NINE YEARS LATER, A CONCLUSION IS NEAR
By October, you’ll know if the NYI will stay in Nassau
On April 26, 2000 the Islanders hosted a press conference to announce the latest in a series of new ownerships – although this time you had the sense this would be the final one. I was asked to arrive at a conference room on the penthouse level of the Garden City Hotel at 9:00 am. My task was to take new Islanders owner Charles Wang through the choreography of the day’s events.
I knocked on the door at 8:59:59 am. I was past 30 years of age by then and had experienced enough in the game to be prepared for just about anything. Still, when Charles opened the door and tried his best to make me feel comfortable, I felt like a kid on the first day of school.
Part of that had to do with Wang’s guests in the room when I arrived. There was Tom Gulotta, then the Nassau County Executive. Taking most of the air out of the room was Al D’Amato, who had recently completed an 18-year tenure as United States Senator for the State of New York. It was D’Amato who asked – actually, begged – Wang to save the Islanders because New York and Long Island needed the historic franchise to remain. D’Amato and Gulotta also told Wang it was only a matter of time before the Coliseum property was developed.
Only a matter of time.
I think back on that day, and the press conference and cocktail party with Governor George Pataki and a cast of thousands, and I cannot believe the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and surrounding acreage of asphalt remain the same. As a resident of Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead – and everything wonderful and horrible that comes with it – I’m embarrassed.
Nine years later, and there hasn’t even been a photo op with hard hats and shovels.
What’s different about April of 2009? Actually, something monumental. For better or worse, we are finally at the end of this horror story. Wang and Scott Rechler will know by the start of the Islanders’ 2009-10 NHL season in October if they have a deal with Nassau and Hempstead. If they don’t, consider them very unrestricted free agents.
I have made no secret of whose side I’m on. I am pro-Lighthouse Project because I believe it’s good for New York, the Island, Nassau and the Islanders. I also want what the fans want. I grew up with this team, too. Twice: once as a child and all over again as an adult.
The Islanders have home games on Wednesday and Saturday, but by far the most important Islanders event of the week - make that the decade – is Thursday at the Marriott. I believe that by the end of the night, everyone there will understand what’s going on, and what’s at stake.
At this juncture, knowing the options, I think I’d sign up for Queens.
Respectful, constructive Comments about the arena issue are encouraged. Guidelines. Hockey talk, including TB-Columbus if you’re inclined, in next thread.
171 Responses to NINE YEARS LATER, A CONCLUSION IS NEAR
By October, you’ll know if the NYI will stay in Nassau
-
isles99 says:
d-day is near…for better or for worse…let’s all hope its former.
-
Mike 8 says:
‘At this juncture, knowing the options, I think I’d sign up for Queens’.
From this I can only deduce that you have received new information that makes the chances of the Lighthouse project less likely. Is that correct? If so please expand on this.
-
AM says:
I’m with you CB. I just hope everyone in Nassau who has a say on this project realizes that if this plan fails, the Islanders will leave the county on their watch and the Island will never get anything of a professional franchise again.
I almost puked when Newsday mentioned the Long Island Ducks in the same sentence as the Islanders a few weeks back.
Where has D’Amato been in all this? Obviously he’s still enjoying cashing his checks from the SMG lease. It’s not right.
-
Obviously Queens is part of the Island, where I hope they go to, but I was referring to Nassau/Suffolk.
-
Paul says:
Chris, I agree, even though I live in Suffolk County, I want the Isles to stay where they are, that comes from a guy that also grew up in Queens. I will say this to the folks here as well, if nothing else you can count on the commisioner, no matter what you might think of him, to what he can to keep the team here. He knows better than anyone what a business hit the league would take if the Isles moved to KC. We might know that the Nassau is not Manhattan, but that is not the way that the rest of the business community would see it. Nor would the media, that would trash the league ten fold from what it does now, if a team moved from “New York”. Trust me. Mr. Botta, I believe that you as well as anyone know what I am talking about.
-
Bossy22 says:
In the end, I just can’t see the TOH letting the Isles go. What will the town do with an empty building sitting in a huge parking lot. I can see the tumble weeds rolls through the parking lot now as a few Islander fans sit in lawn chairs wondering what happened.
-
islesfan says:
Growing up in Farmingdale, and living and breathing Islanders hockey since around 1976 when I was 15 years old, I cannot believe it has come to this.
I remember listening to Islanders games on AM radio in my room late at night, watching all 4 cups being won on USA Network while away at College, and taking my father to his first hockey game in April of 1980 when we beat LA 8-1 in the first round. Finally getting my season tickets in the summer of 2000 when Wang bought the team.Cheering, booing, laughing and crying.
To think all this can be taken away by whoever you want to blame, is mind-boggling.
I was there on Feb.24th at the TOH scope meeting. What I witnessed that day spoke volumes. That this town board is in charge of the future of The Islanders at the Coliseum is a scary thought.
I have followed this project very closely. I was originally against any Queens talk, keep your eye on the ball, I said. Now, I am for ANY alternative that keeps OUR Islanders in NY. The TOH has no clue. We are doomed if we put our faith in them to get this thing done.
Sorry CB for the long post, but I am distraught.
I’ll be there Thursday night.
Nelson in Riverhead -
KO21 says:
If the Lighthouse falls thru I don’t like the prospects of Wang taking the Isles to Queens…He said if the Isles aren’t wanted in Hempstead, LI “we will go where we’re wanted” and that’s KC…No other place wants a hockey team more than KC..Wang can be “shmoozed” after being unwanted for so long…Don’t get me wrong, Queens extended offers but I just get the impression from Wang that it’s not an option..I get the feeling he will blame it on the elected officials…He said himself during an interview with Howie Rose, “if the Lighthouse doesnt get approved, It’s my fault and your fault, because we elected them”…
Sounds like hes passing the buck like everyone else…
-
ny711ot says:
CB is signing up for Queens just hopeful conjecture or will Wang intimate that those negotiations will begin?
tell us if u know. -
Isle_in_LA says:
Every time I take the 135 and get off at Jericho Turnpike I feel sad. Just seeing the SOB Expressway end like that made me always wonder as a kid -what if? The stupid politics that short changed Long Islanders and Connecticuters from taking a short drive across the Sound is the same politics that will bring this whole project down. All I can say is: SAD. Something has to change on LI.
-
I hate to see the islanders leave but if your supporting the lighthouse for just the islanders than your supporting it for the wrong reasons. oh and CB i heard a rumor that an owner of a beer or some sort of alcohol company has shown intreast in buying the team and keeping them on long island as long as the coliseum is renovated, any truth to that rumor?
-
MSA says:
I don’t know if it really fair to accuse Wang of passing the buck. He wrote a check for, I believe 190 million to buy the team, with the promise of Nassau County to let him develop the area, if he assumed the lousy, money losing lease with SMG. The guy has sucked up somewhere between another 100 to 200 million (depending on who you believe) and may have made some arguably dumb/silly/whatever decisions, but he did try really build a team. He trusted the wrong people, including Milbury, which does not deserve a pass on this debacle. If the team leaves, it is that LOSER’S legacy.
-
alex says:
For someone who wants the Islanders to stay our team so badly, I feel that at this point Queens is a better option. I think it has become very clear we are no longer welcomed by the ToH to stay. Queens is dying for this team. Why not go where we are wanted and welcomed? If we moved to queens i consider it a big accomplishment!
-
Islanders1984 says:
KO21, I disagree, because If the Islanders end up in Kansas City Charles Wang will definately not be the owner. I thought there was talk of some land in Suffolk. When Wang was orginally trying to get control of the land I thought i remember some talk of a place in suffolk that would be perfect for a new areana just in case the county didn’t pick Wangs bid
-
CB,
Is it possible 4 you to set up an online poll and see who would go to Islanders games if they moved to queens and then compare it to a poll asking who would go to games a a rebuilt coliseum?
