Isles can make Belmont proposal

The window has opened, and it’s only a matter of time before the Islanders submit their proposal for a new arena at Belmont Park.

New York State announced its long-awaited Request for Proposals (RFP) on Monday afternoon following another drawnout period of public discussion. The Islanders ownership group, headed by Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin, was not expected to submit a proposal immediately, but surely will once it has analyzed the specifications outlined by the state, which owns the land.

Groups submitting a proposal will have until Sept. 28, so there’s no need for Islanders fans to hold their breath during this process.

The site is two parcels of currently underused parking lots adjacent to the race track, approximately 36 acres total, around Hempstead Turnpike and Cross Island Parkway. There is also an alternative piece of land that could be used, depending on the proposal.

During the preliminary discussions, the Islanders have reportedly been advised by Oak View Group, backed by Madison Square Garden, and have also been in talks with Sterling Project Development, the majority owners of the Mets. The Islanders are more than likely to optout of their 25-year lease at Barclays Center in January, thus allowing them to pursue other home arenas after a disappointing marriage over the past two years in Brooklyn.

According to a press release from Empire State Development (ESD), the state group operating the RFPs, there are certain points it wants covered by any proposal. The goals are to have “entertainment, sports, hospitality and retail, with uses that are complementary to the existing Belmont Park racetrack.”

“Belmont Park represents an exciting and much-anticipated development opportunity on Long Island,” ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said in the release. “We encourage respondents to submit creative proposals that stimulate vibrant community and economic growth in the region.”