Request for proposals issued for parcels next to Belmont Park

The New York Franchise Oversight Board on Friday gave its approval to a request for proposals to develop two parcels of land on the property of Belmont Park on Long Island.

The RFP, which was drafted by the Empire State Development Corp., a state agency, seeks proposals for the development of an eight-acre site adjacent to the “backyard” at Belmont, just southwest of the track’s grandstand, and a 28-acre overflow parking lot south of Hempstead Turnpike.

The parcels are reportedly being eyed by the New York Islanders, the National Hockey League team that plays at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The Empire State Development Corp. released a similar request for proposals in 2012, but the RFP was withdrawn last year amid questions over the financing for a proposal to build a professional soccer stadium. The parcels are perceived to be highly valuable to developers, in large part because of the existing transportation infrastructure nearby.

Development of the parcels could disrupt some operations at Belmont Park. The larger parcel is used by local car dealers throughout the year to park inventory, though it is cleared to make way for overflow parking on Belmont Stakes Day. The smaller parcel adjacent to the backyard is used for everyday parking, including stowing television transmission equipment.

The Franchise Oversight Board was required to review and approve the RFP because the state owns the deeds to the three tracks operated by the New York Racing Association. It will also be allowed to vote on any project put forward by the Empire State Development Corp. The RFP is expected to be publicly released by Monday.