-
Kate will be the most hated individual on LI if she losses the Isles, jobs lost, tax revenue lost, charitable contributions the Isles bring to the community, all gone! I agree with CB, what an embarassment this is. A total disservice to the community and TOH. Even the half intelligent Ranger fans understand one of the best rivalries in sports will be gone if the Isles move on to KC.
-
DLR says:
From a hockey point of view, Im not sure the Islanders have EARNED a fan base in the past decade. The idea that building the Lighthouse is a financial boon for Long Island is tenuous at best. We can always create work and jobs, but always on borrowed money. The fans of Long Island are small but passionate: but, enough to fill a building nightly? Im not sure….asking everyone to create this mammoth sports center and THEN the Islanders will become good is a HUGE stretch to the objective observer.
-
West Coast Fan says:
My thinking over the past several weeks, as this has escalated of late, is this: I just don’t think you get Charles Wang’s kind of success in both business and life without making contingency plans, when it comes to something so important. It’s kind of like in the movie “Contact” where they secretly built the 2nd ship to the 12th dimension or whatever… you’ve got to think this guy’s got a back-up plan, and he’s keeping it under wraps until he’s ready to unveil it.
The poster above made a good point… he said WE’LL go where we’re wanted. He’s not goin to KC…
-
Dino says:
KC is just him trying to show big muscles….he will sell them to someone here and then it will be up to them what to do with the isles……someone will keep us here…no matter where in the NY tri state area
-
I would have no problem with queens at this point. I am from long island and am really sick of whats goin on. I really want this to happen asap!!!
-
Jim Clark says: Better the Islanders move to Kansas City or Hamilton instead of Queens. But whether the team leaves or not, TOH will still have Kate Murray.
-
Schultz39 says:
Wang should play hardball and say he wants to move to Queens now….the politicians on LI are a joke.
-
dk the isles fan says:
filled the building in the 80s and attendence went up in the early 2000s when we were making the playoffs, if we can put a good team on the ice the fans will come, reminds me of pitt’s situation before ownership threatened to move and a kid named Crosby arrived… maybe tavares could be that guy
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
So this is the begining of the end of this journey to get a renovated NVMC? Are we entering the final chapter of this quest? This is bigger than the TOH, the County, Long Island and NY … just the sampling of out of town fans on here want the Isles to stay at NVMC … even the ones who never stepped foot in Long Island .. there is something about this lovable rag tag team that came from nothing and stormed the NHL in less than a decade to become one of the most dominant teams that hockey has ever seen.
-
Ted says:
9 years is a life time . Please TOH approve this project . I would be crushed if the Islanders left.
-
The Islanders have embodied the underdog since their inception … and became ground zero of the hockey world for a solid 6 years … but there is nothing the Isles can do on the ice today or even next season to make this project happen.
I think the project developers and Kate Murray need some kind of summit and come up with a time line to at least chart progress … and if not … Kate should just tell Wang … not on my watch…. so Wang can go to Queens and say … “What do you have for me?”
-
Rob says:
Call me unrealistic or maybe full of false hope but i just cant see how any fan from LI is willing to concede the move to queens? Is it because the alternative is much worse (KC or Hamilton etc.) Or is it really that you dont care if they are on the Island as long as they stay in the area ( yes i know queens is technically on the Island)
-
I remember the Toronto series well…it was great in the Old Barn. But, that was a last hurrah(pathetic that our claim to fame in 10 years is a 1st rd loss). Is Hockey and our fan base popular enough to support a questiobale project? I dont know.
Just saw Owen Nolan pummeled by Orr …we need a legit enforcer. -
Final comment for me on this thread … Charles … if you do read this … and whether or not you are in Queens or a renovated NVMC … build in a 19,800 seat arean … you’ll fill it more times than you think … of course we know what 19,800 symbolizes.
-
DanNOLA says:
What’s that old saying? “In a Democracy you get the government you deserve” I think. In the end, we don’t show up for games enough, we elected Kate Murray, and now we’re teetering on the brink. There is a part of me who doesn’t blame Wang one bit if the Isles do move all the way to KC or Saskatoon or wherever. I should say we would be REALLY LUCKY if they moved to Queens.
-
michael says:
i’ll take queens. maybe one day the islanders move back to nassau county if we ever vote out the scumbags. probably wont happen.
-
if the islanders leave i say we all move off the island so they can’t collect our tax dollars ever again. that will teach them!!
-
Terry 99 says:
If the isles move(I type with shaking hands)the whole area will become a desolate eyesore.In the long run the TOH in all there wisdom will have to build there anyway.
-
#32 – How many people are still waiting for the Jets to come home? I bleed green, but NJ can keep them with their extorted PSLs. Gee, can I please pay you $20,000 to be allowed to buy season tix? You mean that the fact that they have been in my family since the leagues merged doesn’t matter? Uhhh cool.
Sorry for going off topic, CB and everyone. There are some parallels though.
-
Wang does have a contingency plan, he has exhibition games set up in KC and Western Canada, just in time for them to make his deal even more lucrative, they can both bid against each other. Wang is no dummy, I do believe that would be 3 weeks from the deadline for the TOH to make a decision. I really do not see Queens in the pix at this late juncture. Unless something is announced on Thursday. Speaking of Isles being the underdogs of the NHL, remember when they won that series against Buffalo, down 3-0 in the playoffs? Remember they almost did it again to the Flyers? What a wonerful legacy they will leave behind! They were something else!
-
Isles316 says:
I received the following text from a fellow friend and lunatic fan today.
“I wish at least something was a slam dunk and easy for the Islanders.”
It’s the story of being Islander fans. Hopefully Thursday night will clarify some things and give us hope.
-
Mattnice says:
Post #3 I agree and would love it if CB could elaborate. Kind of left us hanging there! I just have the feeling Queens is not even an option in wacko, I mean Wang’s mind. I have now and always had a bad feeling since he brought the team even though he promised he would never move the team on top of a championship. Stupid me for believing him. This is a real heart breaker because I do believe the writing is already on the wall we are just turning a blind eye to it.
-
Richie66 says:
I for one trust Wang simply for the fact that he grew up here on Long Island and knows full well how important the team is to us, the last thing he would want to do is send the team to KC. If he does move the team to KC then he better move with them because he would no longer be welcome here anymore
-
Jimmy says:
I would love the Isles to stay in Nassau being a resident of the county but being a spiteful person aswell I almost hope in October Wang says he’s droping the Lighthouse and moving to Queens, November Murray is voted out of office, never works in politics ever again, and in April the Islanders make the playoffs. But this is the Islanders so we know the roads going to be a lot more difficult and stressful than that
-
Pat says:
As a person who has also grown up with this team, I remember listening on my transister radio, to J.P. Parise’s overtime goal to beat the Rangers in the 75 playoffs. I can’t beleive that we actually are in danger of this team leaving. I am also pro-lighthouse, not only because it’s good for the Islanders but it’s also good for Long Island. I grew up with this team and if the TOH dosen’t give a shit then I can only hope that Queens would be an option. I will be there on Thursday and I’m hoping that I here something that will give me some hope.
-
Rob #28- I’m not willing to concede anything. Believe me, my first and foremost hope and choice is the NVMC. But, I am also starting to realize that we’d better have a plan B. Queens is drivable, KC is not.
DLR #18.
The number 14,995 is one I read for years and years. Even before the 4 cups.
Those fans are still here. They will come back and did in 2001-2002. Put a competitive team on the ice, and they will come. The Isles have finally started a true re-build. Even during an 8 game losing steak in January, there were sellouts and near sellouts at the Old Barn.
