23/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 23/08/2024 15:19
116-Unit Dormitory First of Three To Open as Part of $17.6 Million Investment
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new residential building for the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course. The new 6,000 square-foot residence on the Oklahoma Training Track side of the property is the latest in a series of actions by Governor Hochul to improve the living conditions for the community of people living and working on the grounds of Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park.
"The backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park are essential to the sport of Thoroughbred racing and its indelible impact on New York's economy, agriculture and tourism," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is ensuring that those who take care of the racehorses at NYRA tracks have access to safe, quality housing and health care."
The New York Racing Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide impact.
Use of the Oklahoma Training Track as a training center and base of operations has grown significantly in recent years, which necessitated the complete renovation of the facility in 2021. In addition to this new residence, NYRA is renovating and modernizing existing housing on both the Oklahoma and main track sides of Saratoga Race Course with new dormitory construction planned through 2025. When complete, these new residences will represent the most significant upgrade to backstretch housing in the history of Saratoga Race Course.
The new dormitory is part of Governor Hochul's commitment to improving backstretch living conditions at Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park. The FY24 Enacted Budget requires the New York State Franchise Oversight Board to "ensure adequate funds for maintenance and repair of existing structures at Saratoga racetrack and Belmont Park racetrack and for the improvement of onsite backstretch personnel housing and quality of life." Backstretch housing is made available to workers free of charge at both Saratoga Race Course and downstate at Belmont Park.
As Governor Hochul previously announced, NYRA has committed to making additional investments to improve the quality of life for the Belmont backstretch community, including $17.6 million in backstretch improvements:
NYRA President & CEO David O'Rourke said, "These important projects reflect NYRA's unwavering commitment to the backstretch community in New York State. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul and Chairman O'Dwyer, New York now leads the way when it comes to investing in the people who make racing possible here at Saratoga Race Course and downstate at Belmont Park."
New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O'Dwyer said, "The dedicated individuals who train and provide care for the horses that participate in this exciting sport in New York State must have safe and updated housing. With this dormitory, Governor Hochul continues to deliver real, positive results for New York's workers on and off the backstretch. I look forward to the completion of additional housing projects underway at Saratoga and Belmont."
New York State Franchise Oversight Board Chair Robert Williams said, "Governor Hochul recognizes the backstretch community is integral to the success of New York's thoroughbred racing and has long stressed the importance of investment in on-track quality-of-life improvements. I thank Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to the community and to NYRA for constructing a welcome addition to the historic property."
State Senator Jim Tedisco said, "Affordable housing continues to be a priority and this new residential building will provide vital housing to the backstretch workers who are essential to the success of the Saratoga Race Course. I want to thank the Governor for helping to get this done."
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "l greatly appreciate the State's continued investment in facilities that benefit the Backstretch Community at Saratoga Race Course. There is no horse racing without the people who live and work on the grounds of the racetrack. Now, thanks to newly improved housing for the Backstretch employees and their families, Saratoga Springs and its historical racecourse are an even better place to visit, work and live."
Chaplain of the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy Rev. Humberto Chavez said, "I applaud Governor Hochul and NYRA for recognizing the needs of the backstretch community and ensuring that future generations will have access to modernized housing on the grounds. This beautiful new dormitory is a sign of true progress and a testament to New York's commitment to helping workers."
Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York (BEST) Executive Director Nancy L. Underwood - MA said, "The workers in the backstretch deserve updated housing and amenities, and this modern dormitory is a welcome addition to Saratoga. Thanks to Governor Hochul and NYRA, the backstretch is seeing millions of dollars in investment and a longstanding commitment to maintain and improve housing for years to come."
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Executive Director Samantha Bosshart said, "We applaud Governor Hochul and NYRA for ensuring that this much-needed new housing for the backstretch community who work tirelessly to make the sport possible contributes to the historic character of Saratoga Race Course. Our partnership with New York State and NYRA brings out the best the track has to offer, and we are proud to see this dormitory come to life."
Thoroughbred Owner and NYRA Board Member Michael Dubb said, "The backstretch is what makes horse racing happen and I am heartened that New York State has put forth real resources to improve conditions at Saratoga and Belmont. This new dormitory is a wonderful addition to Saratoga Race Course and I applaud Governor Hochul, the Legislature, and NYRA for working together to make these types of projects come to life."
About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is a not-for-profit organization franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide impact.
About the Franchise Oversight Board
The Franchise Oversight Board represents New York State's interests in all real estate development at three Thoroughbred race tracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The tracks are operated via a franchise agreement between The New York Racing Association, Inc., and New York State.