Opponents of Detroiters' Belmont Casino Plans Using Facebook

Long Island citizen activists have organized to fight plans by Detroiters Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Marian Ilitch to develop a casino & entertainment complex using the Shinnecock Indian Nation at the Belmont Racetrack on Long Island.  To support their efforts, opponents of the Belmont Casino have developed a facebook page.  Click the graphic below to "Like" the page and stay informed.

Also visit: StopTheBelmontCasino.com

Long Island Residents Organize to Battle Detroiters' Belmont Casino Plans

Floral Parkers Lead Grassroots Effort to Stop Belmont Casino

1.13.2012

by Melissa Argueta

Residents initiate petition drive, letter-writing campaign to local and state officials

Is a plan to erect a casino at Belmont Park a safe bet or a bust? Droves of concerned Floral Parkers filed into the United Methodist Church at a Stop the Belmont Casino community meeting on Wednesday night to discuss this hot-button issue and how any future plans for a casino at the racetrack can be stopped.

How would a casino surrounding the communities of Elmont and Floral Park affect residents? Edwin Groshanz, Duncan MacDonald and Robert Moran are leading the grassroots-style campaign against the casino being built at Belmont. At the meeting, they provided facts and figures about how casinos can negatively impact the surrounding areas and how residents can join together to vocalize their opposition to local, state and federal politicians.

Floral Park resident Edwin Groshanz speaks at the Stop the Belmont Casino community meeting.

This fall, Detroit developers rolled out preliminary renderings for a casino at Belmont to residents in the Elmont community on behalf of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. However, all propositions came to a screeching halt after Governor Cuomo’s recent State of the State Address, where he touted his own plans for legalizing gambling in New York State and building the nation’s largest convention center and casino at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Groshanz said the group began with a team of three Floral Park residents. They held their first meeting in December and have already developed a website and created a facebook page. “We’re making decent progress and we’ve had some very nice wins in a very short time that are good for us, but I think the focus on tonight is that we don’t want to rest. We don’t want to watch and listen to what we’re seeing in the paper and take that as truth,” he explained.

Announcing plans for a petition drive and letter-writing campaign, Groshanz explained how residents can contact state and federal legislators opposing the casino. “By doing these simple steps, we’ll wind up getting, hopefully, several thousand letters to all legislators at all levels of our government...on top of that we’ll get a groundswell of community groups in support of us and we’ll get media attention,” he added.

During the evening, Groshanz cited various studies on the subject of casinos in communities. He explained that his view of casinos is not his opinion, but derived from the statistics and studies on communities where casinos open. Specifically, he noted increased crime, traffic and pollution and decreased property values. “I think the only way we can prevent those ills, crime, resource utilization, adolescent gambling, is to make it loud and clear to our legislators that we don’t want it. It’s unacceptable and it’s not part of our life and we don’t want it coming into our community,” he said.

Groshanz maintained that despite Govenor Cuomo’s recent announcement to build a casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, there is  no guarantee Belmont won’t be considered in the future as a casino site.

“For three years, people in Mineola and people in Albany have not been looking out for our best interests. We can’t afford to rest; the time for action is now; and the time to strike is when the iron is hot and we got this iron hot a month ago and we can’t sit back and rest,” he said.

Duncan McDonald emphasized that Aqueduct could fail for many reasons such as environmental regulations. “Legislation is the key thing…the whole game is the bill in Albany. It’s not the [Shinnecock] Indian Nation. It’s what the state permits. In the worst case, it could be that gambling casinos could be anywhere they want — Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn or inside the lobby of St. Patrick’s Cathedral,” he said.

While the Stop the Belmont Casino meeting is not affiliated in any way with the Village of Floral Park, Groshanz asked concerned citizens to attend the next board of trustees meeting at Village Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The group intends to ask for the village’s help in obtaining a handicapped accessible room and various other administrative needs. “We’d like the village to support the things that we’re doing,” he added.

While Mayor Tom Tweedy did not attend the meeting, he has stated the village’s position against the casino in this week’s Mayor’s Message. Trustee Jim Rhatigan was in attendance and informed residents that in the summer 2007, under the auspices of then Mayor Phil Guarnieri, the village established an Ad-Hoc Committee called the Taskforce for Belmont’s Preservation and Improvement. They created a Statement of Principles to address 10 concerns regarding the development of Belmont Racetrack. “That statement of principles is still available on the village’s website,” he said.