Why can’t we fill the “new” Coliseum. Believe me, more will come to a renovated NVMC with no 30 minute bathroom and food service lines. -
nystrom23 says:
I would agree, with CB I would defintely sign-up for Queens and I feel Queens would treat the Isles much better and defintely be better in attacting players
-
Richie66 not trying to argue but is that the only reason why you trust Wang? Because he grew up on LI? I’ve been looking for reasons to believe him for a while and couldn’t come up with any. He has pretty much followed through on nothing he said he was going to do since he brought the team. I just hope this happens for him because if it does I for one will forget the past and be a huge Wang supporter.
-
mrlbem says:
By October, huh? To bad they want my season ticket renewal money for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 by April 30, 2009. I want to know now or I want a clause in my renewal that says that if they move out of the area (i.e., KC or Saskatoon), I get a refund immediately. I will not root for a lame duck team as they fulfill the remaining term of the lease before moving to parts unknown.
-
Mike from Philly says:
C.B – Is there anyway you can try to get an idea from Wang whether or not Queens is a true possibility? At this point in the juncture I feel it might just be the better option.
-
d-man says:
mrlbem: you don’t have to renew for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 right now (or else!), it’s just an early deal they are offering, you still can renew later
-
WildcatChris says:
I guarantee you that if the Islanders leave, 2 years later the Coliseum will be demolished and a mall will be built, despite The Source, Roosevelt Field, and Broadway all being within 5 minute driving distance.
Quite sad, but that’s Long Island.
-
nick isles from Brooklyn says:
“At this juncture, knowing the options, I think I’d sign up for Queens.”
Speaks volumes!!!! Great peice CB – ill take your words for what I read them as – - – desperate!
-
Pat says:
My hope for Thursday – is to gain some clarity. Clarity on if The Lighthouse/TOH and The County can get it together. If Queens will hand deliver a bid to Wang at the event and say – Screw Kate Murray – come to the city…..or if we should send over some Kansas City Steaks from Ruth Chris’ to feed the crowd at the Marriott.
I am unhappy with the team for the letter we got from the season subscriber department – and I am reaching my marginal utility to hear about the Lighthouse anymore……..
GET SOMETHING DONE. I will make out with Kate Murray at Center Ice before the April 4th Isles game if she gives the okie dokie tomorrow night. THAT is taking one for the team !!
( For HER !! lol !!)Seriously – ENOUGH already – get it done.
Pat
-
Pat.. ur a brave man for sacrificing yourself like that! haha
-
Mattnice #45- What has he promised that he didnt follow thru on? He said he was to develop the land and is trying everything he can to do so, he has no control over the TOH so you cant blame him for that. Please tell me what he promised and turned his back on it?
-
Doug F. says:
“The Mets and Islanders perfect together…”
-
If you read the “renewal offer” carefully, besides the discount for 10-11, and 11-12, it actually says something like “renew now to guarantee your current seats.” Since they already have my money for next year, they need to watch the inference. The offer is pathetic.
-
Robert says:
CB, Even though I live in Flushing, a few minutes from (Shea) Citifield, I am hoping, like most other Islander fans, that The Lighthouse Project goes through… However CB, if Queens were a realistic option for the Isles, where in Queens would they be looking at??… I am thinking across from Citifield in those junkyards everyone is screaming to clear out.. or is there another spot in Queens they may be looking at??…… Just for the record, I like the junkyard! Anytime I need a tire or transmission, a cheap one is only five minutes away!
-
John says:
mattnice I don’t understand where you’re coming from on the Wang issue.If it wasn’t for him this team would have been gone years ago. Believe what you want but you would be hard pressed to find anyone close to the organization who doesn’t believe he saved the Isles. Did you read where CB said D’Amato “begged” Wang to save (buy) the Isles? And he also was told that it would only be a matter of time before he could develop the land. Well if you put two and two together you will come up with this. Wang did not want to buy the team because he knew the lease would cause him to lose money. People say that if he put a winning team on the ice fans would come but what about the down years? Every team has them so is Wang supposed to lose money during that time because fans will only come “if they put a good product on the ice”? The area isn’t big enough to support nightly sellouts during down seasons so the lighthouse project will keep him making money when things don’t go their way. Why should we trust him? Who cares if he grew up on LI right? How about the $100 or more million dollars he has lost while owning this team. What owner wouldn’t have bailed on this deal 5 years ago?
-
d-man,
True, but it’s an ultimatum of sorts. If you don’t want your ticket prices increased, give us the money now.
-
Also, what has Wang promised us since he bought this team? I’m pretty sure you’re talking about bringing a winning team and a cup back. And to that I have to say c’mon already. Ofcourse he’s going to say that, it’s what the fans want, but just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean he hasn’t tried does it? You can post all of the mistakes he has made but that doesn’t prove that he hasn’t tried to fulfill his promise, just that he has made mistakes. You can’t say we sholdn’t trust the man because he’s made mistakes. I watched him cry tears of joy during a playoff win against Toronto. No one is going to tell me he doesn’t care or is not worthy of our trust. He’s a flawed human being like the rest of us, but he’s not this evil person that some people want to make him out to be.
-
bergie20 says:
i’m glad that this lunacy is coming to an end. if the toh screws this up then work out a deal with the city and queens.
-
NYICHAMP39 says:
Personally whether it’s Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, out in Suffolk I don’t think many Isles fans really care at this point. The whole idea and project has been one giant tease that, for me, seems too good to be true. We just want to see something get done that guarantees this team, at the very least, gets a revamped home and stays in NY and in driving distance for most Long Islanders. If the Lighthouse works out, then great. If not just get something else done and do it quick. We are all tired of waiting…
-
Well said John, this team would have been gone long ago. Has he made mistakes, sure but he’s lost millions and he’s still here. And if the Lighthouse was ever approved I belive with more money he’d do everything he can to build a winning team.
-
CB, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing attention to the lighthouse project. I’m doing everything I can to help but I don’t have the means to get the word out. All I can do is support the project by writing letters. But your blog is very popular and is helping to inform people who may not know what the situation is. Thank you for everything you do. If THE LIGHTHOUSE gets approved I will forever remember you as one of the very few members of the media who cared. You will always be mentioned in my stories as to who helped get the word out to the masses. And if it doesn’t get approved I sure hope we can all meet in Queens in a few years for a game and some beers, I’m buying! (Only for CB, I’m not rich you knuckleheads!)
-
cgs878 says:
If the Lighthouse project gets built, then I’m staying. If the Lighthouse project is terminated without a shovel in the ground, then I’m seriously considering moving out of TOH and off of Long Island. That’s about as black and white as it gets.
-
ken says:
how about showing a strong attendence for these games.
-
The Islanders mailed out offers to current season-ticket holders that extend into the 2011-2012 season.
One would assume that the team expects to play at NVMC at least until then, at which time the renovation would have begun or another facility would be ready.
-
Erika says:
Not too late to commit yourselves to selling out the rest of the games!! 5 left…
I better see lots of bodies there tomorrow night! -
Gary says:
#37 – That was Pittsburgh, not Buffalo.
It’s time to find a candidate to run for Kate Murray’s position. It could be Mr. Denenberg or even if Chris wants to take a crack at her, I will sign on and work as hard as I can to elect someone other than her just to end her paralysis. I’d even move back to Malverne and do it myself if nobody else wanted to.
-
kate h8ter says:
kate murray is the worst thing to happen to long island. i hope she gets jumped in hempstead. f you kate murray, f you
-
My hope is the arena gets built in Queens, thus giving me no reason to ever go near Uniondale again in my life. It would also help legitimize this franchise to be playing in NYC.
