Empire State Development OKs Belmont Park project

The $1.3 billion Belmont Park project on Long Island is one step closer to becoming a reality. Empire State Development’s six-member board has approved the final impact statement for the project, which includes a 19,000-seat arena that will be home to the New York Islanders, a hotel and retail space, Long Island Business News reported. Now, the Franchise Oversight Board and the Public Authorities Control Board will have to approve the plan — something that could take place within the next few weeks, according to the outlet. The project has faced opposition from critics concerned about traffic and overcrowding. [LIBN]