THE CO-KINGS OF QUEENS? As Thursday’s meeting nears, Queens makes another push for the NYI
The Lighthouse public outreach is just three days away. Even Ellis Hennican thinks Kate Murray’s conflict of interest excuse is baloney. And with each week, Queens becomes a more realistic, attractive option. Did you know there is a Charles B. Wang Community Health Center in Flushing? Did you know Wang’s family moved to Queens when he was 8 years old? And, as we were often reminded when we worked for the Islanders, Queens is part of Long Island, which is part of New York.
It all fits together nicely, don’t you think? If I did PR for those Queens politicans and Chamber of Commerce folks, I’d recommend they show up at the Marriott on Thursday and let everyone know in a big way the Islanders are welcomed there. I bet Queens could have a state-of-the-art arena, equipped with a generous lease, done in 2-3 years.
Comments. Guidelines.
139 Responses to THE CO-KINGS OF QUEENS? As Thursday’s meeting nears, Queens makes another push for the NYI
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Pat says:
If the Isles move to Queens – I will still support them with all my heart.
If KC – they are dead to me.
Would much prefer the Lighthouse….. but …. This could be Kate Murray’s dream situation too…..she would not get totally flushed out of town – and her and her NIMBY pals can hold “pep rallies” in their abandoned parking lot.
She is a complete fool.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
as long as the islanders are on LI i dont care where they play.
I would just love to see Kate Murray Political career destroyed as she will be remembered for stupid moron that lost lost the islanders from nassau county. like to hear the excuses she comes up with then.
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Joey303 says:
I work in Long Island City. Would help with the weeknight games, and the weekends would be no prob!! I say do it and tell Kate to take a long walk off a short pier.
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Jim From St James says:
I would rather take the train to the Queens Coli anyway, we all live near a train station.
but that means I couldn’t stop off at what will wind up being the world’s biggest strip-mall in Uniondale… -
Yashin for President says:
would the isles be allowed to do it being so close to the rangers? Isnt there a rule that you have to be a certain distance? Or does this only apply to brand new teams moving into the area??
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LooNTooNs says:
I would prefer Suffolk!
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im sure the league makes exceptions. there is enough population to support team.
Devils are pretty close to rangers now? that didnt seem like a problem.
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Tony says:
Although I live only 6 miles from the Nassau Coliseum, I would support the team moving to Queens.
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Macch says:
Just stay on Long Island
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where in suffolk though. cant be too far east or wont get all the queens, nassau support.
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Mike from Philly says:
I for one would LOVE the Islanders in Queens. It makes them automatically more attractive, raises their stock, and puts them on a LIRR/Subway stop. Imagine a complex with the Islanders/Mets, restaurants and bars. This could be the best thing to happen to this franchise since Arbour, Torry, Bossy and Potvin. Enough with the TOH, go 12 miles west to Flushing!
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The Real Vukota says:
Do it!!!! The lighthouse isn’t happening. Anybody read the article in today’s Newsday about Rexcorp and all there unfinished projects? Doesn’t sound good. I live out on the east end of LI and I think Queens would be awesome!!!!!
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Everyone needs options. This is certainly one of them. Nothing EVER gets done politically in Nassau county.
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Greg says:
Why would Wang ever move the team to Queens? In his eyes this is the same business move as just renovating the coliseum. I cant see how he would stnad to make any money on this deal either. I mean with a new stadium the attendance may increase for a while but without a winning team its bound to fall again. If what he needs and the developed area around the arena then what does a move to Queens accomplish, besides getting Murray out of office for loosing the Islanders?
If anything this is just good leverage to get a deal in place.
Also at this point it is clear Murray wants nothing to do with the lighthouse project and perhaps even the Islanders at all. She should be ashamed of her lack of caring about such an important piece of history for the Island.
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KingBossy says:
As much as I would love the islanders to stay in Uniondale. I’m tired of ripping my hair out at every un-action Kate Murray does. They/she dont want us. CB I like the move
Queens is willing to fight FOR us (for a change)I dont mind. Im coming from Jersey anyway -
Lorne says:
Attention # 6, the Mets and Yankees only a few miles from each other. #2, you are dead on. If they go to KC, they are dead to me.
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Wang is a phony. Let him go to Queens, the difference in travel is insignificant. I say Wang should sell the team to someone who is truly interested in putting a winning team on the ICE and investing in the TEAM and THEN developing the property when the economy turns around.
