New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky reveals the expected time frame for construction on the new Belmont Arena.
The new arena at Belmont Park is expected to begin construction in May of 2019 and should open in time for the start of the 2021-22 season.
New York Islanders’ ownership delivered their estimates in a meeting earlier last week and reaffirmed their commitment to not just the arena, but the community.
A coalition of protestors gathered in late March, earlier this year, looking to put a halt to the Islanders setting up shop in their backyard. Ledecky stated in comments to both Andrew Gross and Jim Baumbach of Newsday:
“I have taken tours of every single town in and around the arena,” he said. “We don’t publicize that. But I’ve worked with the mayors and I’ve been meeting with my colleagues and them. I feel very positive about the support that we’re receiving in the community. I think we take the feedback from the community very seriously.”
The Isles have a chance towards a fresh start in their history led by the new arena at Belmont Park. Owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin aren’t just looking for an area to house their arena, but for the long-term growth of the community and the Islanders.
As Empire State Development continues to work on the Islanders environmental impact report, residents will be given the opportunity to voice their concerns.
Floral Park Mayor Dominick Longobardi confirmed he met with Ledecky and gave him a tour of the village and exchanged phone numbers. Longobardi hosted a village meeting last week and said the project is “way too big” and warned of the negative impact it could have on the residents’ way of life.
It is worth noting that Ledecky has yet to reach out to the Belmont Park Community Coalition (BPCC), a group of civic leaders who are against the development of the Islanders arena.
If everything continues to go as Ledecky says, then development seems destined to defy odds, but this is New York State, and the Islanders are no strangers to eviction.