New York Governor Andrew Cuomo broke ground at Belmont Park Monday as construction begins on a 19,000-seat hockey stadium for the Islanders. Local politicians have filed lawsuits to stop the development.
Governor Cuomo says the Belmont Arena will revitalize the region’s economy, and keep the Islanders on Long Island. The project will also include a hotel and retail space.
“It is exactly what Long Island deserved. The Islanders were just more than a hockey team, they were a Long Island identity.”
Local officials in Elmont and Floral Park have filed two lawsuits to stop the construction of the $1.3 billion arena.
They argue the state’s approval of the development was not legitimate.
Other critics say arena construction has not historically been beneficial for local communities.
