Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick Calls on Empire State Development to Fulfill Promises to Elmont Community

(Elmont, NY) – Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick today sent a letter to Empire State Development (ESD) demanding immediate action regarding the long-promised Elmont Community Center, expressing the frustration of local residents over ESD’s lack of community engagement regarding the Belmont redevelopment project.

In the letter, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick highlighted that it has been more than a year since ESD last convened a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, despite repeated requests for updates on the community center, which was a key benefit negotiated as part of the Belmont project. 

“It is unacceptable that Elmont residents have been left in the dark about the future of their promised community center,” said Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “This project was supposed to deliver real, tangible benefits to the families who live here. Empire State Development should immediately provide a full status update regarding the community center, reconvene the Community Advisory Committee, and establish a consistent meeting schedule.”

The original agreement between ESD and New York Arena Partners stipulated a five-year timeline to deliver the community center or face a $5 million penalty. In November 2024, ESD granted a six-month extension, but it remains unclear whether a site has been identified or if further extensions were issued.

Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick concluded, “The residents of Elmont deserve better. They deserve transparency and to finally have the community center they were promised.”