State to overhaul Empire Zone program

Earlier this month, the New York State Economic Development Corp. and Gov. David Paterson announced that the Empire Zone program — scheduled to end in June 2010 — is likely to see a significant overhaul rather than continue unabated.

The program, which designates areas of business opportunity across the state, only has one Nassau County component — the Hempstead Turnpike corridor in Elmont.

In a release earlier this month, the New York State Economic Development Corp. announced that the program would likely be replaced when it sunsets at the end of June next year.

The state, county and Town of Hempstead have made a concerted effort over the last several years to revitalize the area around Belmont Racetrack, which many residents believe should be a premiere tourist attraction. A world-class racetrack just steps over the border from New York City, the area has had trouble drawing visitors for anything but the Belmont Stakes one weekend a year.

Recently, several groups, including the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, have worked hard to woo businesses to the area, in an attempt to show Elmont’s economic vitality.

The loss of the Empire Zone program could be a devastating blow to their efforts.

Local Assemblyman Tom Alfano has made the revitalization of the Hempstead corridor his signature issue. He believes that there is still political will to keep the Empire Zone program, and keep it in place in Elmont.

“There is absolutely no question that the Empire Zone attracts business. If we lose it, it will no doubt be difficult,” Alfano said. “I believe the will is there to renew the program. I believe that a bipartisan approach with the governor is the key to keeping the Empire Zone.”

Fighting to keep the program will be an uphill battle, however, as Paterson has identified the program as a poster-child for government waste, even as he praised it for creating half a billion dollars in new business for the state.