By Jeff Lipton
Scott Cushing, a spokesman for Assemblyman Thomas Alfano (R-Franklin Square) who has been pushing for the VLTs at Belmont, said the governor now appears to be leaning toward their installation at the racetrack. The VLTs at Aqueduct Raceway are expected to generate $400 million in income for the state, with a large portion of that slated for education. VLTs raised more than $273 million for education from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007.
“The governor said he has absolutely no problem with VLTs at Belmont,” Cushing said. “It’s wonderful news that the governor is listening to the community members, and this will mean more progress in revitalizing Elmont” and the areas around Belmont. Spitzer, Cushing said, is expected to try to persuade Assembly members to get behind the plan.
The VLTs are a major draw, and leaders in Elmont expressed concern that since Belmont and Aqueduct are just 7 miles apart, Belmont will lose patrons to the Queens racetrack. Belmont once regularly drew upward of 20,000 spectators, but now attracts around 6,000, said Pat Nicolosi, an Elmont resident for 40 years.
A video lottery terminal player inserts money, selects a combination of numbers and pulls a lever or pushes a button to play the game. Numbers are randomly generated via a hookup run by the lottery, and the machines can pay out in two ways — either coins drop out or a paper receipt is printed that can be redeemed for prize money.
Joining Alfano in a bid for VLTs at Belmont are state senators Dean Skelos (R–Rockville Centre) and Kemp Hannon (R–Franklin Square), who recently held a press conference at Gotham Avenue Elementary School in Elmont to announce their support for the terminals. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize Belmont Park and invest in Elmont and the surrounding communities,” said Skelos. “After carefully consulting with local leaders and providing an opportunity for everyone in the community to express their opinion, we believe that VLTs can be an effective tool to provide more money for area school districts and promote economic growth in Elmont.”
Negotiations under way for some time are focused on who will run the racetrack when the franchise agreement runs out on Dec. 31. Spitzer has recommended that the New York Racing Association, which currently holds the franchise to operate racing at Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga, continue to operate the franchise for the next 30 years, a plan that requires legislative approval.
Alfano expressed hope that VLTs would be in place at Belmont by Jan. 1. As part of the agreement, local leaders have asked that $20 million be deposited annually in a Belmont Preservation Trust, with some of the money being used to spur economic development, for infrastructure projects such as road repair and for increased security around the racetrack. Local schools would also benefit under the proposal, with crucial education dollars being funneled into Elmont, Floral Park and South Floral Park, they said.
Alfano said he hoped restaurants would be built, as well as a hotel and a shopping center, possibly anchored by Wal-Mart, which would potentially create thousands of jobs and help reverse Elmont’s recent downward economic spiral.
“It is important Long Islanders know they are getting something in return from Belmont Racetrack after years of being neglected,” Hannon said.
“The NYRA owes over $20 million in back taxes, which affected dollars meant for our schools,” he continued. “The track has an obligation to Long Islanders to maintain its facility so it does not continue to be an eyesore. We are asking the state for the same deal afforded to New York City and Yonkers. Long Islanders should not be shortchanged.”
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