Representatives of the Floral Park community recently participated in the public hearing conducted by the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. On behalf of the village, Mayor Phil Guarnieri and Trustee Jim Rhatigan, chairperson of the recently formed Task Force for Belmont's Preservation and Improvement, gave testimony before the committee to delineate Floral Park's position as a continuing strong supporter of the thoroughbred racing industry in New York as well as an immediate neighbor to Belmont Park. FULL STORY

Most of Belmont Park is located in the west end of Elmont. It is home to the Belmont Stakes, which, along with the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, is part of the coveted horse racing Triple Crown. But despite the national attention Belmont receives, does the community of Elmont or Floral Park ever benefit? Some community leaders say no and now they want their opportunity to give input into an agreement between the state and New York Racing Association (NYRA) that would extend NYRA's franchise to operate Belmont Park. FULL STORY