By Dana Klosner-Wehner
The proposed redevelopment includes the possibility of a hotel, restaurants and outlet shopping to make Belmont Park a destination. Also there is the possibility of bringing Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) into Belmont Park.
Ruth Jakab, President of the Locustwood/Gotham Civic Association, the neighborhood that meets Belmont Park, said she is against the idea of a hotel and is against the VLTs. Her grandson Xavier Rodriguez, secretary of the association, is also against the hotel and VLTs.
“We’ve been trying to conserve the quality of life in the area,” Rodriguez said. “There are a number of schools surrounding Belmont Park. We want to preserve the historic nature of Belmont Park.”
“We are in favor of small outlet shopping and good restaurants outside the park,” Jakab said. “We would also like to see a museum. We want to make Belmont a place where families can go and spend the whole day.”
Jakab, at the last year’s New York State Senatorial Hearing spoke about Belmont’s potential inside the racetrack. She discussed the possibility of a children’s museum for kids to learn about horses, the history of horse racing and the history of Belmont Park, “Because it is an historical landmark,” she said.
The redevelopment is something that is still under consideration. State leaders recently secured $5 million in economic aid for Belmont Park and the surrounding area.
“We have to work very hard to do something that would work in conjunction with Belmont Racetrack,” said state Sen. Craig Johnson, whose district includes the park and who is the ranking democratic member of the senate wagering and gaming committee. “Historically, NYRA [the New York Racing Association] never took into account the feelings of Elmont and Floral Park residents. We will require collective discussion amongst all the players.”