-
John and Richie66 I say you have your opinion and I have mine. I have stated mine on here to the end of redundancy. The promises I was referring to were to never move the Islanders and yes a championship. Both were promised to the fans. It is so funny how the fans on here forget that they are fans as well as clients. Wang stood by and watched his pal go to jail while Milbury single handedly put our club and farm into the stone ages. You can sit there all you want and say Wang “doesn’t know” hockey and this and that. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist when fans organize a web site to have him abolished. Also when every writer or hockey personality is laughing at you while its happening. The guy(Wang) is an eccentric at best. What happened to the other group that was going to buy the team. Yeah, I know they would have moved the team too. All you Wangers know it all. You guys say you can trust him sign us up for the lighthouse then in the same sentence you call me an idiot for believing he would bring us a championship and never move the team. Really guys give me a break. When do you guys stop believing? When he moves the team?
-
Dorfer #71:
Legitimize this franchise ?? Huh?
We’re gonna get more respect because The ISLANDERS are playing in the CITY ??
We are a Long Island team, not a NYC team.
I know I for one am only talking Queens as a last resort to keep the team from leaving all together.
Also, if it takes that threat to get the TOH off there butts, then lets be like Pittsburgh and follow through till the end. -
Jimmy Mac says:
doesn’t make sense…but it is your opinion.
-
Mikey says:
CB, what an intriguing way to end your post!? What options do you know about? As far as I can tell, we don’t have many. The Nassau option is drifting from our grasp because the amateurs in ToH government do not understand the issues. Brooklyn looks dead in the water, and Suffolk is a pipedream. Can you give us any information on the Willet’s point possibility? If we can’t get the lighthouse, Queens seems like our last best hope. I hope the Queens officials come out to the meeting on Thursday and let us know what they are offering.
-
michael says:
People don’t realize the building is not just for hockey! I am a huge Islander fan, but it is not just used for hockey. I took my wife and son to the circus last weekend. It was so hard to walk with the large crowd with the little kids. The bathroom lines were insane. Nassau County needs a new building for the community. what about the Concerts, Circus, Wrestling, Disney on Ice and of Course Islanders Hockey! No one is looking at the big picture. Where are we all going to go? To the city, to see a concert or the circus. We are not Manhattan, We’re All Islanders! Maybe Kate Murray needs to wait on line for 20 minutes to pee!
-
Yes, legitimize. More accessible, more prominent, higher exposure, more corporate money…basically the team will be in a place that matters. It’s become clear a franchise cannot succeed in the suburbs, or whatever Uniondale is considered.
-
Pritchett54 says:
To expand on (81), Long Island is one of the most affluent areas in the world, why cant we have a state of the art arena here? There are 41 isles homes games, probably 30 concerts, 10 dragons games, disney on ice, 10 circus shows, monster trucks, WWE, college basketball etc. Which is more than 100 events a year at the coliseum. Why cant the arena be completely redone and retail be added to the site as well? I dont understand.
-
Mattnice #76: I dont remember anyone calling you an idiot, but you were claiming that Wang made all these promises and did nothing to try and make them come true. Wang gave the go ahead to sign Yashin to that long contract because he thought that was a good idea, and if Yashin was the real deal it was have been great. Just because the situation didnt turn out as expected doesnt mean he is not keeping his promises. Every owner in every league tell its fans they are set on winning, was he any different. Wang was being a smart owner and was silent while he let GM Milbury do his job, not his fault, and just because Milbury has the IQ of a piece of wood that doesnt mean he didnt want to win the cup as well. I do not see 1 thing where Wang said one thing but didnt make any effort at all to try to do.
-
Joe in Massapequa says:
Pritchett54 (83), I couldn’t agree with you more. What is even more intriguing to me is that we somehow get the Nets involved and bring them back to LI, even though I am a Knicks fan (sad to say). That is another 40+ days/nights of revenue for the entire thing. Between the Isles and Nets you would be looking at 25% of a calender year of days and nights like that. There is no reason something cannot be done here.
-
Frank James says:
I live in the northern part of the Town of Oyster Bay. A lot of my neighbors have been long time season tix holders. I usually go to 10 or more gamesmyself.
As residents of TOB we have no voting say in the matter.
My parents live in the TOH.
They have been directly involved in business on LI and in the workings of Nassau County/TOH govt.
They are in touch with what is going on in life. They are active.
When I talk about the Lighthouse with them they shrug.
They are of the opinion it will not get built.
The same old “it will become an extension of Queens” mentality that is still out there is one of the reasons they think it will fail.“It’s too big” is another complaint they hear.
They are realists and know that something has to be done.
They also know that nothing this grand ever gets done in Nassau or the TOH.Sadly I think only Isles fans, Wang, Rechler, and construction workers are the only ones who think this is a hot issue.
The majority either don’t want it, don’t care, or simple believe it won’t get accomplished.
I hope they are wrong.
-
dalcy says:
WildCatChris #49 hit the nail on the head, we live on Long Mall not Long Island.
-
James says:
That last sentence was as ominous as anything I’ve ever read about the Isles. Even worse than the time I read they signed Mark Lawrence to a three year deal.
-
Jim (GFIC) says:
You know the saying- “if you love something you have to be able to let it go”. At the height of my despondency with this team over the years, that thought has crossed my mind- maybe they would be better off in Hamilton. However, the idea that their departure from NY may actually happen is simply crushing.
-
I get your point, Dorfer, I just happen to disagree. You keep harping on Uniondale, like that’s where all the fans are from.
Isles fans come from all over the Island, from Queens to Riverhead (where I drive 1 hour to see 30 games a season).
Long Island is not your typical suburb. There are 1.3 million in Nassau and close to 1.4 million in Suffolk.
Buffalo and its surrounding “suburbs” has 1.1 mil. Pittsburgh has 2.4mil.
As far as “a place that matters”…wow, you must hate suburbia A LOT.
I think Long Island (even Uniondale) matters.
The point of the ENTIRE Lighthouse project is to address all the issues you bring up.
I’ve been to Willets Point if you want to talk about the dumps. Citifield looks nice, but try and walk 5 blocks in any direction.
I’ll take Uniondale, thanks. -
Frank James (80), I have heard that several times. There is a huge mentality to keep a suburb a suburb. And I agree with that but to a certain extent. If you head down Hempstead Tpk 1 mile west that sure isn’t suburbia. If you head up to Old Country Road near The Source I hardly see that as suburbia. Tell that to people sitting in traffic moving at a snails pace on a Saturday afternoon. What about all the condo and over 55 complexes that have sprouted up. That is ideal suburbia? I am way too young to know what LI was like when it was first being developed but even in my 20 or so years of memory I have seen a lot of change and I am sure I will see more being that I will live here all my life.
-
Strummer's Army says:
Wondering when/if the Town of Hempstead will get smart and do this project or at least be honest witht he public about their objectives.
-
Adam M. says:
Wang is going to have to shave down this project and take it one piece at a time. Nobody, let alone Kate Murray, will approve this project ‘as is’.
Remember how close Pitt was to moving not too long ago?
-
It’s just so insane that one incompetent bureaucrat could be the reason the Islanders leave LI. Even worse, she can’t even articulate why she won’t sit down and work with the developers to get this done. It’s just nuts and Im beyond frustrated with all of this already. It seems since 1994 weve done nothing but take it in the ass.
-
I grew up in N. Bellmore 15 mins away from the Coliseum…I always thought this day would come…I remember years ago there was talk of San Diego…but now I really feel deep down in the pit of my stomach the Isles will finally have the team that I waited 20 years for but it will be in Kansas City (by the time they win the cup). Sad… “Tavares to Okposo–he shoots and scores..the Chiefs win the cup the chiefs win the cup!!!!!!” This sucks.
-
Joe,
I agree that mentality is ancient.
Traffic on Hempstead Tpke is a nightmare. Merrick Road isn’t any bargain either.
It’s that fear of becoming Queens that put people off when they hear apartments.
This project will not get off the ground.
That parcel of land will be nothing but housing in the future.
Sad but it seems like a large group want nothing to change at all.
Now we have illegal apartments in every town soaking up services and not adding their share to the tax pool.
Well how will the Isles leaving impact tax revenues?
