Senator Martins Secures Funding for Belmont Park Redevelopment Plan

Study seen as first step in revitalization of Racetrack

Senator Jack M. Martins sent a clear message when state leaders agreed on a new $132.6 billion budget plan that redevelopment of Belmont Park is a priority and the Senator secured $50,000 in funding to prove it.

As part of the state budget, Senator Martins, his Elmont partner in the Senate Dean Skelos and the Long Island Senate delegation were successful in allocating $50,000 in funding through the Empire State Development Corporation toward a plan for the redevelopment of Belmont Park. The goal of the plan is to explore options for the historic park in order to revitalize the area and boost the economy of the local communities by making the park a destination.

According to Senator Martins, any plan for redevelopment of the park will center around making the park a destination and injecting revenue into both the residential and commercial tax base. Making the area a destination will also lead to much needed job creation for the area.

Senator Martins stated that this is the first step in the revitalization of Belmont. “The time for talking about redevelopment for the Belmont Park area is over. This allocation of funds for the study represents action. It is the first step in turning a stagnant area into one that will boost the economy for the local communities.” said Senator Martins. “The communities will benefit from increased revenue and, most importantly, job creation as a result of turning the park into a destination. At the same time, it is imperative to only consider options that keep with the character of the communities surrounding the park. To that end, community input is crucial.”

Belmont Park has long been seen as an opportunity for revitalization. According to Senator Martins, efforts will be made to find a use that best serves the communities both economically and aesthetically.