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Deadhead says:
Suffolk? No way! Thats the one area of LI noone cares about and would be the stupidest decision to move there. Either Lighthouse or Queens really. I never thought Queens would actually emerge as a bidder – interesting.
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Jethro09 says:
Obviously, I would like for the Lighthouse to get approved so the Isles can stay where they are. That’s the first choice. But I certainly don’t have any objections to Willets Point, and nobody should. Mass transportation to the games, coupled with a state-of-the-art facility and fair lease would do wonders for the organization.
Wang can’t wait another five years for this Lighthouse to get approved. Either TOH gets off their a** and votes one way or another and does it soon, or the Isles should seriously consider Queens.
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Has Queens become an official bidder or are they just expressing interest?
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GilliesKO says:
Fantastic. I’ve grown to love the ‘ole barn in Uniondale, but, living in Bayside now I would have no problem with this move. If the lighthouse is not happening, I hope this is a good financial option for Wang.
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The Lighthouse project is what LI truly needs. I say that even though it would technically be easier for me to get to Willets Point AND I am a Mets fan, too. The TOH has to wake up and do this, the alternative would be horrible for Nassau County. But if they come out and say they arent going to do this, actually SAY it, then I would support this idea 100%. But until the Lighthouse is officially a no-go, I will continue to throw my support behind it in any way I can.
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#15 Wang loses money because of the lease. If they move to queens I’m pretty sure the new lease will be a money maker for the Isles. Unless you guys live on Fantasy Island why would anbody think this LH is going to happen in this current economic times??? Wake up people it’s Queens or bust!!!!
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dose says:
Do it! Pull the plug on LH/TOH and go for Queens.
And once the decision is made and Ms. Murray is comfortable again with her position, let’s do some digging and find out what really went on and what/who was pulling her strings and why. -
Brett says:
I was thiking the same thing Vukota. Between the Rexcorp article, the article by Randi marshall in Newsday and the TOH actions this really isn’t looking good for the Lighthouse. It would be great if it happened and I support it, but Queens isn’t a bad option if it is available. At least it wouldn’t be like having to root for a franchise with a competely new identity in KC or Hamilton.
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And, if the Islanders leave LI and there is no development here, I might as well leave here, too. Nearly all the rest of my friends already left long ago.
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Aim says:
Where in Queens would the entire Lighthouse project be built? I know from reading here the past few months that a stand alone arena will not work and the entire Lighthouse must be built. Queens is proposing to build an arena so I guess the NYI are not heading there
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Mike (23): Okay, then sell to who? Who, in this economy, is going to purchase the Islanders and invest millions of dollars into renvoating NVMC and buying out the lease and then investing more millions into the roster, all while keeping the team on Long Island?
I hate to break it to you, but Wang is the only guy who is capable of not only keeping the Isles on Long Island, but actually wants to. If it wasn’t for him, this team probably would have moved already. The last thing I want to see happen is a group of 30 local “investors” try to scrape together just enough money to buy the team and have nothing left to put into the building or the roster. It would be the Milstein/Gluckstern or “Gang of Four” all over again. No thanks.
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15 Greg on Mar 23rd, 2009 09:37:08 said:
Why would Wang ever move the team to Queens?If it were my team, the reason is to build a winner and successful revenue generating machine right in the backyard of Murray/TOH, so they could not escape their buffoonery.
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Tom says:
Oh, I thought Queens was pipedream????
IMHO, Queens is what is best for the ISLANDERS. Build the Lighthouse…in all it’s glory. The Isles will play in Queens. A beautiful convention center in Uniondale as part of the Lighthouse development. EVERYBODY wins. LI gets their Strip Mall, Islanders get to play in a place where people love them and Wang gets to make trillions. Win, win aaaand a WIN!!
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kevin fitz says:
Please move to QUEENS!!! I have been saying it forever.
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HyeDray says:
Once again, Kate Murray has shown her true feelings. She is “going fishing,” again. As an Isles fan, I would not have issue with moving to Queens. At least they remain, the NY Islanders. What is sad here is Murray’s foolishness and outright stupidity. The millions of dollars in revenue that could have gone to TOH and Nassau will go elsewhere. I am curious—and if anyone know, please comment—Murray is one vote on the Town Board. Where does the rest of the Board stand on the project?
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Staten Islander says:
Queens sounds like a great option, I just hope it can be done, look at whats happening with the arena that is supposed to be built for the Nets in Brooklyn
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UIF says:
Quick, everyone yell at CB for “taking his eye off the ball” and daring to mention Queens as a potential option!
Pursuing any option in Queens while also pursuing the Lighthouse in TOH is the Isles’ best bet, imo…and HELPS the bid for the Lighthouse project, if anything. It’s not a doomsday slap in face to the fans like KC, and it still keeps the pressure on the TOH…and in fact it marginalizes Ms. Murray instead of making her the center of every Isles fan’s dart board since I think most fans would not be devastated by a move to Queens.
But I still don’t think it happens b/c Wang would not own all of the surrounding real estate (though w/ mass transit and no horrendous lease, the team would make money), and that’s what it’s probably mostly about.
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It’s a strange day when I agree with Tom.
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C. Felix says:
Put up a nice new building right next to Citi Field. It would be perfect.
If Queens is smart, they are developing plans for a building, footprint, layout, etc…
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Garbie says:
I don’t understand what Kate Murray is trying to accomplish. CLEARLY she is trying to position herself and the county for negotiations but I don’t get the hard line sort of stance. It’s going to be political suicide for her is the team moves out of Nassau County on her watch at a time where every penny is critical.
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Wonder if Wang already wants to move to Queens and is using the County of Nassau as his avenue out of the Colesium lease early? I know if the County approves something than they have 120 days to work out a new lease with the Islanders and if they do not than the Isles are free to leave whenever they want. A little conspiracy theory-ish I know!
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bergie20 says:
i have no problem whatsoever with moving to queens. at this point in time, i think that’s where we’re headed. queens and the city actually want us and will make it happen. plus we’d have mass transit and much more exposure. it makes a lot of sense. i think it happens if the toh doesnt’t approve this.
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Wedregast says:
Personally, I’d rather they were in Queens then Nassau, since I live in Queens. But first priority is for the team to stay in LI, where they are rooted.
Otherwise, Queens would be a great idea… an arena in Queens could provide something one in Nassau can’t… established mass transportation.
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TONYSAC says:
Hey everyone, its been a while since I last posted, been preoccupied with a funeral and wedding, and well another funeral this week…I have a lot of negative energy built up right now, and reading todays newday articles about the lighthouse, really just brought me to an ALL TIME LOW….Things do NOT look good for the LIGHTHOUSE project and that infuriates me….Long Island and the rest of the WORLD are facing such difficult times and KATE MURRARY is a complete IMBECILE!!!!!! For a politican kate, you really are clueless, and an embarassment to your community…You really need to wake up before you f*^k up KATE..If the ISLANDERS leave Nassau, what in the SAM HILL, are you gonna do with 150acres of empty space????? Let it sit there, rot, crumble to the ground??? Yea KATE thats gonna really help the TOH property VALUE increase, or help the SCHOOLS, BRING In A TON OF TAX REVENUES AND HELP small local business THRIVE!! OH AND WHAT ABOUT THE THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF JOBS this PROJECT would give to your fellow LONG ISLANDERS???? If i ever saw you in public i would probably pull your hair and give you a noogie…I apologize for my harsh comments, but i needed to vent and let out this negative energey that has been built up over the last few days, my doctor says i need to be more vocal and express myself, to help lower my chances of giving myself a heartattack as i get older!!! So KATE MURRARY, please wake up, you do NOT want to go down in HISTORY as the REASON the ISLANDERS moved out of TOH, and the reasons LONG ISLAND was stuck in a recession for 10 yrs, and the reason the TOH became the next projects of LONG ISLAND!!!
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Priest says:
As a complete outsider (aside from being an Islanders fan; I’ve never been to the Long Island/Queens/NYC area) it seems like a slam dunk to me, if the lighthouse deal falls through. I don’t understand all the politics of it (thats where the outsider part comes in) so I wouldn’t go as far as to say they should or shouldn’t do it, but if you have a willing area for “relocation” that is within your current fan base AND adds better options for public transit, it almost seems like a no-brainer if TOH isn’t willing to step up.
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Fist of Gillies says:
i love the “i prefer Queens/Uniondale because it is closer to my house” comments.
so very constructive.
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Mikey says:
This is a fairly significant development. According to the NYCEDC’s website, the EDC is looking to select a developer this spring with the goal of beginning construction next year. I also know that the City Council already approved the rezoning of the area, and the plan was to have a convention center. If Wang came in and proposed an arena instead of a convention center, would it have to go back to a vote by the Council? If not, I think the Queens option is realistic. Maybe this is why Wang all of a sudden is throwing out ultimatums. He know Murray will balk, and this gives him the excuse to entertain the Queens option.
