Approved: ESD approves $1.3B Islanders Arena Project in Belmont

We waited all day to hear the news from the Empire State Development Board on the Belmont Park Arena Environmental Impact Statement. Mainly, it was to remove the last hurdle for the Islanders Belmont Park Arena project to become a reality soon. When the news broke, Isles country breathed a sigh of relief. Finally. Another historic day for one of the most storied franchises in the NHL.

Per Randi Marshall, "Unanimous approval from the ESD board for #isles arena and Belmont redevelopment to move forward. And with that, meeting adjourned."

All that remains is approval from the Franchise Oversight Board in the next couple of weeks to conclude but should be a formality. UPDATE: Approved on 8/13. Per Christian Arnold, "#Isles season ticket holders were sent an email today inviting them "to a special groundbreaking ceremony after Labor Day at Belmont Park. Get your shovels ready, as we hope to see each and every Season Ticket Member with us on the day."

That will put New York back on the Island for good and on schedule to have our new projected $955M home open in time for the 2021-22 season. Per Stan Fischler, "Super-duper news; State approval for @NYIslanders arena at Belmont. That means shovel in the ground cannot be far away. Hooray, Hooray to ownership and all who have been behind Belmont."

Per Newsday, "As part of its approval, ESD also on Thursday adopted the environmental review's findings statement, an important procedural move because it opens the 120-day window for opponents to file lawsuits seeking to stop the project … When asked after the vote whether Floral Park village officials were considering legal action, such as an Article 78, to stop or delay the project, Deputy Floral Park Village Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald said, all options are still on the table."

Some Elmont residents welcomed the prospect of more jobs. Developers say the project will create 3,200 jobs and promise to fill 30 percent of the positions with people living within a four-mile radius around Belmont.

After two years of meetings, articles, reports, and rumors along with some local Floral Park opposition, all our fans wanted was the nod that the Belmont Arena project was a go.

Islanders Ownership said it was. General manager, Lou Lamoriello said it was. And today, the ESD confirmed it. Nassau County will finally get a premiere destination and bring jobs and revenue back to the cash-strapped area. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a plan last month to build the new Elmont train station, attached to the north parking lot of Belmont Park.

Per Newsday, "New York Arena Partners, the project developers, have proposed a 19,000-seat arena, 350,000 square feet of upscale shops and restaurants, a 250-room hotel and parking on 43-acres of vacant state-owned property at Belmont Park. The development group is a partnership of the owners of the Islanders, the New York Mets and the arena development company Oak View Group."

That's some good news with just a month and a half left in the offseason. We are looking for our New York Islanders to add some more offensive punch via trade after a somewhat light and dicey free agency period. The retention of Anders lee, loss of Robin Lehner, and addition of 31-year-old netminder, Semyon Varlamov.

I'm ready to see how the team shapes up. I think they need to add a few key pieces, but no one gave them a chance last season, and they shocked the hockey world. But how much magic can the coaching staff keep conjuring with the current cauldron of talent?

There is still time Isles fans. Enjoy this announcement for how historic it will be for the future of the franchise.
And special thanks to Charles Wang. This is a great tribute in his memory.
Thanks to Jim Baumbach, Candice Ferrette and Randi Marshall for their continued updates on the project and attention to all things Islanders Arena news.

Isles Notes:

Per Release, "The New York Islanders will play two nationally-televised games on NBCSN this season. The first nationally-televised game will take place on Jan. 2 vs. the New Jersey Devils. The second will take place vs. the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 11. Both games will begin at 7 pm."

7/15 The New York Islanders announced that their 2019 1st round selection, Simon Holmstrom has agreed to terms on a 3-year, ELC

"Holmstrom, 18, was selected by the Islanders in the first-round (23 overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft back in June. Last season, Holmstrom scored 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 21 games with HV71 J20 team of the SuperElit League (Sweden). He also appeared in games for HV71's J18 team and their Swedish Hockey League team during his 2018-19 campaign. Holmstrom added three points (one goal, two assists) in three SuperElit playoff games."