Rhatigan encouraged residents to attend the next village board meeting to discuss the issue further. “We welcome as much participation in local government as possible; fill the hall. We will note all your comments and take heed of your comments,” he added.

To learn more about this effort or to be added to the email list, visit stopthebelmontcasino.com; or via facebook at Stop the Belmont Casino.

Nassau County Democrats Blindly Back Detroiters' Belmont Casino Schemes

According to the Elmont Chamber of Commerce website, elmont.org:

Nassau County Democrats Unite to Support Shinnecock Casino at Belmont

11.21.2011

Long Island Democrats
Blindly Endorse Casino

NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Nassau County’s four Democratic members of the New York State Assembly today announced their support for a Shinnecock Indian Nation casino at Belmont Racetrack. Assembly Members Earlene Hooper, Harvey Weisenberg, Charles Lavine and Michelle Schimel cited jobs and economic opportunity as the driving factors and urged their colleagues in both the Senate and Assembly to join in support.

“This project will create thousands of jobs for Long Islanders and provide a huge boost to the local and state economies,” said Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper (D-Hempstead). “We need these revenues to stay here in New York, for both the state and Nassau County, so we can keep people working and create more jobs.”

Shinnecock Tribal Trustee Chairman Randy King said, “We appreciate the strong and growing support from all parts of Nassau County. A Shinnecock Nation entertainment complex will provide much needed jobs to help boost the Long Island economy, as well as created revenues for the County, the State and the Shinnecock Indian Nation, and we certainly thank Assembly Members Hooper, Weisenberg, Lavine and Schimel for their support”...

The four Assembly members announced their support on the heels of Representatives Carolyn McCarthy and Peter King joining the list of backers for the Shinnecock project. (Original Post)

It should be noted that Rep. Carolyn McCarthy only pledged support for the Detroiters' Shinnecock Casino Scheme after she'd received political campaign contributions from the casino syndicate's bag-man Michael J. Malik, Sr. It's likely they've funded the campaign coffers of the others through Democratic committee war-chests or other third-parties.

Ironically, while these Democrats are accepting campaign checks from the controversial Malik; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rejected a $10,000 contribution from Malik as have others weary of being associated with a known criminal and lawbreaker (Malik's been arrested for child-abuse, found guilty of illegal discharge of a weapon, guilty of violating political campaign finance laws and charged with fraud & settled in an international Ponzi scheme involving fugitive Jack Utsick, a one-time entertainment promoter whom Malik is partners with.

See also:

• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• Reps McCarthy & Bishop: The Company They're Keeping Will Surely Lead to Regret
• NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik
• Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) Caught Taking More Money from Notorious Law-Breaking Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Mayor: Detroiters Should Build Their Shinnecock Casino at the Nassau County "Hub" not Belmont Park
• Mayor: Don't approve Shinnecock Casino Scheme at Belmont Park at the Expense of the Surrounding Communities
• Gateway Casinos / Shinnecock Lobbyist tied to Schumer, Rangel, Gillibrand; Campaign Funds Flow Their Direction
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator

Detroiters have already Seduced Elmont Chamber of Commerce into supporting their Casino Schemes

The Detroiters pushing for a Shinnecock Indian casino at Belmont Race Track have already infiltrated, the Elmont Chamber of Commerce. Traditionally their first target of opportunity is the local Chamber. Here's how they'll seduce the Chamber:  (1) Embrace the local chamber establishment because they’ll be blinded and overwhelmed by the largess of your big hollow economic arguments; (2) Sell them the miracle drug (often a placebo) that will get their desperate economic circumstances moving in a positive direction again and let them wash it down with the Kool-Aid ; and (3) keep them satisfied by throwing around a couple hundred dollars here and there that they can use to go shopping.

But think about it... if these tired their promises and strategies had any truth to them, why is Detroit the worst city in America by nearly all accounts -- but certainly economically?  And now that Detroit's has had the benefits raking in the casino cash for nearly a decade, why did Forbes just rank Detroit #1 Most Dangerous City in America? And how is it that Detroit taxpayers are across the board worse off than they were ten years ago and yet Forbes reports that in the last year alone, the net worth of Mike and Marian Ilitch, they’re the Detroiters behind Gateway Casino Resorts, jumped from $1.7 billion to $2 billion?  

Here’s how:  target places that are already economically challenged/depressed.  Create economic arguments, pulled together by third party consultants that are simply recycled from the last campaign they ran using models that are untested in the real world or purely theoretical.  Reports and messages suggesting a windfall; talk that suggests public/private partnerships but truly leans on the backs of hardworking taxpayers; and shameless about pushing special exemptions, freebies, condemnations, grants and other taxpayer subsidies.