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Pat says:
I can’t belive I’m going to say this but it’s perfect timing for Wang to negotiate with Queens for a new building then tell Murray this is it. You either get the Lighthouse approved or were otta here. It’s the best way to put the pressure on the TOH to get off the asses and either say yes or no. I’m sick of Murray and all of her stupid comments, none of which make any sense anyway. Time to tell Kate put up or where gone and then so is she. Hello Queens here we come.
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bossy22 says:
It boils down to this for me. Does Wang own the Islanders because he hopes to transform the land around them or does he own the Islanders because he loves sports and he wants to see the team win and make a bit of money in doing so? If it’s the first, the team isn’t moving to Queens under his ownership. If it the second option, he will move the team to Queens. I support both, just don’t let the team leave…please
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Bob Bassen says:
YEP, COOL! Queens it is! There are no longer any Statesmen left…only Politicians with feet of clay. Murray like so many others are shallow and phony. If this L H area was out East and/or a natural type area I would totally understand the concerns/trepidations.
It is an ASPHALT COVERED GOD FORSAKEN HELL-HOLE! Whatever…as long as Murray has enough people to sip cocktails with and listen to each other *talk* she will be fulfilled. -
StevieL says:
CB help me out! I can not understand what the problem is regarding the TOH approving this project! What is the issue? Traffic? What is Kate Murray afraid of! This is all very strange to me. If I was Wang , I would take a full page add out in Newsday, offering the Islanders to any town or county on LI that will work with him, Suffolk ,Queens, Nassau, whatever. He needs leverage!I am sure he can get approval somewhere! Also, is Queens offering to approve the whole lighthouse project or just an arena? Because I am pretty sure he can get the arena portion done easily in Uniondale. This is such a disaster and I don’t see the Lighthouse being given the green light any time soon! Need Plan B now!!
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rb says:
as a lifelong Islanders fan from NJ, I love it…they’d still be on LI and selfishly, it would shorten my drive…personally, I think it would also open up the team to more fans…and the Devils — who can’t draw flies in a new building with a winning team — can take themselves back to Kansas City where they started out, and the Prudential Center in Newark can become a basketball arena only for the Nets, which is what it always should have been, and everybody can leave downtown Brooklyn alone
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Willis says:
Done in 2-3 years? Perfect timing.
Wonder what’ll end up happening. -
sorry for a 2nd post, but where is the Governor on all of this? doesn’t he have stimulus money to spend? didn’t Pataki get involved to make the Buffalo arena happen to keep the Sabres there?
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Strummer's Army says:
Queens would be fine with me and Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead can drop dead. That woman is a joke! The idiot game she is playing makes no sense.
The Boogie Man vs. The Wrecker on Weds?
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thepolishprince says:
Deadhead – Simmer down there…Suffolk is a great place to live so I have trouble believing “noone” cares about it. That being said I would love a move to Queens for the team – park at my office in Great Neck and take the LIRR to the game. I don’t know if Wang goes for it though. The lighthouse seems to be the endgame for him.
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Matt says:
where Willits point is now would be a great place. on that land you can build…
1. arena
2. hotel
3. restaurants/clubs/bars
4. shopspublic transportation. it would be perfect!
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C.J. says:
I’ve said it before (in posts liked to this subject) and I’ll say it again… Isles will be headed to Queens.
The folks there appear to have the ability to see past the tip of their nose and have a sense for how attractive the Isles presence can be for an area.
I don’t think there is ANY chance that NY will lose this team (which makes me very happy).
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CT Isles Fan says:
F it. Do it. Just keep it on Long Island and near the LIRR, and have bigger concourses. That’s all.
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potvin05 says:
Anything that keeps them on Long Island anyone should be OK with. Doesn’t matter if it’s Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau or Suffolk, the fan base is here and is hungry for winning hockey again, which, IMHO, is coming. They would have to slightly tweak the logo though if they moved to Queens. Easily done.
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bcarey says:
if the Isles were to move to Queens, would that make the NYI-NYR-NJD connection the closest geographically for three teams in professional sports?
it would be three pro teams in one sport (in one division) located within a 20 mile radius.
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Gary says:
I know a couple of builders personally who told me they tried to build many times years ago and the TOH made it so difficult, they just gave up as it wasnt worth it–These arent bigtime builders either
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if an arena is built maybe the New Jersey Nets can come to Queens as well and share the arena with the Islanders.