Very sad that an area that has so many succesful business people living in it (Nassau County) cannot see the value of this project and what will happen if the Isles pick up sticks.
How many circuses and Dora shows can the Coliseum hold? -
Otter says:
Good call Kate Murray, let the coliseum rot for another 20 years without any primary tenants so everyone driving down Hempstead Tpke can be reminded of how nice of a place Nassau is to live. While you’re at it, vote to raise our taxes a little higher so we all have another reason to move away once we can’t afford to live here any more. Oh yeah, and I have a pothole on my street that needs fixing for a couple of years now, will someone ever be stopping by to fix or should I just go ahead and stuff the hole with all my old Isles memorabilia?
Best,
Otter -
admin says:
Comment Guidelines:
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2008/12/comment-guidelinesthese-are-effective-immediately/
-
Im worried the Islanders will move and turn into the kansas City Whatevers and they will start an expansion team here and call them the Islanders. Starting all over again, again…
-
long island doesn’t deserve a pro team
-
eye on the island says:
54 brought up a great point-moving close to the mets might further curse the team some more
time to scrap the queens idea and look to a bronx location instead
-
93- that would never happen
the suburbs are an ancient manifestation of mankind. built during the times of cheap energy and cheap land, if we lose the islanders it’s once and for all.
that is why its so vital the lighthouse gets built, not just for the islanders but for the island as a whole. mixed used communities are the wave of the future-and unfortunately entrenched interests are hard to overcome. lets hope this is a battle to be won
-
Willis says:
What an ominous ending, CB.
-
Adam M. (87): What do you mean ‘shave down’? Nassau county asked for and received proposals for to use all of this land, they got many of them, and its the Lighthouse project that Nassau county voted overwhelmingly to pass. The project was already approved by Nassau County. If that is what was approved by the county ont he land THEY own, why do you think Charles Wang can suddenly make all these changes and get rid of the things the county voted for and wanted? Additionally, the project is already slotted to take like a decade to buiild a portion at a time, so how is that NOT doing it ‘once piece at a time’?
-
Hey, Adam:
Actually everyone BUT Kate Murray has approved the project as is. County did that a long time ago, she is the hold up. -
b-ri says:
If this team leaves LI, i will go in to deep depression…and thankfully I will be 21 and can drink myself into oblivion by the time of their last game next year. What nobody has noticed is the effect that a potential move could have on the city of Bridgeport. If the Isles move, expect their affiliation with the soundtigers to end too. Now, that doesn’t mean another team won’t sign up with the bridge, but if they dont? Even more people will be out of jobs. The city’s economy might even take a hit with the lack of the pro hockey team there. This effects more than just Islanders Fans and Long Island. This can reach to other areas.
GIVE US LIGHT(HOUSE) AND SAVE THE ISLANDERS!
-
Joe says:
If they move, I hope its to Queens. As a fan, I grew up with this team, every b-day including my 21st Ive spent at an Islander game, Id be very depressed to see them go. At least if its to Queens, I dont have to board a plane or cross a bridge to go see them since its about 10 minutes past the coliseum. Either way, Kate Murray is a straight up moron, she symbolizes everything that is wrong with politics. If Wang folds and reduces it to a new arena, then hats off to him but I cant see this being to good. Nice write up, CB.
-
NJA says:
With all due respect, I dont think Wang is currently marketing the Lighthouse right. Sure, we all know hes not asking for taxpayer money because we are fans that have been following this day by day. As for the average TOH resident- after seeing the Giants and Jets with their PSLs and the Yanks and Mets floating bonds- the average resident says “Kates right… screw these greedy teams, especially in a recession”.
The Lighthouse needs to be marketed to TOH voters simply as: ECONOMIC STIMULUS THAT THE TAXPAYER DOESNT HAVE TO FUND. JOBS. TAX REVENUE. NO COST. WIN-WIN-WIN.
If the voters knew the stimulus Murrays throwing away over politics, they’d be infuriated and she’d lose in november. Thats the best way to keep the Isles- get rid of Kate.
-
drive45 says:
Why don’t you guys go to the Town of Hempstead board meetings. They are held 2 times a month I believe and are open to the public. Citizens can also make public comment. I live in NJ so I’m not welcome, but you local guys should go to press Murray and the TOH board to get this done.
-
#103: It’s a waste of time. All she will say is that they are reviewing the information and that it takes time… sneaky deceptive non committal, in other words… politics
-
Mikeo says:
CB, my question to you is how serious do you believe the Queens offer really is? Is it just a few people in Queens with conection to what will happen in Willets Point just getting a little press, or is there really meat on this bone? I ask because if the Lighthouse fails, which unfortunately it looks like it will, the Queens option is a much better option than KC, or Hamilton for the team business wise which hopefully keeps them in this market. In Queens you get everything the other places would give you, end of horrendous lease, new building,concession money, full ticket money, parking money, etc. But the one thing Queens offers over any out of market relocation is the cable TV money, which is huge and gets higher as the years go on. Your not getting $13 million in KC, or Hamilton in TV money. I just hope the Queens offer is real because I believe its the only way our beloved teams stays in this market, unless Charles Wang has something up his sleeve that he’s been able to keep quiet.
-
JayK says:
Frank James #90: Without the Islanders, there is not going to be a Coliseum. If you want to see Dora or the circus, you’re going to have to head into MSG. The county already loses about $1 to $2 million per year with the Isles there, and without them, that’s likely to balloon to $5 million. So the county would be faced with a rundown arena that needs a vast overhaul, nobody to do it, and operating losses as far as the eye can see.
It won’t be turned into a mall, because no developer is going to want to run the gauntlet at the Town of Hempstead, not after seeing what happened to the group that tried to develop the Cerro Wire site in Oyster Bay. Somebody else noted the proximity of other malls as a reason why there would be another mall at the Coliseum site. That’s a reason why there WON”T be a mall. (And a fairly large shopping development has been proposed for the former Avis property, which is pretty big in size).
If you build nothing but housing there, then you really do have a problem with dumping a lot of kids on the Uniondale school district.
Frankly, I really don’t know what the hell you do with it. But one thing you can be sure of: if the Islanders leave, there won’t be an arena there, unless the county is dumb enough to put money into a bottomless pit.
-
One other thing:
I sent an email to my county legislator, a Republican, urging him to lean on his fellow Republican Kate Murray to back the Lighthouse. I won’t say which legislator. But here’s what he wrote…the only encouraging news since the environmental scope was approved:
—————————–
Thank you for your message. It is always interesting.My guess is that the TOH will eventually approve some form of development. I doubt the developers will get everything they want and will receive approval to build a scaled-down project. This may be a win-win. The coliseum will be renovated, there will be a development with jobs, etc, and the impact on traffic, water, etc will be controlled.
-
Moosie says:
I went through the agony of losing a team when Nelson Skalbania sold Wayne Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers then folded the Indianapolis Racers in December 1978. There is nothing worse. I’m not encouraged by your words, Chris.
-
The Commodore says:
Let’s keep ‘er here. Let us know what more we can do.
-
This is my second post in this thread – dont want to break rules.
Ive been talking around (Not on Nassau but I have some friends in Queens politics/News) and I am just not positive this Queens thing is serious. Willets Point is still being fought over.
Also – while it gives you access to LI – you still need to get in a car – same as the colly – so if people are not willing to drive from suffolk on a tuesday night – why would they face the city traffic!!
Subways and railroads are the benefit for sure though. Not sure how many people will venture from Manhattan as most of them are Rangers fans already!
Bottom line is – if they are going to put anything there – its going to be something that the local community is OK with. The large Latino area close by – I am not sure they are HOckey fans!
