Labor Unions Join Push to Modernize Belmont Park

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/25/2023 - 10:48
Link: 
Labor Unions Join Push to Modernize Belmont Park
Image: 
Description: 

Photo: Coglianese Photos/Amira Chichakly
Racing at Belmont Park

We Are NY Horse Racing, a coalition of small businesses, labor unions, non-profits, and trade associations who recognize the importance of horse racing to the New York State economy, released letters Jan. 25 from major unions along with a dozen small businesses and advocacy groups urging Governor Kathy Hochul to include the modernization of Belmont Park in the FY 24 Executive Budget Proposal.  

This most recent push to support the construction of a new Belmont Park follows the recent launch of a six-figure ad campaign designed to highlight the economic impact associated with the transformation of Belmont Park into a world-class sports and entertainment destination.  

The letters formalize support of a new Belmont Park from the Enterprise Association of Steamfitters Local 638, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 25, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 290, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30 and Plumbers Local Union 200. In addition, the Long Island Association, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, more than a dozen Saratoga Springs-based businesses, fifteen New York-based thoroughbred training businesses, eleven New York-based thoroughbred breeding farms, and US Lumber joined together to highlight the importance and significance of a project that will create thousands of jobs and billions in long term economic impact for Long Island. 

"The positive impacts of horse racing are felt in every corner of New York State—and that's why it's no surprise that small business owners, advocacy groups, and organized labor alike all support modernizing Belmont Park," said Jack Sterne, We Are NY Horse Racing spokesperson. "Building a new, world-class racing facility at Belmont Park will create a ripple of immense economic impact both locally and across the state, including new jobs and new revenue for local governments. From Long Island to Saratoga and beyond, New Yorkers are coming together to ensure Governor Hochul and lawmakers in Albany understand the immense benefits of this project and include modernizing Belmont in this year's state budget." 

Last month, We Are NY Horse Racing released an independent economic analysis which found that the project to modernize Belmont Park would generate $1 billion in one-time construction-related economic impact. After the new Belmont Park is built, it will produce $155 million in new annual recurring economic output, along with $10 million in new state and local taxes per year. 

Sign up for

Since launching the campaign to modernize Belmont Park, the We Are NY Horse Racing coalition has seen a surge of support across the state for the project. Earlier this year, a poll found 68% of voters statewide and 75% of voters on Long Island support authorizing state-backed bonds for the Belmont modernization project. Several new members have also joined the growing coalition's push including the Long Island Association (LIA), Long Builders Institute (LIBI), Business Council of New York State and Queens Chamber of Commerce. 

To read the full letters visit the links below: