Rare opportunity to build<\/p>\n
While the site will continue to house a casino<\/a>, Aqueduct’s move to Belmont brings a rare opportunity to the South Ozone Park community: 100 acres are now up for reimagining.<\/p>\n New York state is proposing housing, retail, community facilities and open space.\u00a0<\/p>\n Aqueduct Racetrack is set to close after nearly 100 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n CBS News New York<\/p>\n “Housing would be nice. Schooling would be nice. Just something that the entire community can enjoy as a whole. It’s a very diverse community,” one man said.\u00a0<\/p>\n State officials are soliciting community input about the future of the Aqueduct property in public meetings and surveys. A master plan is expected to be unveiled in early 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n A bittersweet end\u00a0<\/p>\n Aqueduct officials celebrated Friday on a vintage subway car ride, the Aqueduct Special, to the legendary Big A.\u00a0<\/p>\n “It’s the greatest city racetrack and the history of Aqueduct involves so many greats of the game,” said New York Racing Association (NYRA) analyst Andy Serling.<\/p>\n “For a hundred years, I mean, some of the horses, Ruffian, Secretariat, Kelso, Cigar,” said NYRA CEO David O’Rourke.\u00a0<\/p>\n South Ozone Park natives who grew up hearing the roar of the crowds were feeling nostalgic as the racetrack’s storied run comes to an end.<\/p>\n “It’s melancholy. People are reflective about the history,” said Roy Callender, who works at Aqueduct.\u00a0<\/p>\n “A lot of great memories of Aqueduct, so many,” said Karen Kahles. \u00a0<\/p>\n New Belmont Park reopening<\/p>\n With Aqueduct falling into disrepair and losing much of its splendor, many hope a modern Belmont<\/a> will once against make horse racing a family destination.\u00a0<\/p>\n Renovations at Belmont Park are expected to be completed in fall 2026.<\/p>\n New York governor’s office\/New York Racing Association<\/p>\n “It’s something new and it’s moving on and getting in touch with the current century,” said Paul Schaum, an Aqueduct employee. “It’s definitely time to move on.”\u00a0<\/p>\n “There’s going to be 20 acres of green space at Belmont. It’s going up from 4 acres. So, it’s like we’re bringing the park back to Belmont Park,” said O’Rourke.\u00a0<\/p>\n The new Belmont, a year-round destination, reopens in September<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"aqueduct-race-track-closing-cg-raw-hi-res-still-14-24-1602.jpg](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/aqueduct-race-track-closing-cg-raw-hi-res-still-14-24-1602.jpg#.jpeg\")
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