by DAVE MARTINEZ

The Long Island Federation of Labor won’t give up on the New York Cosmos stadium bid without a fight.

Long Island’s largest union shop will be holding a rally on October 29th, joined by State Senator Jack Martins, demanding answers on the State’s RFP for the redevelopment of land in Elmont.

“The purpose of this rally is to ask for the ESD to respond on the proposal of the Cosmos,” Roger Clayman, Executive Director of Long Island Federation of Labor tells EoS. “It has been three years with no response and we think we need to get this process moving. If it takes longer, the Cosmos will look elsewhere for the development.”

The Long Island labor union has been a staunch supporter of the Cosmos bid for the better part of two years — and with good reason. The project promises full union participation in the $400 million redevelopment project, with thousands of job opening for skilled tradesman from the construction of the stadium to the adjoining retail and hotel land therein.

“Its a very good project,” Clayman said. “We have a relationship with the Cosmos who agree they will do construction under union contracts. They have made a proposal that is valuable for the community.”

This motion comes days after Congressman Gregory Meeks warned of a possible rebid by Empire State Development Corp.; the entity in charge of making the final decision on the proposal.

Clayman is aware of the Congressman’s warning, but labeled his take premature.

“I am aware he said it and he had no basis to say that. It is unfortunate he make a comment about something when there is no public knowledge about a rebid,” Clayman offers. “There is no knowledge of anything … Our problem is there is no knowledge why ESD is not responding to the community. This is a question about creating a valuable resource for the community and good jobs!

“Projects like these are few and far between,” Clayman concludes. “We need to hear from New York State as to why this isn’t moving forward.”

Asked to comment on the rally, New York Cosmos COO Erik Stover offered that the club “stands by the merits of our proposal and are ready to move forward whenever the State is ready.

“Regardless of whomever the State selects, the Elmont area is in dire need of private investment, tax relief and job creation,” Stover said.

The rally will be held next Thursday at the Belmont Racetrack Gate 5 entrance starting at 11 am.