-
Paul in Canada says:
Agreed, there are some confusing aspects to what concessions would need to be made to satisfy the TOH and some residents who may feel the project is “too big”. The project has been scaled back from its original plan but one keeps hearing that it’s not quite enough. The real issue is that the Town is not communicating effectively (purposely?) in terms of what exactly they don’t like. Murray keeps bringing up a simple, and unrealistic, renovation. They need to to spell out exactly what their problem is and work on solving it. Also, I remember Wang had a sort of falling out with D’Amato a few years back and the latter later saying, in reference to the original plan at least, that it would never get done. I wonder what his feelings are about the current situation. Would love to know what he thinks.
-
isles72 says:
Would the Rangers be allowed to block a move to queens ?I know the isles paid an encroachement fee back in 1972 but to what extent can they move into Ranger territory ?
if an 18,000 seat arena was built for the isles in Queens -who’s payin the tab ?who would be potential co-tenant ?
does Wang remain owner if they move to Queens ?
-
dose says:
“It was D’Amato who asked – actually, begged – Wang to save the Islanders because New York and Long Island needed the historic franchise to remain.”
add – ” …as long as whatever deal you make will line the pockets of myself and my cronies and not someone else.”
-
While Wang may be a savvy businessman in some ways, you don’t have to look further than the Yashin and DP contracts to see that sometimes his decisions are driven by his heart rather than sound business logic. He doesn’t want this team to be winner, he wants this team to be a winner on LONG ISLAND. He will care not what the team does in KC or anywhere else once he sells. Absent a LH deal, Wang’s decision will be whether to start all over with a new plan in a new place in the metro NY area, subjecting himself to a whole new round of nonsense throughout the process, while still trapped in the dumpy Coliseum until a new place is finally ready, OR, sell to the KC people and be done with the whole thing in a flash, then concentrate on wresting the Nets from Ratner and trying to bring an NBA team to LI, which is what he wanted in the first place. The Isles were an afterthought. And now that even Frank Gehry is basically admitting Atlantic Yards is doomed, soon Ratner must either move the Nets to Newark or sell.
-
McLovin21 says:
Well I guess the isles will be unrestricted free agents then. Because there’s no way in hell that the TOH is going to approve this thing by october. I really hope that there is some substance to this offer from queens.
-
I wouldn’t mind if they moved to Queens. I took my son to a Mets game last summer I live in NJ and so we took the NJ Transit to Midtown and then hopped on the LIRR…I was at Shea from my house in 1 hour and 15 minutes…it was better than driving.
-
Greg says:
CB can you tell us what it is that has lead you to believe that there will be a definitive answer by thee start of next season?
Ranking all options from best to worst, Im sure these are most fans views here…..
1 – Lighthouse project in all its glory
2 – Queens
3 – dont even want to consider anythign past queensThe Barn is super easy to get to (if you have a car). Its easy to get in and out of, has a historic feel to it and I would miss it alot if we moved to Queens, but I would take that in a heart beat over moving out of state.
I can also see the Isles reaching a deal with Murray eventually that involves a much MUCH reduced scope. And after all is said and done she will be looked at as the one who saved the Islanders. Then I will throw up in my mouth.
-
cusi says:
I just spoke with Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino as he stood outside East Rockaway LIRR train station shaking hands. I asked him his thoughts and did he believe that the “Lighthouse” will ever become a reality. I told him how me and my two kids would go to more games and events in that area if it was a new arena and more of an attraction of resturants, etc. He assured me that something will get done. He mentioned Wang’s impatience…but at the end of all of it he thinks it will get worked out.
-
Wow (119), thats cool. That is no longer my LIRR stop but he is still my TOH rep. I hope he decides to go up to Lynbrook tomorrow, I will ask him to come to the meeting!
-
lovin lethbridge says:
CB – just looking for your opinion, as you know Mr. Wang better than I. With the apparent “out” available to Mr. Wang from the NVMC, would Mr. Wang wait the 2-3 years for a rink to be built in the NY area, or would he opt for the Kansas City option, to “stop the bleeding” sooner?
Thoughts? -
Pete M says:
If you think the Dolans are going to sit by and allow another arena in the confines of New York City, you’re crazy. They bankrolled the opposition to the upper east side football stadium/convention center and they’ll do the same thing to any attempt to build another ‘Madison Square Garden’ in Queens. Forget it.
-
Mark P says:
Are there any more details regarding the Queens bid? It seems that Wang needs some sort of land development deal to recoup the 100-150 million he has lost operating the team over the past 9 years (how much of that operating loss is the Alexi buyout?). Is Queens offering an Arena or land development as well? At what point does Ratner get attched to the project and real plan of the Islanders and Nets in one Arena finally become a reality?
At least in Queens we could still see our team live and have access to all the games on TV.
If there is a Westerm Suffolk option it should be explored. -
Brett says:
To those who wonder why CB is saying we will know by the start of next season what will happen with the Isles: It is because Wang has gone on record as saying he needs an answer by the beginning of next season. It has been on TV and in the paper for a while now. This is not from any secret source that CB won’t reveal.
-
Big Dog says:
Read a lot of comments and what i see mostly is some passion.
I dont think Wang is impatient but i do think the TOH is dragging its feet to show who is boss.
Im from Port Jeff now living in Sunnyside Queens so for me the most convienent place would be Queens.. My heart wants them to stay where they are at.
Wake Up TOH before its too late for you and the people who care the most…US
Keep LI HOCKEY ON LI
-
Spartiarti - RVC says:
why is everyone concerned about KC. KC doesnt have enough fan support of its football and baseball team, and they can support a hockey team. Lets get one thing straight, If isles move to KC, wang doesnt want anything to do wiht it. He will want to see the team. If you have enough money to buy a sports team, why not buy the Montreal Canadiens rather than try to get hockey going in Kansas City. If things are tough here i can imagine the ecomony there.
Im more worried about Hamilton or another canadien city if anything.
Kate Murray is a moron. She just stamped her last term. No way she gets reelected.
-
Michael R. says:
Don’t know if anyone’s mentioned anything about this, but I think there has to be some type of reason why Queens seems so low on the list in terms of consideration from Wang. I mean, they could build a brand new arena in Queens right in the area of a brand new baseball stadium and pretty new tennis center, where there is tons of transportation both from the city and from LI. Seems to me like a no-brainer. But are there other implications on this, like increased taxes or something that Wang/the team would have to pay?
We’ve all seen teams go to a new town and not have anywhere near the fan base they had in the old town (Hartford Whalers going to Carolina, anyone)? Why would this team and this situation be any different if they move to KC?
My thing is, they are the NEW YORK Islanders…not the Nassau County Islanders or Hempstead Islanders. I understand what they mean to LI and ToH, but the absolute first priority should be to keep this team in NY!
-
Adam M. says:
(98): What I meant by ‘Shave Down’ is that some of these pieces to the larger Lighthouse Project, i.e. anything that takes away from the ‘feel’ of suburbia (in the eyes of some old timers), will have to wait.
I’m aware of the approval they have already, but there are some major hiccups here that need to be resolved. (Yes, captain obvious be me).
Believe it or not, I expect Wang to accept a much lesser project, for the time being, than what is proposed currently. Time will tell but it should be exciting to see what unfolds tomorrow.
-
Tom says:
A prediction…BEFORE October 2009, it will be announced Ratner & MISTER Wang
will team up for a Queens venture. Just a wild guess. The LH is morte. It’s been dead for a longtime in my opinion. I think MISTER Wang was/is waiting for someone to throw dirt on the dead carcass.Queens. The finacial value of the franchise sky rockets in seconds. The marketing capibilities sky rockets in seconds. Respect within the NY Sports media & community in general sky rockets within seconds.
Death to The Lighthouse (not, to be confused with a Strip Mall, definitely NOT a Strip Mall, not even CLOSE to being a Strip Mall. Dahhh.) IS the greastest thing that can possibly happen to NY Islander hockey since the Cups.
