________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Vol. 27 No. 44
oCToBER 30 - NoVEMBER 5, 2025
$1.00
There’s no place like home There’s no place like Franklin Square and Elmont — but you don’t need us to tell you that. These are communities defined by connection — where neighbors look out for one another, and local businesses and organizations work hand in hand to make life here something special. Whether it’s a block party, a charity drive or a town celebration, people in Franklin Square and Elmont always find ways to give back and lift each other up. Area schools are among the best, with dedicated teachers, supportive families and students who achieve excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. Education here is more than learning — it’s about growing together as a community. There’s also no shortage of things to do. From our beautiful parks and recreational fields to local youth programs and senior activities, Franklin Square and Elmont offer opportunities for everyone to get involved, stay active and enjoy the outdoors. This week’s Franklin Square–Elmont Herald is being mailed to every home and FRANKLIN SQUARE / ELMONT HERALD
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Renovations at Belmont Park in Elmont are progressing steadily, as the historic horse racing venue undergoes a $455 million transformation. The project aims to modernize the storied facility, upgrading its infrastructure and amenities to meet contemporary standards while preserving its rich legacy in the racing world. Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul joined the New York Racing Association, major construction and architecture firms involved in the project and unionized construction workers for a “topping out ceremony” — marking the place-
ment of the final beam at the new Belmont Park. Hochul called the moment “a major milestone for Belmont Park and New York state.” “This project is more than simply rebuilding a racetrack — it’s creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring Belmont remains a worldclass destination,” she said at the Oct. 15 ceremony. “This redevelopment means thousands of good-paying union jobs, new opportunities for local businesses and a facility that will attract visitors from around the world.” Over the last two years, the old grandstand at Belmont Park was demolished. The new facility will boast a 275,000-square-foot building with Continued on page 21
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Belmont Park’s $455 million overhaul reaches key milestone
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The Franklin Square Public Library celebrated the 100th anniversary of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald, drawing crowds dressed fittingly for the occasion. Heather Hillen, who works at the library, with her boyfriend, Jason Alvino, enjoyed a blast from the past. Story, photos, Page 3.
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Glitz, glamour and ‘The Great Gatsby’
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Billy Harrington/Herald
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includes our annual Community Guide — your go-to resource for discovering the people, places, and events that make our towns vibrant and welcoming. If you’re not a subscriber yet, we hope this issue inspires you to become one. Each week, in print and online, we bring you the stories that matter most — the local news you can’t find anywhere else. To help keep quality local journalism strong in Franklin Square and Elmont, subscribe today at LIHerald.com/subscribe or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 7. You can also support our work with a one-time or recurring donation at LIHerald.com/donate. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you for your continued support. And if you’re new to the Franklin Square–Elmont Herald, welcome. Our mission is to tell the stories of your neighborhoods, from classrooms to small businesses, from sports fields to acts of kindness, and everything in between. Enjoy the paper — and thanks for reading! www.liherald.com
2025-2026
EATING | PLAYING | SHOPPING
Featuring Signture events that
DEFINE
the YEAR
Our
PARKS
are calling
Inspiration and discoveries at the
LIBRARIES
Jordan Vallone, Deputy Managing Editor