Elmont sees a bright future

xcitement is building. Momentum is going our way. Consensus grows. That’s how we can describe the continuing work on Hempstead Turnpike and the vision that has been developed and nurtured.

When you look at Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, you can’t help but be very bullish on its future. Unlike many communities where NIMBYism reigns to the detriment of progress, Elmont says, “Let’s hear what you have to say.” Unlike other places, where you get shouted down at the mere mention of economic development, Elmont listens.

What exactly is happening here? In a word, progress. There are many challenges ahead that call for creative solutions, but the foundation for Hempstead Turnpike’s success can be found at Belmont Park. The ideas and interest from developers have caught the imagination of everyone. The state’s economic feasibility study is in its final stages, community input and recommendations from stakeholders have been taken into account, and a plan that is viable, and makes sense, is being developed for the property.

The goal of this renaissance is simple: to create good-paying jobs, expand the tax base and attract business that will rejuvenate the Hempstead Turnpike corridor. To make this plan work, the Belmont property and the surrounding area must be shovel-ready, residents must have a can-do attitude and elected leaders must rise above partisanship to get the job done.

Over the past couple of years, more than $5 million has been channeled to the community through the Restore New York grant process. Two grants have targeted the Argo Theatre and Hempstead Turnpike streetscaping. The projects are complementary and will provide a necessary facelift to the area. But more needs to be done.

We need to clean up the area. That means businesses and residents need to renew their pride in their community. We need to pick up the trash, clean up the graffiti and have zero tolerance for any action that lessens the quality of life.