NY Cosmos proposed new Stadium
On January 11, 2013, the New York Cosmos submitted an economic development proposal, named Elmont Town Crossings, to the State of New York. This project will transform two sections of Belmont Park into a vibrant entertainment complex, with a “Restaurant Row” of nine new eateries, nearly 250,000 square feet of retail space, a 175-room hotel and the development of a brand new 4.3 acre public park for the residential community.
The New York State Economic Development Corporation’s Request For Proposals (RFP) solicited plans for the development of the southernmost parking lot of Belmont Park, bordering the Cross Island Parkway on the west and Hempstead Turnpike at the north. In addition, the RFP sought proposals for vacant land just north of Hempstead Turnpike, also bordering the Cross Island Parkway on the west.
The stadium will also have a downward slope from west to east, so its profile will be no higher than 30 feet along the residential perimeter. This project attracts many new opportunity in new transportation improvements, including improved access, enhanced parking options and better circulation for vehicles and pedestrians. These improvements would complement existing connections to the Cross Island Parkway and public transportation links such as the Long Island Rail Road, MTA bus and Nassau Intercounty Express (NICE) bus.
The Cosmos’ proposal brings much needed revenue and jobs to Nassau County and Elmont. Construction at the site would create more than 500 jobs, in addition to over 3,000 full-time permanent jobs once the stadium, stores, restaurants and hotel are open.