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isles316 says:
Even if she doesn’t want to make a stand,you would think Murray would just want to be there to oversee something that is potentially to be huge in her jurisdiction. It makes no sense that she isn’t there.
The Isles in Queens beats Kansas City in my book.
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Adam says:
I am totally in favor of a move to Queens. The public transportation is key and even expands the fan base as more people from NYC and beyond can easily get to the arena. Everyone from LI can easily get there too, and isnt it better to take the train rather than sit in traffic? It would be a HUGE win to move to Queens and establish a working relationship with the Mets.
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Nick Isles From Brooklyn says:
Queens would be awesome but its not just that easy all! Willets point has been a hotbed of controversy and building an arena there would be very expensive as the ground is not solid and they would have to dig deep! Also – you think opposition in LI is bad – Queens will be just as bad.
If there is an arena there are two locations possible – Willets Point and Sunnyside Yards –
Sunnyside Yards – they would have to build a HUGE platform which given the space would be 5 times the cost of the west side stadium plan.
WIllets point – they are going to build a convention center there apparently – so this is the only viable option but what will Queens want in terms of funding – and then Wang will NOT OWN the area around him and make the money on real estate.
Queens would be awesome but its not going to be easy as that!
The lighthouse looks really bad. I say buy tickets to the last game of next season. if they can not even promise a solution by teh start of next season – wang is going to put this team up for sale!
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In these economic times, projects like the Lighthouse, and the EPCAL project in Calverton are new and innovative ways to give the local economy a boost. I know many people think it can’t be done in these times, but these projects are what we need.
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And wouldn’t it be nice for SNY to become the full-time home of the Isles? Every game in HD with legit coverage year-round. No more games on channel 14. I understand the cablevision deal is one of the only things the franchise has going for it, but still. The SNY thing seems natural to me.
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Otter says:
I’m all for the team moving to Queens. The Lighthouse idea is going nowhere fast. At least if they move there the team will hopefully retain some of the existing fan base. As Wang said a few months ago, there is an out in the lease if certain conditions aren’t met within a reasonable time frame. Having Queens in their back pocket wouldn’t be such a bad negotiating tactic. The only problem is that that whatever Queens has to offer probably won’t be as grand an idea as the Lighthouse and maybe not as profitable for Wang. I would think any plans for a new arena would mean starting from scratch. That could be a huge deterrent.
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Schultz39 says:
I think moving to Queens is a better option for the Isles than the Lighthouse thing anyway….make it happen, cap’n.
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Hoser14 says:
Since I live & work in Brooklyn, Queens works for me. Better in Queens, then in KC or LV or Seattle or …..
Maybe Nassau County should sell Mr. Wang the Coliseum, it’s a win-win, the county could get 150+ million and the Isles get a rink where they control the revenue!
I’ve always thought that Rt. 110 by Republic Airport would make a great spot, it’s almost the middle of the Island, it’s accessible by car (LIE & the Southern State), there is a LIRR line. Also it’s by the site of the Isles old practice rink, Racket’N'Rink.
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Does anyone think that Wang will wait to see till after the elections to see if Kate Murry gets re-elected to make his move?
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Jethro09(29): Wang doesn’t give a darn about the Islanders-he ONLY cares about the real estate as evidenced by his total failure with the team’s success (lack of) and his total refusal to invest significant money into the team. The lease ENDS in 2015 so that in 6 years it is over. If Wang wasn’t such a phony and actually ever lived up to his promises to improve the TEAM, the team would be competitive NOW and there would be a groundswell of support for the redevelopment NOW. Because of Wang there is and will be no redevelopment. As was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether”
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Ron says:
I don’t live in NY any more I’m from LI. Here is the pipe dream we get 1st pick draft. Draft Tavares he tears it up like crosby/malkin/ovechkin from day 1. DP comes back healthy Okposko turns into 40 goal stud. All other youngsters develop. After next season sign Kovelchuk. 2010-2011 move to queens (lighthouse isn’t happening) win the cup…
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Tony says:
Whats wrong w/ Suffolk?There’s more land available than in Nassau and Id rather see the team be based in the burbs…not in NYC,they have enough sports team in the city.It would be great for the team to truly represent Long Island,not queens !
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mLem says:
yashin, peca, satan, hamrlik, aucion and niniima…oh yeah he refused to put money in the team all right…we’re rebuilding after the money he spent failed, why should he be spending the cap now?
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Mike from Queens says:
CB:
“I bet Queens could have a state-of-the-art arena, equipped with a generous lease, done in 2-3 years.”
