All Things Political: Belmont Park redevelopment falters

Adam Haber

In October 2008, Gov. David A. Paterson, Empire State Development and the New York State Racing & Wagering Board explored redevelopment options for the 36 acres comprising two parcels at Belmont Park.

According to the Belmont Park Redevelopment Study, released by Empire State Development in December 2008, the options for eight-acre Site A included a Racino, a hotel and video lottery terminals.

Options for 28-acre Site B included mixed-use property or big box retail, a small hotel or senior housing.

However, none of those plans have come to fruition.

In September 2012, almost four years later, Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a new request for proposals through Empire State Development.

Submissions were due six weeks later.

This time Site A was open to proposals for a resort and spa hotel or any other use complimentary to horse racing and pari-mutual wagering. Site B was open to proposals for retail, professional office space, institutional or educational uses and lodging.

As specifically written in the request for proposals, “Residential development, including senior housing and assisted living facilities and similar uses, will not be permitted on either Site.”

The second request for proposals  in 2012 attracted three submissions.

The first two were somewhat similar retail based proposals from accomplished and respected developers, Engel Burman Group and Blumenfeld Development Group.

The third proposal was from Queens-based Mattone group for a $400 million, 25,000 seat soccer stadium with 250,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, to house the second-tier team, the New York Cosmos.

Last year the Cosmos declared they had financial trouble and subsequently the request for proposals was cancelled in December 2016.

Why this whole request for proposals  process lasted more than four years is anybody’s guess.

The total 36-acre tract, with excellent access to public transportation and highways, is arguably the most valuable undeveloped land anywhere near the Queens/Long Island border.

In the almost nine years since the idea to develop this land was first floated by Gov. Paterson, no projects are remotely close to becoming a reality.

Now what?

Unanswered questions about the development abound.

For example, why isn’t housing part of the equation when quality affordable rental units are in short supply? Why hasn’t health care focused development been actively pursued when health care is by far the largest employer on Long Island? Why didn’t anyone, including supportive elective officials, bother to scratch the surface of the Cosmos financial ability to support a 25,000-seat stadium when they advocated for it?

The governor and the Empire State Development haven’t called for a new request for proposals but when they do I suggest they include a timeline as to when the project will be awarded.

Right now, a new hockey arena for the Islanders is being suggested, but if built would leave the recently renovated Coliseum in Hempstead a moribund, second-rate facility surrounded by asphalt.

Retail by itself won’t keep Nassau’s economy growing as brick and mortar retail locations are contracting across the country thanks to Amazon and other online retailers.

There will probably be more delays and studies conducted, but the question remains: What should be built on the 36 acres at Belmont Park?

Here are my suggestions for a mixed-use, live, work and play walkable community:

·      Commercial space that supports health care, our largest local employer

·      A large, first-class resort hotel and spa with a convention center and a wing for medical tourists

·      Affordable rental apartments for Millennials so the next generation doesn’t leave for Manhattan or Brooklyn

·      Market-rate condos for those who want to stay on Long Island and no longer want the work of a house, but want access to public transportation

·      A creative commercial space for a “We Work” type facility to foster a start-up community of entrepreneurs

·      A first-class, small-entertainment venue with a food hall to attract tourism and act as a gateway to Long Island.

This 36-acre parcel remains an unexcavated asset, and the losses in opportunity costs to our community are real.

Long Islanders need shovels in the ground to prepare for long-term growth.

Economic growth at Belmont Park will expand the tax base, create good paying jobs and bring the tax relief we are all so desperate for. Nassau County can’t afford to wait another decade for something to happen.

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