I have been praying The Lighhouse would have ZERO affiliation with NY Islander hockey. The Islanders riding up the Canyon of Heros with the Cup is something I’ve only dreamed about, I’m still dreaming…I pray it becomes a reality.
Please MISTER Wang, do right by NYI hockey. Take them to a place that will adore them. Queens.
-
Staten Islander says:
If they can’t stay in Nassau, I pray that the Queens thing can be done. But I look at what happened when they tried to build the stadium over the railroad yards on 12th avenue and what is (or isn’t being done with the Nets arena in brooklyn and it gives me a REALLY bad feeling
-
kevin fitz says:
How many times can we say the same thing?? We all hope that the LH happens, but it obviously won’t. So we all hope that they either move to Queens or Brooklyn or Suffolk. Let’s wait and see what happens. That is all we can really do.
-
Helene says:
No wonder I have an ulcer. Kudos to #102 – there hasn’t been enough publicity to promote this as a win-win for Nassau County. My son’s impression was it was just “more mall stores and eateries”. When we explained it to him, he totally was in favor. While there have been some articles in Newsday, they just don’t empasize the broader view vis-a-vis tax revenue, jobs during construction and after. We need to get the average over-taxed residents of the county on board with the program. Don’t know now to accomplish this – maybe CB knows who to go to. How about the business club coming out in strong numbers. Help – please don’t let my Islanders go.
-
Tom #128 — the idea that the Lighthouse is dying is “great” for the Islanders is ridiculous. Yes, the Queens option does seem to be burning a bit brighter these days, but if it’s a 100 yard dash to approval, Queens just got out of the blocks and the current proposal is at least at the 80 yard mark. So much of the spadework already done for the Lighthouse will be worthless and you’d have to do it all over again. Where’s the architectural design for Queens? Where’s the environmental impact study (not started yet, obviously)? And so on. You talk about this like they are on equal footing. They’re not.
-
StevieL says:
I gotta say, while Queens may be a good option for some. it would make things more difficult for a vast majority of fans who live in eastern Nassau and all of Suffolk to attend games. Tickets on the LIRR for a family of 4 is no bargain and driving into Queens during the week during rush hour is no picnic! Queens might as well be the City for us “Islanders”! Gotta figure a way to stay in Nassau! CB any chance that Wang and Rechler announce that due to economic and funding difficulties they have revised and scaled down their plans? Perhaps looking for approval in different phases? Starting with a renovation and convention center? We have to keep this team here!!
-
JayK (132) – the environmental impact statement and final scope for the willet’s point redevelopment can be found at the NYCEDC website. The city used a different approach and actually approved the rezoning before picking a developer. If the rezoning was vague enough, I can imagine that a new arena can be worked into that development without requiring more approvals. In my view, the real problem is that the city does not own at least a third of the land there. It will need to be acquired by eminent domain, but the chop shops are going to put up a fight in court to retain their land.
-
James says:
I have to admit (and I’m just thinking out loud here), converting the Iron Triangle next to Shea into the Lighthouse Project–now, with waterfront property!– would be pretty freaking awesome.
Travel infrastructure is already in place (GCP, Whitestone Expy, LIRR, #7). It has a marina, you’ve got the tennis stadium in walking distance as well. Wow, imagine a trip to Shea/Lighthouse/US Open where you could take the train, and walk around/eat/drink/shop before and after the game.
-
jonsson3 says:
It’s really a shame if this doesn’t get done.!! Such a great project, good for everybody. Explain to me why someone wouldn’t want this in their town. KM is a real knucklehead!! GO BOLTS!
-
isles fan says:
@JayK: That’s not a problem, the law gives state enormous power in this situation.
-
April 26, 2000. Since that date what has Wang accomplished? NOTHING. The team and the organization is a joke from Wang down through his son-in law President, the failed back up goaltender GM and the AHL and now dead last place NHL coach. This article makes clear that from the outset Wang was ONLY interested in the real estate and NEVER in the Islanders and has always attempted to use the Islanders as leverage to overdevelop the site under the false pretext that it is necessary in order to renovate the Coliseum. Wang is a fraud and the best thing for the Islanders and its fans is that Wang’s BLUFF be called and that he be denied his request to overdevelop the site forcing him to SELL the team upon his realization that it won’t bring him the overdevelopment he seeks. All fans that are truly interested in the future success of the team should pray for this to occur sooner rather than later.
-
Scott W says:
Mike-
Wow, those are pretty heated words. I wish you could include some facts. I think Wang has invested enough money in this team to show he cares. This team might have left if it were not for him. I can tell you as a lifelong resident of Nassau County and Season Ticket Holder of this team that the TEAM and COUNTY NEED the Lighthouse. What he is proposing is not unrealistic. I can’t blame him for wanting to add more to the project. Adding a nice new arena to a dump of an area does not make sense. I wish people would stop making statements about what they think Wang wants without facts. -
134 Mikey (134): If this alternate “plan B” ever did come to pass, I guess the chop shops could set up right there in NVMC parking lot. Its not like there would be anything there but concrete and an abandoned unmaintained building, so perhaps the chop shops would bring some business to the TOH?
-
On page 2, the New York Post reports that the new arena proposed to be built in Prospect Heights will not get done. The economy is what they blame.
I’m not sure what this means regarding the propect of the Isles moving to Queens but they can’t build this one already in the works how can we expect to develope an arena for the Isles???
This is the worst economy since the Great Depression.
I feel sick
-
pablo says:
Maybe Charles Wang should put the Team up for Sale so that maybe a New Potential Buyer Might Except the Offer of a New building with options to build further in the future and keep our Islanders where they were born at NCMC !
-
mtrico says:
The fact that we are nine years out, and neither Kate Murray, nor the Town of Hempstead has taken a publicly stated position on this (for or against) is absolutely mind numbing.
-
Ed J says:
Is it me or is my heart the only one that is breaking knowing that the NY Islanders time is limited here.
-
mike says:
Mikey – They’d be right there in case any of the participants in the “Monster Truck Rallies” needed a tune up…Lol.
Chris – your points on Sen D’amato are spot on, however his ties to SMG weren’t mentioned, and it should have been noted that his begging Wang had just a ‘tad’ of self interest there.
Interesting that none of the guys you mentioned have been heard from since.
Also – why not mention the fact that the gerrymander in the Town of Hempstead is one possible reason for Murray’s intransigence? At least then many folks would understand why she’s been less than forthcoming and supportive since Wang and co. have turned up the the heat.
One final note – why would Wang wait probably 2 years to get a new place done at Willet’s Point (at least 2 with all the legal maneuvering that’s going to happen on behalf of the current residents) when KC has an arena ready to roll?
-
BillyIsle says:
Call me crazy but, Does anybody feel like calling into WFAN to get word out about tomorrows meeting. I would call but I’m at work until Francesa’s show is on and I dont think hes the best one to talk to about it, plus its impossible to get through. But Joe Beningo and Evan are on right now. Joe is a huge Ranger’s fan but always remarks how the Devils as rivals could never compare to the Islanders. I dont know, I feel like we need to do more than commenting on this story. I’ll be listening for a brave soldier! Good luck!
-
@Mike: Cable contract.
-
John Ra from murrays office says that Murray won’t give her view on something she hasn’t seen yet, the proposal isn’t done yet.
-
Scott W (139) and Chris TMC (140)-So you want some facts. Ok here are some for example:-The Islanders 2008-09 salary to date is the THIRD LOWEST in the NHL at $36,542,706. The team is in LAST place-oh yeah Wang is really INVESTING in his 30th place team with the 27th place salary structure-Furthermore, in the almost 10 years of his ownership the team has only even made the playoffs a grand total of 4 times and never ONCE WON a playoff series! I can tell you the Islanders are always at or near the BOTTOM of the NHL salary structure and their continued failure year after year is a reflection of that. Where are YOUR facts that “Wang has invested enough money in this team to show he cares.” As you claim I don’t have the facts but you do-Please tell us all exactly HOW MUCH HAS WANG INVESTED?
