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The Locustwood Gotham Civic, and the residents that it represents of western Elmont, specifically the area surrounding and adjacent to historic Belmont Park, would like to congratulate the Shinnecocks Indians upon receiving their national recognition as a federally recognized tribe. Respect and appreciation to our past is essential to secure a cared for and prosperous future. We wish the Shinnecocks, nothing but success in their endeavors in securing financial independence and improve the quality of life for the people of their tribe.
While we respect the wishes by some, for after all we live in a free and democratic society, we urge the Shinnecock Indians, as well as government officials to not allow historic Belmont Park to be considered a site for an Indian Casino. The residents of the community of Elmont had struggled for years to reclaim the land of Belmont Park to be part of the community, and a Indian Casino would transfer ownership of the land and thus hurting efforts of true revitalization and economic development as instructed by the memorandum of understanding between the State of New York and Belmont Park during its land transfer of ownership.Hempstead Turnpike is currently heavily congested, and normal traffic is often backed up for extensive length of roadway. The water supply by Belmont Park is unreliable, as many large scale events resulted in lack of water for bathrooms, eateries and potential emergencies. In addition, a casino would add extra burdens to local taxpayers in terms of increases in expenditures of special and emergency services ranging from police, fire, sanitation and sewer. Making the customary monetary compensation to local communities insufficient, and cost prohibited to the local neighbors. While we are supportive of the Shinnecock Indians in their quest of improving the quality of life, we must not sacrifice our own quality of life to their cause. Unlike the Indian casinos in Connecticut that are located in open spaces, Belmont Park is centrally located in a residential area, surrounded by single family homes and public schools. Most of the concern of having the casino at the current location of the Nassau Coliseum is actually tenfold at Belmont Park, as its proximity to families and children are much closer.As some in the community of Elmont and its surrounding area may be in favor of its endeavor, we must not be hasty in a decision that will influence the future of our great community for generations. Consider the consequences, and examine the cost and benefits. Jobs that are often generated are low-skilled positions, and often filed with members of the tribe and economic benefits as most casinos do not trickle down to outside of the casino into neighboring businesses. In fact, casinos traditional hurt local businesses, and ultimately would hinder the efforts of revitalization set out by the community of Elmont. Elmont needed development that includes new businesses, to bring in larger flow of taxes and sales, to help support our suburban lifestyle, and to maintain Elmont's image of one of the best multicultural communities to raise a family. |
