________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD
ELEVATE YOUR EVEN
Das Bock festival makes a return
Students explore Belmont Park
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VoL. 28 No. 22
MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026
VE V ENUE
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PH P HOT TO OB BO OOT TH H
762 Elmont Rd., Elmon t, NY 11003
347-522-2223
Info@Mybestfriendni.co m @MBFNI_
$1.00
A plan for a YMCA center gets approved development agency, approved an off-site location in Elmont instead for the community cenA long-discussed vision for a ter. The YMCA of Long Island community center in Elmont is has since signed a contract to inching closer to reality, as purchase the property on 570 local officials and community Elmont Road and plans to demolish an existleaders begin planing vacant strucning for a new ture to build a YMCA facility that r o u g h l y supporters contend 18,000-square-foot could become a community center. major hub for recThe project reation, youth prorecently received gramming and comapproval for land munity services in acquisition, supthe area. ported by a $2.5 milG o v. Kathy lion capital grant Hochul announced administered by the plans for the Dormitory AuthoriElmont community ty of the State of center project in New York. April as part of the Assemblywoman Belmont Park redeMichaelle Solages, ve l o p m e n t p l a n , who represents New which originally MIcHAELLE York’s 22nd Assemcalled for a SoLAgES bly District, said the 10,000-square-foot Assemblywoman YMCA project has facility on the raceremained one of track campus. She is putting $2.5 million in state her top priorities for years, drivcapital funding into the project, en by what she described as a which is administered through longstanding need for a dedicatthe Dormitory Authority of the ed community gathering space in south Elmont. State of New York. She said she worked closely Following community feedback, Empire State Develop- with the UBS Arena and the ment, New York’s economic Continued on page 9
By HAILEY FULMER
hfulmer@liherald.com
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Deliah Roberts/Herald photos
Elmont celebrates Haitian Flag Day The Elmont community kicked off Haitian Flag Day with a vibrant and colorful parade hosted by the Elmont Cultural Center, bringing residents together to celebrate Haitian heritage, culture and pride. The event filled the streets with waving Haitian flags, music, dancing and an atmosphere of unity. Above, Mimi PierreJohnson, president and founder of the cultural center, exulted as the festivities began. Below, 7-year-old Carlee BanatteWhitefield made her allegiance clear as she joined in the spirited celebration. Story, more photos, Page 10.
his is like a place where people can convene, and it’s going to be a great space for Elmont to just deepen its roots.