Put on a few Dog & Pony Shows (but please no cameras)

On October 20, 2011, Detroiter Michael Malik flew in his crew to Elmont and at a regularly scheduled meeting of Chamber members, provided what was billed as a detailed peek at renderings and plans for the proposed project.  Malik forbid, however, any photographs of the renderings and failed to distribute any of his own images for people to take with them.  Either those images were re-cycled architectural images that have rolled out previously elsewhere, or they’re renderings that haven’t been approved by Shinnecock leaders or others who will have input/veto and could change significantly. But pictures get people excited and suggest, often falsely,  that things are moving ahead quickly.  If that was the case, images would have been released or photography allowed – at least by local news outlets.

Buy Some Ads

There are Shinnecock favorable ads and advertorial now in rotation on the Elmont Chamber’s website: Elmont.org.  A video shares a glimpse into the Shinnecock heritage and culture and links to the Shinnecock Indian Nation website.  An ad graphic showing two men in hardhats touts “A Belmont Casino Would Create Up To 5,500 Good Paying Jobs for Elmont” with a “Learn More” button that when clicked lands visitors  on a Facebook page for a group calling itself “Alliance for a Belmont Casino.” 

Create the Appearances of a Grassroots Movement

That Alliance Facebook page appears to have been created sometime before June 23, 2011.  To date there are a little more than 100 Facebook users who “Like” the page. Posts generally visible are added by the administrator of the page and there is very little fan interaction at this time.  The info tab on the Facebook pages suggests it has been set up by the Shinnecock or their agents because the only link/contact details provided lead back to the Shinnecock Indian Nation’s website.

Detroiters Pimping Belmont Casino Plans to Locals; Unsure if nearby business will be harmed

Belmont casino: Contribution or crapshoot?

Detroit developer reveals plan renderings

10.21.2011

Michael McKeon, Lance Boldrey, former Gov. John Waihee, 

 and Michael J. Malik, Sr. (Gateway Casino Resorts)  

By Jackie Nash

A plan by the Shinnecock Indian Nation to build a casino at Belmont Park has been in the pipeline for several months, generating wide support from the surrounding community but meeting with skepticism from some locals who fear that the development could become a revenue-creating “island” with no spillover revenue for local businesses.

On Oct. 20, Elmont business owners were shown renderings of a preliminary development plan for a casino at the racetrack by Detroit-based casino developer Michael Malik, who also answered several questions about the plan.

Malik, a partner of the Shinnecock tribe and financial backer of its casino plan — which gained momentum when County Executive Ed Mangano announced an Economic Development and Job Creation Plan in May — was the guest speaker at the Elmont Chamber of Commerce’s regular meeting on Oct. 20 at King Umberto’s in Elmont. Michael McKeon, Lance Boldrey and John Waihee, associates of Malik’s, also attended the meeting.

The renderings, which were not allowed to be photographed, depicted a casino with a Victorian-style red brick façade, floor-to-ceiling paneled windows and a copper-patina roof, located on the southwest side of Belmont — close to the Cross Island Parkway, to give patrons easier access — and a reconstructed racetrack structure with the same design. Malik described the collective design as “modernized with a historic feel.”

The drawings also included an irrigation system on the south side of the 430-acre park, beyond the main track, near the Floral Park border, an area that has been prone to flooding. The system would not only help resolve the flooding problem, Malik explained, but would also help keep the track and surrounding green dry. There would also be a VIP viewing area in the center of the main track.

The renderings also include a recreational area and private parking lot on the southern end of the park, an indoor train station and a large central area for parading horses before and after races and showing off winning horses. The alley horses currently take into the park is hidden beneath the bleachers, and the winner’s circle is closer to track level, away from spectators’ view. “A parade of horses would be a focal point with this rendition,” Malik explained. “We want the world to focus on Belmont … we want people who are watching Belmont Stakes on television to want to come.” The building’s height, under the current plan, would be between 12 and 15 stories, he added.

When Chamber of Commerce President Chris Rosado asked Malik whether he thought the casino development might harm nearby businesses, Malik said that although he couldn’t say for sure, he believes that a casino would boost business, since it would be expected to create at least 5,000 jobs. “People are going to be eating and shopping here,” he explained.

