You're from Elmont and you've never been to Aqueduct?
It is perfectly suited for winter racing - the paddock is below the surface and mostly out of the winter wind that has a tendency to whip up off of Jamaica Bay.
The Inner is a terrifically serviceable winter racing platform.
I don't get the whole "we need slots to spruce up the place" mentality either.
The clubhouse is just fine - and I've spent many pleasant and memorable afternoons at a table in the Equestris Resturant overlooking the track - Throw on a sportscoat and tie, and enjoy good food and great views.
I could care less what the grandstand and the boxes look like - they don't get used by anyone and haven't been used since it became a primarily winter destination. It's silly to think that the slots are going to do anything at all to "spruce up the track". There will just be a huge casino in the parking lot.