-
#149, that is a poor excuse from Joe Ra. This is the biggest LI development since Levittown, and therefore deserves special consideration regardless of Murray’s own policies. Murray needs to realize that you can’t handle this one by simply looking at the playbook. She is aware of the scope of the project and what it entails. Heck, the general public has access to most of that info. It is simply not credible for her to state that she can take no position until the environmental studies are completed.
-
mike – here is the team’s payroll for players only by year starting from 00/01 in millions – $23.3, 33.6, 37, 40.8, 31.4, 37.8, 39, 39.5. that’s an enormous amount of money for a club with limited revenue streams and that’s not factoring in the franchise’s other expenses.
-
DerFerret says:
Wang invested…..moneywise, he has invested enough. Talent wise? He only hires people who listen to him so we see the players he overpays and tyhe results in the standings. He’s an AWFUL owner and if paying Sutton and Yashin and DP and all others well over market to say you spend money helps him get fans to like him…..he’s not the only fool.
Quality players won’t play here anymore. Weight and guerin were the exception, Streit the surprise. Wang spends money……woohoo. On what? 30th place, a backup goalie GM and a promotion that yet again fans renew by 4/30 or else?
Well, color me unimpressed. He’d be making money if he cought out SMG, so I don’t care how much he overspends, all I care about is winning. Peggy bundy is our owner!
-
NYI FAN says:
As a guy who was born & raised in Flushing, (Flushing High, class of ’68) this is a great area from a commuting standpoint. It’s been posted already on all the mass transit that is there, this area is already a sports complex, adding an indoor area with an indoor major professional sports team (the Isles) would be a no-brainer. Charles Wang is a friend to the Flushing community, it might be a valid plan B. If the LH is squashed, do you think that the Coliseum would be rebuilt since it is an aging place? Might be a good place for an
AHL Team if the Isles move. As far as any important announcement at Thursday’s meeting; it won’t come from any Gov’t agency, it might just be an deadline-ultimatum from Wang & Rechler on a ‘Plan B’. Who knows? I still think that it will be just one big Lighthouse lovefest/pep rally. -
Candyman says:
What pains me is that this has always been an all or nothing deal. For years now, Wang has emphasized a need for the Lighthouse project over a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. The Islanders, while they may be of an importance to Wang, are clearly not the priority. Wang wants to dominate Long Island by putting up hotels, business towers, shops, apartments and sticking a giant Lighthouse in the middle of it all. Now don’t get me wrong, I want this deal to go through just as much as any of you, I just think we’d have a better shot at keeping the Isles here if this project wasn’t so complicatedly extravagant.
-
Joe Ra said he wants the Isles to stay as a season tix holder but he said ToH is moving as fast as they can. He said to me that the county is who is taking all this time and not ToH.
-
NYI Fan: the Coliseum will not be rebuilt in the absence of the Lighthouse. Without a major tenant like the Islanders, it has no future.
-
Fist of Gillies says:
146 – “Can’t somebody else do it!”
-
#155. Did Joe Ra explain to you why the County has had no problem publicly voicing its favorable opinion of the project, but yet the TOH refuses to do so? (See my post #150, which was actually intended to respond to your #148.)
-
Wang looks to be holding the franchise hostage
-
gary says:
I have friends who over the years had tried to deal with the TOH regarding building and have given up-so i wonder if its more then just kate murray
I just wish the TOH would communicate that its a no-go or they will approve with the following issues resolved–There has to be some closure either way so all can move on–That i dont think is much to ask with so much riding on the outcome
I also read in the Post that the Brookyln development, ala Ratner looks like it might not survive–Now if Nassau applies some pressure and TOH does SOMETHING, we actually might have a shot at the Nets if Ratners development falls apart -
Angry Mike may i suggest boxers instead of tighty whiteys..it seems they may not fit and is triggering rage.
sorry is losing tens of millions a yr on isles doesnt stand as a credit.. would he spend more and lose more make him worthy then?
lighten up francis
-
Eric says:
#154 you are right that if the project wasnt so grand in size, it would be easier. You are however wrong about the lighthouse being in the middle of it. The 60 story building was scrapped from the plans like 3-4 years ago. Wang and Rechler are doing the right thing by demanding an answer. Kate Murray would sit on this until she is re-elected which is in november. I like what wang is doing, by puting pressure on the TOH to atleast get some kind of a decision so they can move forward. They have been sitting on this for years! Its a disgrace and us fans are the ones who suffer. They would sit on it some more, if it wasnt for Wang pushing this the past few months.
-
It is absolutely UNBELIEVABLE how some of you can even fault Wang. The guy came in, as a nice gesture, and plopped down nearly $200 Million for a last place team. He then spent a ton on the team in his first couple of years. He upgraded the Coli, something he doesn’t own, so that fans would have a better gameday experience. In the meantime, he’s proposed to rebuild the Coli + add some additional entertainment for us living on Long Island. So what if he wants to make some money off of it. God knows he’s spent enough and all he’s gotten back is grief from the fan base, the run around from politicians, and an ever decreasing bank account. While some of his moves may not have been the best, from a team/fan stand point, he has made adjustments and we look better for it. One thing to remember, IT IS HIS TEAM, he can hire and fire anyone he wants. If you were a business owner, would you hire someone that was totally against you? The guy has helped this franchise for nearly 10 years. Anyone that thinks differently just doesn’t get it.
-
Mr. Ra said if Murray tried to as you say do away with the playbook, so to speak, small towns and districts can sue Murray or over stepping those bounds. He mentioned the time frames set up by law that they must adhear to. He mentioned something about they can’t do anything for a certain amount of YEARS. I asked “How can you put a time limit on something that you don’t know about”???thru the bs excuse they give for dragging their feet.
His answer I don’t remember, must not have been profound.
-
C. Felix says:
I’ve lived in Raleigh since August of 2000…and still…when I think about the the Isles moving because a deal (Lighthouse) doesn’t get done, I’m on the verge of tears.
-
I don’t blame Wang for his approach and he has certainly lost more money on the Islanders than anyone else would have been willing to. It’s just an observation that if this project wasn’t so “over the top” then maybe we’d have something going by now.
-
Mike-
He bought the Team. I think that is a pretty sunstantial investment. His payroll ranks at the bottom because this team loses money every season. What more are you looking for??? -
ET says:
The Islanders are a means to an end. At the end of the day, it’s all about the real estate. Wang really wants the rent per sq. ft. he can get from the various tenants of the future Lighthouse. If he cannot get the OK to proceed in Nassau or anywhere else (Queens, Brooklyn, Suffolk) he will sell the team, preferably to someone who will keep the team in NY. This way, if the team does eventually move, he won’t be another O’Malley.
-
Scott W (167)-So I guess you must concede that in truth YOU are the one with no facts, not I. You previously said: ““Wang has invested enough money in this team to show he cares.” When I called you on it to say what FACTS you have to support it you come back with “His payroll ranks at the bottom because this team loses money every season.” No Scotty-HIS TEAM LOSES MONEY EVERY SEASON BECAUSE THEY ARE CONSISTENT LOSERS EVERY YEAR AND ONE OF THE REASONS IS BECAUSE HE DOESN’T INVEST SUFFICIENT MONEY TO MAKE THEM COMPETITIVE. Not the other way around as you would have it-It is commonly accepted principle that you must invest money to make money. He NEVER invested any significant money AFTER he bought the team because he only bought the team to develop the real estate and cared nothing for the success of the team. Wang is a total FAILURE as a team owner-there is NO proof he will be any better at real estate development.
-
Brad says:
funny to note that Charlie rubs elbows with the most indited senator in U.S. history. Not surprising
-
@Brad: Never indited.
Nice work, CB