On July 31, 2017, Empire State Development (ESD) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of property within Belmont Park, located in Elmont within the Town of Hempstead on New York‘s Long Island.
The goal of this RFP is to strengthen Belmont as a premier destination for entertainment, sports, recreation, retail and hospitality on Long Island.
“Belmont Park represents an exciting and much-anticipated development opportunity on Long Island,” said ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “We encourage respondents to submit creative proposals that stimulate vibrant community and economic growth in the region.”
This redevelopment effort will complement the work of Sustainable Long Island, which continues to work with the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, providing technical assistance and strengthening their capacity to lead the way in revitalizing the Hempstead Turnpike corridor, including creation of a zoning overlay district for Hempstead Turnpike.
Belmont Park is a major thoroughbred horseracing facility first opened in 1905 and redeveloped from 1964-1968. The subject of this RFP comprises two parcels totaling approximately 36 acres, both currently vacant and underutilized parking lots.
Site A contains a total of approximately 8 acres, bordered on the south by Hempstead Turnpike and adjacent to the Cross Island Parkway. Site B contains a total of approximately 28 acres and is located south of the Hempstead Turnpike.
Respondents may also propose an alternative, which includes the sites and land adjacent to Site A, north of Hempstead Turnpike. Additional land adjacent to Site A included in respondents’ proposals shall total no more than 7 acres for a total of 15 acres including Site A. Respondents who wish to submit an alternative development proposal must also submit a proposal for the Sites
Proposals should strive to address the following development objectives:
- Enhance Belmont Park to become one of Long Island’s premier destinations for entertainment, sports, hospitality and retail, with uses that are complementary to the existing Belmont Park racetrack;
- Maximize economic benefit to the State while minimizing the State’s economic and environmental risk;
- Provide a source of quality jobs for area and New York State residents;
- Benefit the neighborhoods and communities adjacent to and surrounding Belmont Park;
- Maximize incorporation of green building and sustainable design practices;
- Feature meaningful participation of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.
Responses are due by 2:00 p.m ET on September 28, 2017.
An optional site visit is scheduled for August 17, 2017. Respondents are not required to attend; however, if they wish to participate, they must RSVP to BelmontParkRFP@esd.ny.gov
Featured photo of Secretariat statue at Belmont Park by Jlvsclrk via Wikipedia.