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Friday, May 12, 2023
Vol. 72, No. 19
N E W H Y D E PA R K
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
DeSENA, LURVEY SPAR OVER BUDGET
SANTOS INDICTED
PAGES 25-28
PAGE 3
PAGE 13
$455M for Belmont work Loan for new park in budget BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y A $455 million loan to redevelop and renovate Belmont Park was included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $229 billion state budget, which was approved by state lawmakers Tuesday night. Belmont Park will be demolished and rebuilt from scratch as part of the project that will create new tracks, parking and a clubhouse, among other things. “The transformation of Belmont Park will secure the future of thoroughbred racing in New York State, create thousands of good jobs and drive tourism to Long Island and the region for decades to come,” New York Racing Association President CEO David O’Rourke said in a statement. “We thank Gov. Hochul and our legislative leaders for recognizing the importance of this project to the countless New York families and small businesses reliant on a strong horse racing economy.” The Elmont racetrack was last renovated in 1968. No taxpayer money will be used in the bond, which will be paid back with racing revenue over 30 years, according to NYRA. The horse racing industry in New York generates $3 billion in annual economic activity while sustaining 19,000 jobs, according to NYRA. Continued on Page 42
PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES
Funeral attendees mourn the death of Ethan Falkowitz. See related stories on pages 9, 10 and 11.
Nassau mourns 2 Roslyn teens Outpouring of grief, outrage for boys, 14, who died in wrong-way crash BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Nassau County mourned the deaths of two young Roslyn tennis players after an accused drunk driver cut short their lives last week and snuffed out the dreams their families, school, friends and community had for the talented 14-year-olds. The Roslyn School District, in
a statement, reflected on the passing of Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, both middle school students, and two injured high school friends. “The tragic passing of two of our Roslyn Middle School students is a tremendous loss for their families, friends, and our school community,” the statement said. “The district ex-
tends our deepest condolences and asks that everyone respect the families’ right to grieve privately during this very difficult time…We wish a speedy and complete recovery to our two Roslyn High School students in the hospital. Our hearts are broken.” The district also said it will have psychologists, guidance counselors and other social workers set up at
each school to provide support for students, staff or families. Hassenbein and Falkowitz were killed after being hit by an allegedly drunk driver behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram traveling on the wrong side of the road in Jericho, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Continued on Page 12
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