A local civic group says a proposed gaming parlor at Belmont Park would be bad for the neighborhood and plans a Saturday protest to stop it.
No Casino at Belmont Park describes itself as a grassroots organization against the video lottery terminal parlor at Belmont Park and scheduled the 11 a.m. rally at Belmont Park to tell our elected officials they are tired of “casino roulette” on Long Island and support legislation to revoke planned casinos in Nassau and Suffolk County.
No Casino at Belmont Park is comprised of members of the communities of Elmont, Floral Park, South Floral Park, Franklin Square, Queens Community Board 13, and others throughout Long Island.
It says New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky, Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, and Floral Park Mayor Tom Tweedy are planning to join the protestors.
The civic group says it opposes the proposed casino due to its proximity to six local schools, likely increases in criminal activity and drunk driving, the casino’s proposed 20 hours of operation, and its likely detrimental impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
It says it has compiled more than 2,200 signatures against the proposed casino at Belmont Park.
While the civic group is protesting the proposed gaming terminals at Belmont Park, the New York Senate has advanced a bill that would regulate and legalize online poker in the state.
A majority of New York Senators say they support regulating online poker, and an online poker bill, S6409B, made it through a Senate committee in February, but awaits action before the Senate.
State regulation of daily fantasy sports and online poker are included in the state’s budget plan, suggesting both soon might become legal in the Empire State.
New York lawmakers also are considering ways to share revenues from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. The state currently gets about 75% and Niagara Falls 25% of revenue sharing from the tribal casino.
Two state lawmakers favor giving the city 75% and the state 25%, but that would require a lot of support from lawmakers representing districts outside of Niagara Falls, making such a proposal less likely to become a reality.
