photo: New York Islanders
New York’s Empire State Development Corporation Thursday unanimously approved the New York Islanders Arena at Belmont Park.
The ESD not only approved the project of the New York Arena Partners but it discounted the objections of local activists and the Village of Floral Park by stating the ESD went above and beyond the State Environmental Quality Review Act requirements, therefore negating any need for supplemental environmental impact studies.
Anyone with objections to Belmont’s redevelopment has 120 days from August 8, to file an Article 78
lawsuit, the way to appeal a decision by a state agency.
NYAP, Jon Ledecky, part owner of the Islanders and HRI’s sources say shovels will touch ground next week. It is unlikely a judge would rule for injunction against such considering the scope ESD employed beyond all SEQRA requirements.
The majority of the ESD meeting consisted of testimony and it was about 80-90% for the project. Those supporting the Islanders, included Isles employees, fans, local residents and politicians, but surprisingly none were from the New York Racing Association. Opposition was mostly from the people of the Village of Floral Park.
The New York State Franchise Oversight Board, considered a rubber stamp, is expected to soon vote its approval. The official ceremony will occur after Labor Day.
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6 Responses
None of these state agencies were going to stop this project the only thing that can stop this project is a judge. Four months from now we’ll have a very good idea if this project will finish on schedule or not.
Tag-
NYAP is not waiting for a judge and it’s not likely one would back such frivolous claims. ESD was clear that they exceeded all requirements.
I know they intend to start work ASAP, I was referring to a judge issuing a stop work order which would be the only thing that could hold up the project.
Denny-
Phoenicia was a close second to Belmont, but objections about traffic from Chichester, Mt. Tremper and Shandaken cost you a hockey team.
Why does Belmont Park look different in the drawing?
Mark-
It’s a rendering of the Arena and it has the same brick exterior as the grandstand.