By Dan Israeli
The Town of Hempstead Zoning Board of Appeals denied a permit for the fair on April 2, which caused Reithoffer Shows of Gibsonton, Fla., the fair's operator, to file a lawsuit. The board followed up by approving the permit one week later on April 9, under new conditions, which included heightened security and new hours.
The fair will run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, and 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Originally, the fair was scheduled to run noon to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The board of appeals also ordered for Reithoffer to hire 35 uniformed guards, and that all patrons enter through a metal detector.
There had been a strong contingent of local residents and members of the Fifth Precinct concerned with public safety at the fair, after incidents reported at last year's event. There were also complaints of traffic congestion and litter, which people who spoke at the meeting felt NYRA needed to regulate better.
"A carnival should be a fun place for family and children," said Assemblyman Tom Alfano (R-Franklin Square), who backed civic leaders and the Fifth Precinct during the permit application. "Instead, [the Belmont Fair] has been a magnet for crime, violence and fear. NYRA has got to start listening to Elmont and it's clear they still don't get it."
State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said the carnival situation is a perfect example of why Belmont and its surrounding communities need host community aid, which can help fund additional public safety in the area. "NYRA told everyone they were going to be a new entity and what we got is the same old disrespect," Skelos said. "That's why we need host community aid for Elmont. If we had the host aid, we would have investments for the fifth precinct and more police would be on our streets."
The Belmont Fair will continue to run up until April 27. Gate admission is $6 and parking on site is $5. All rides, games and food are priced separately.
