State Kills Belmont Redevelopment Plans, Puts Cosmos at Risk

The Empire State Development Corp, which had put out requests for plans to redevelop sections of Belmont Park, withdrew its request early Friday, killing four potential plans and putting another nail in the coffin of the New York Cosmos soccer team.

Newsday reported that the ESDC sent letters to the four bidders saying the Request for Proposals (RFP), which was initially sent out in 2012, was being withdrawn with no winners. Among the proposals were three ideas for retail centers with restaurants, and the Cosmos stadium.

The Cosmos, which reformed in 2011, have been a top-tier team in the North American Soccer League which they play in. However, attendance has fallen dramatically this season. The stadium the Cosmos organization proposed would have been unique in the area. It would have been a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, along with a 175-room hotel, nine restaurants and more than 300,000 square feet of retail space. But with the ESDC declining all bids, it's unlikely the stadium will be built.

Read the full story at Newsday.

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