Plans for Belmont Park soccer stadium nixed by state

Plans for a soccer stadium at Belmont Park have been scrapped by the state's economic development agency, leaving many to wonder what will become of the site. Empire State Development Corp. canceled

News 12 Staff

Dec 11, 2016, 3:15 AM

Updated 2,857 days ago

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Plans for a soccer stadium at Belmont Park have been scrapped by the state's economic development agency, leaving many to wonder what will become of the site.
Empire State Development Corp. canceled its 4-year-old request for proposals, or RFP, at the site, closing the door on a plan to construct a 25,000-seat stadium on the property.
Civic leaders from Elmont and Floral Park say they look forward to hearing from new developers about new ideas.
Some have speculated that the New York Islanders' new ownership group could try to return the team to Nassau County with a new arena proposal at Belmont Park. That is popular with some civic leaders, but less so with others.
"The heart of the Islanders is Nassau Coliseum," says Tammie Williams, of the Parkhurst Civic Association. "Work that out. Don't come build something else when something else is already sitting there underutilized."
Community members say they will continue to make sure they have a role in shaping Belmont Park's future after successful oppositions to a proposed casino, and now the soccer stadium.
"We are willing to work with [developers] if it's an idea that we actually believe will benefit the surrounding communities," says Mary Grace Tomecki, of the Floral Park South Side Civic Association.
State Sen. Todd Kaminsky says he will ensure the community is heard throughout the process.