About

Elmont Chamber of Commerce Officers

President - Julie Marchesella - Queen of Hearts

Vice-President - Gene Goldsmith - Timely Signs

Secretary - Anna Cortesiano  - Salvatore's Of Elmont

Treasurer - Christopher Rosado - Miller, Rosado and Algios LLP

Elmont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Annabel Bazante - Law Office of Annabel Bazante

Muzzio Tallini - Signature Homes

Jacynth Bucknor - Meacham Child Care

John Tudisco - Founding Member

Ralph Esposito - Elmont Fire Department

Tania Lawes - New York Islanders

Patrick Boyle - Gateway Youth Outreach

Message from the President 01/02/2026

The Elmont Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor this website, which serves as a valuable resource for information about our members, civic associations, and government officials—all working together to support the needs of our community.

We invite you to take full advantage of everything the Chamber has to offer, whether you are looking to establish a local business, advertise your services, or grow and strengthen your existing business within the Elmont community.

I am honored to once again represent the Elmont business community as President, working alongside a dedicated and dynamic Board of Directors and Past Presidents. Together, we are committed to building upon the strong foundation and initiatives established by our esteemed colleague, Paul Sapienza.

The Elmont Chamber of Commerce continues to achieve meaningful progress. We are pleased to welcome new members, and our joint Chamber networking meetings have proven to be highly successful. We value our ongoing partnership with the New York Racing Association and eagerly anticipate the completion of the Belmont Park Revitalization project. Beautification and economic development remain top priorities, with the support of key partners such as PSEG, whose grant contributions have helped bring holiday lighting to our community. Additionally, the Town of Hempstead has agreed to install a new “Welcome to Elmont” sign—an exciting symbol of pride for our community.

Advertising opportunities on the “Welcome to Elmont” sign, located at the corner of Hempstead Turnpike near Meacham Avenue, offer an excellent way to promote your business while supporting the local community. Nonprofit organizations are also encouraged to participate at a nominal cost. For more information, please contact us directly.

If you are interested in becoming a member, we encourage you to visit our website at www.elmontchamber.net/join. We also invite you to explore our membership directory and familiarize yourself with the many businesses and organizations that help make Elmont a great place to live, work, and play.

Elmont is a community where new opportunities are born. We invite you to be a part of it.

Sincerely,

Julie Marchesella

President, Elmont Chamber of Commerce

A Brief History of Elmont, New York

Elmont’s story begins in 1650, when Christopher and Thomas Foster purchased a large tract of land from Dutch settlers with the intention of raising cattle and sheep. They named the area Foster’s Meadow, a name that would remain in use for nearly two centuries.

In 1664, control of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam shifted to England, shaping the early identity of the community with English Protestant settlers. By 1683, Long Island was divided into Kings, Queens, and Suffolk Counties, with Foster’s Meadow becoming part of Queens County.

During the mid-19th century, farmers from Brooklyn and Middle Village—many of German descent and Catholic—moved into the area. The growing Catholic population led to the construction of St. Boniface Church in 1852, which became a focal point of community life.

In 1882, the region was subdivided into districts including Alden Manor and Locustwood, and Foster’s Meadow was formally renamed Elmont. The creation of Nassau County in 1898 established Elmont’s modern boundaries and marked its transition from Queens County to Nassau County.

Belmont Park: Elmont’s Iconic Racing Legacy

One of the most defining institutions in Elmont’s history is Belmont Park, which opened in 1905 and quickly became one of the world’s most celebrated thoroughbred racing venues. For over a century, Belmont Park has been at the heart of the community—not only as the home of the Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of the Triple Crown—but also as a cultural and economic anchor that continues to bring visitors, jobs, and pride to Elmont.

Belmont Park is currently undergoing a comprehensive, state-of-the-art rebuild and modernization project, the largest transformation of the historic site since the 1968 grandstand. This multi-year redevelopment—supported by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), State leadership, and longtime community partners—will feature a new approximately 300,000-square-foot, five-story grandstand with expanded green space, modern amenities, and premium hospitality offerings, all designed to elevate the fan and community experience. Construction has included renovation of the main dirt track, multiple turf courses, and the addition of an all-weather racing surface, while preserving Belmont’s storied heritage and racing legacy. The facility is on schedule to reopen in Fall 2026, with live racing returning to Elmont and major events—including the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2027—planned for the new era of Belmont Park. 

As Belmont Park transitions into its next century, it remains a proud friend and partner of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, supporting local business growth, tourism, and community engagement while preserving its place as an international racing destination.

A New Era: UBS Arena and Regional Growth

Building on Belmont Park’s legacy as a sports and entertainment hub, Elmont embraced another signature venue with the opening of UBS Arena in 2021. Home of the New York Islanders, the arena hosts professional sports, concerts, and large-scale events year-round, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and significantly contributing to the social and economic vibrancy of the community.

Located adjacent to Belmont Park, UBS Arena is part of the broader revitalization of the Belmont Park campus, increasing regional visibility and driving investment in infrastructure, transportation, and local commerce.

Elmont Today

Following World War II, Elmont saw widespread suburban development, with distinctive brick-veneer Cape-style homes emerging south and east of Hempstead Turnpike and historic residences clustering near the racetrack.

Today, Elmont is a vibrant and diverse community that continues to grow. While the population was 33,198 in the 2010 Census, the 2020 Census recorded 35,265 residents, and more recent estimates place the community’s population at approximately 36,400, reflecting steady growth and investment. 

Elmont is also connected to notable individuals including Vinny Testaverde, Donna Orender, Nelson DeMille, and Andy Kaufman, who is buried at Beth David Cemetery.

Elmont Today: Open for Business

Elmont now stands at the intersection of historic roots and modern opportunity. With the global visibility and year-round activity generated by Belmont Park and UBS Arena, continued investment along Hempstead Turnpike, and convenient access to major transportation corridors, Elmont is positioned as a dynamic destination for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and regional commerce. Its growing population, strong community pride, and expanding mix of retail, dining, professional services, and entertainment make Elmont an ideal place to start, grow, and sustain a business.

The Elmont Chamber of Commerce proudly supports this momentum—championing local businesses, fostering connections, and helping shape a vibrant economic future for the community in 2026 and beyond.