Suozzi Urges State to Address Nassau’s Concerns When Choosing New Belmont Operator

-- Wants Video Lottery Terminal Revenues Dedicated Toward Reducing County Property Taxes

Mineola, N.Y. – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today called on Governor Eliot Spitzer to address Nassau County’s concerns when the Spitzer administration selects a new operator of New York State’s thoroughbred racing facilities in the coming weeks, including insuring that revenue from any video lottery terminals installed at Belmont goes toward reducing county property taxes.

The contract of the current operator of the landmark Belmont Park, the New York Racing Authority (NYRA), expires at the end of this year. NYRA and three other groups have already submitted detailed proposals to Spitzer’s committee. The winning bidder will take over the reins of Belmont, as well as Aqueduct and Saratoga, starting Jan.1, 2008.

Belmont Park’s 430 acres are located almost exclusively in Elmont, Nassau County. Changes in operations at the Park should serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization in not only the Park property but the surrounding community of Elmont as well, Suozzi said.

“The new operator is poised to take Belmont’s reins for the next 20 years,” Suozzi stated in a letter to Gov. Spitzer. “Nassau County should have an active role in the operation of this vital enterprise.  Belmont Park can once again be a major economic engine for the region and help revitalize the local economy, create jobs and generate significant revenue for New York State and Nassau County.  Our County would like to work with you, state officials and the new franchise operator to make this a reality.”

“Belmont Park represents a very large and important piece of property – and business – in Nassau County,” Suozzi said. “We have a lot at stake here, and our concerns should be heard in Albany.”

The current panel to evaluate proposals from the four potential operators includes the State Racing and Wagering Board, the Empire State Development Corporation and the state Division of Budget. The panel, convened by Spitzer, is chaired by the Governor’s special counsel Richard Rifkin.

Suozzi also called on the governor to use proceeds from video lottery terminals (VLT’s) to help reduce county property taxes if VLT’s are implemented at Belmont.  

“Nassau Downs is one of the only profitable OTB operations in the State, generating millions of dollars each year for Nassau County residents in property tax relief,” Suozzi said. “Any future development and terms of operations at Belmont must take into consideration the impact on the profitability to the Nassau County OTB and taxpaying Nassau County residents.

“The County is very interested in whether or not video lottery terminals will be included at this important County landmark and want to ensure that if significant revenues are generated from the VLT’s they will help reduce County property taxes,” Suozzi said.