New York Islanders Chance For Belmont Just Got Better

The bid for development at Belmont Park is heating up now, as only the New York Islanders and NYCFC remain. Hopefully, NYCFC still doesn’t actually want the spot.

The New York Islanders have blinders for Belmont. Their obsession is almost a fault as the franchise won’t even consider an alternative at the moment. It’s Belmont or bust for the New York Islanders. And only NYCFC stand in their way.

Today two announcements regarding the Belmont Park RFP were made. The first was that bidder number three, Blumenfield Development has dropped out of the bidding. It seems that Blumenfield believes the processes has already been pre-determined and would be best served to just duck out now.

Which makes you think. Is it pre-determined for the New York Islanders? Hopefully so. But it’s wishful thinking when the other player still left is partially owned by the New York Yankees and Manchester City FC. Two absolute titans in their respective sports.

They’re Looking At Other Options

If there’s one thing that differentiates the New York Islanders approach to the Belmont RFP with their soccer counterparts isn’t the sport they play but the fact that NYCFC is looking at other options.

While the Islanders have blinders, The Bronx Blues have their minds open to other options. According to Glenn Crooks, back in September, they have sights one a few potential homes.

Remember that NYCFC currently plays at Yankee Stadium. Much like the Isles, their current home isn’t designed for their sport. They want to get out and have their own, soccer friendly stadium.

And on Sunday both parties will get to plead their cases directly to the community.

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15 Minutes To Explain

This Sunday both the New York Islanders and NYCFC are going to have their chance to plead their cases for a successful bid directly to the community. If you want details on this listening session here’s a link to the poster with all the info.

Both will have the chance to sell the community on their plans for the piece of land with a 15 minutes presentation. The community will a have a chance to ask questions, thought said questions will be screened.

Based on a public hearing this summer some of the demands from the community are green-space, jobs, and a full-time LIRR station.

"More than 50 area residents testified about their goals for the redevelopment, including high paying jobs, additional green space and a year-round Long Island Rail Road station."

Now it comes down to two bidders. One who’s sole focus is on winning this bid, and the other who some feel would be best to avoid anything outside of New York City proper.

Next: Garth Ain't As Bad As You Think

A decision on the RFP still won’t be made for some time. January seems to be a likely timeframe at the rate this is progressing. But who knows. It’s politics.