The Islanders on Thursday said they have "submitted a comprehensive proposal to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination at Belmont Park," according to Baumbach & Brodsky of NEWSDAY. Two other known bidders also "submitted plans as Thursday's deadline closed for bidders to answer" Empire State Development's RFP to "develop the land around the Elmont racetrack." A source said that NYCFC is "proposing a roughly 26,000-seat soccer-specific stadium." Blumenfeld Development Group also "submitted a proposal." The Islanders' group, New York Arena Partners, includes Oak View Group and Sterling Project Development. Sterling is "controlled by" the Wilpon family, which owns the Mets. The Islanders are "engaged in negotiations over modifying their 25-year license agreement" at Barclays Center. OVG is "advising the Islanders on those talks" (NEWSDAY, 9/29). The AP's Frank Eltman reported there are "no plans to close the racetrack" at Belmont Park. The new development would "largely be across the street from the track" (AP, 9/28).