Another question posed at the meeting was whether a plan recently proposed to reconstruct the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Belmont would affect the casino plan. Malik said that although the Coliseum-Belmont proposal threw him and his partners “for a loop,” he would be supportive of that plan as long as the community was.

“It could be an entertainment plus,” he said. “If I could have a 20,0000-seat arena, that could help us fill seats for the [casino theater] acts inside.”

Comments about this story? JNash@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 214.

Why is Detroiter Mike Malik Dragging former Hawaii Governor Waihee around Long Island, NY?

The Long Island Herald is reporting that Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik presented further details about his plans to develop a casino using a partnership with the Shinnecock Indian Nation at an appearance before the Elmont Chamber of Commerce on October 20th.

(lt-to-rt) lobbyist Michael McKeon, attorney Lance Boldrey,
 Gov. John Waihee & Detroit Syndicator Michael J. Malik

The Herald reports, "Malik's associates, Michael McKeon, Lance Boldrey and John Waihee also attended the meeting."

Michael McKeon is a partner with Mercury Public Affairs, a New York-based lobbying and communications firm that Malik/Ilitch (Gateway Casino Resorts) affiliates retain. Lobbying disclosures suggest that Malik/Ilitch have paid Mercury more than $1.5 million to lobby New York officials in support of their various Shinnecock casino schemes.

Lance Boldrey is an Indian law attorney at the Dykema law firm. He works near exclusively with Malik/Ilitch affiliates. His official bio indicates he is "primary counsel to Gateway Casino Resorts, the development and management partner of New York's Shinnecock Indian Nation."

John Waihee is the wildcard in this group. TVT has not previously seen his name associated with the Detroiters or their affiliates. John D. Waihee III is the former Governor of Hawaii (1986-1994) and previously served as Lieutenant Governor (1982-86). While Governor, Waihee opposed gambling in Hawaii and routinely threatened to veto any such bill that would pave the way for or establish gambling.

In 2006, American Express filed suit against Waihee attempting to collect $72,000 he owed on two credit cards. In November 2004, the Bank of Hawaii filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Waihee and his wife, Lynne, concerning the couple's Nu'uanu home. Their son, John D. Waihee IV, has been an elected trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since 2000 and the first son of a former Hawaii governor ever elected to state public office.  In 2007 he was arrested on DUI charges and plead no contest.

Governor Waihee is a Honolulu attorney who is reported to be close to Bill & Hillary Clinton. Gov. Waihee has been linked to various controversies since leaving office.  Most recently allegations surfaced regarding his role in the financial failure of RightStar Hawaii, the largest group of funeral homes in the state.

One existing connection is John Radcliffe, a Hawaii lobbyist and political operative (Radcliffe & Associates / Capitol Consultants of Hawaii, LLP) who has represented Malik/Ilitch gaming interests from 2001-2008 through an affiliation with Tom Shields' firm Marketing Resource Group.  Radcliffe has also included Gov. Waihee among his clients. In 2010, Radcliffe was one of those screening potential Cabinet Officers for Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie.

Detroiters Marian Ilitch & Mike Malik with the Shinnecock pushing this Casino Development for New York's Belmont Park

Google Earth | Belmont Park & Race Track

As explained in NewsDay 10.13.201:  

The Shinnecock Indian Nation has laid out its vision for a casino complex at Belmont Park in Elmont, disclosing that it would build a 500-room hotel and casino-entertainment complex on the western end of the property, renovate a Long Island Rail Road station and create a park and soccer field on the property's south lot. The tribe disclosed its plans Thursday night at a civic meeting in Elmont. The hotel and casino would be built on the upper left of the map where the LIRR station is located.

Detroit-based Gateway Casino Resorts has exclusive rights to develop and manage any Shinnecock Indian Nation casinos although that entity has never done so before. Gateway is controlled by Detroiters Michael Malik, a controversial wheeler-dealer, and Marian Ilitch. Her husband owns the Detroit Tigers, and they own the Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars pizza. She owns Detroit's MotorCity Casino. The Ilitch/Malik partnership has not developed or managed an Indian casino since parting company with former partner Tom Celani who has successfully gone on to open and manage numerous commercial gaming and Indian casinos across the U.S.  Any Shinnecock casino would be the first such Ilitch/Malik venture. Further Malik failed to receive a gaming license in Michigan in 1999 and as such, was forced out of the MotorCity Casino partnership. Due to his controversial background and character, it is unclear if he could obtain a gaming license from the National Indian Gaming Commission.