators, $50,000 in funding was allocated toward a future plan for Belmont's revitalization through the Empire State Development Corporation. According to Martins, the budget requires the corporation to, using the designated funding, put together an action plan for economic development at the park. He added that the plan aims to make the park a "destination" area, and revamp and bolster the economy of surrounding communities, including Elmont and Franklin Square.