Seriously? In this economic climate? You don’t think politicians would be skewered for putting up public funds to build a new arena for a team that hasn’t won a playoff series since 93?
Unless Wang pays for it, with limited public money like the Mets/Yanks did, I don’t see it happening, stimulus package or no stimulus package. And even so with the Yanks/Mets, they got crap for asking for money.
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Froggy says:
So disheartening. For the first time I have lost some optimism. This thing is not happening. What a joke. I will make it my business to spread the word around my town to vote against this woman.
Queens is not optimal, but is a far better option than KC.
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isles99 says:
its funny cb posts an article about queens becoming more of a possibility and certain ppl. change their tune a little but thats besides the point. the move to queens would be the best thing for the islanders if the lighthouse falls through. wang could build his shops,restaurants, and hotels there too. we have plenty of space. i would know. i live 10 blocks aways from citi field. its better to go to a place where you’re truly loved and wanted charles rather than being in the dump where you currently are. and kate murray, wow, when you talk about incompetent, shes as good as it gets. i mentioned the “conflicts of interests” excuse was bologny before but man i cant wait to see the look on her face when she NEVER EVER EVER gets elected for any position again if the isles leave nassau. kate murray is not a lawyer ppl, she is a fraud for not making a decision either ways and putting everyone else in limbo. get her fat duking donught *** outta there.
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mtrico says:
Kate Murray needs to hire a PR person because whether she wants to or not, her public statements are killing this project.
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cgs878 says:
Oh well, I guess I’ll start rooting for the Devils. They’re probably going to win the Cup this year, and they already have a nice new building. Viva Los Diablos!
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kate will ignore this. there will be no forward progress on this project. HOPEFULLY Wang takes a long look at this option in queens, because it’s a realistic solution to the islanders’ venue woes. sure charles, it’s not your ridiculous pie-in-the-sky mega ton brave new world with flying cars, free falling water falls, and a million free housing for the youth of long island with doctor/lawyer jobs for everyone, but it’s a start.
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JohnnyC. says:
First off there are people commenting here without reading the article within CB’s post. The headline of the article was Willets Poit EDC would be open for bid from Islanders. They are taking RFP’s, the city council has already voted on & approved rezoning of the land. They are looking for projects that are shovel to ground ready in 2 years. So far to me seems like Wang is ready to put a shovel in the ground right now. Both Light House & Willets point project will have residential, restaurants shops, convention center. A team playing in the winter would be more attractive for the restaurants & bars that would be near Citifield & wherever they might put the Coliseum. It would be a year round hub of activity. The parking is lready there at Citifield. The only problem would be with overlaps. October & April to June. So this gives Wang an option to bid on developing Willets Point also.
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Hey Mike (72): You are not Charles Wang and you have no business telling everyone what he thinks and what he wants. The only thing people have to go on are his own words- and they HAPPEN not to match what youre saying. Unless you have anything to base this on besides your own biases, who are you to talk for him???
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MIke (72): You are entitled to your opinion that Wang only cares about the real estate, certainly more so than he does the Islanders. There are times that I’ve felt the exact same way. Further, I don’t think there is very much evidence to refute that opinion.
All I’m saying is, regardless of his motives, without Charles Wang, the Isles surely would have moved already. The team is still on Long Island because of him. As Isles fans, whether or not we believe that his interests in the success of the on-ice product is paramount in his life, we need him to hold onto this team because if he sells it, they’re gone. There are no “investors” to take this team off Wang’s hands that have the desire to keep the team on Long Island and have the resources to see it happen, while making the team competitive at the same time. As fans, we need to accept that Charles Wang is the owner and be happy that sommeone like Jim Basille isn’t.
As for the competitive part of your argument, I must defend Wang to some extent. I think he has the best intentions of making the team better, but simply has no idea on how to do it. He thinks he does, but he doesn’t. For God sakes, he left Milbury in power for six years while he destroyed the team and pulled that “committee” crap a couple of years ago. His intentions are good, his execution is terrible. Hopefully, he’ll get it right with Snow.
Wang has dumped millions of dollars into the payroll, upgrading the Coliseum and is losing millions per season on this deal. If he didn’t care about the team at all, he wouldn’t have put the money into the team/Coliseum that he has.
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Scott from Newburgh says:
At this point, whatever it takes to keep then in NY.
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Scott W says:
This has probably been mentioned before, but if Kate Murray is the only thing holding this up, could’t the project happen after we elect a new person for her Role? I would assume her Running mate would be smart enough to make this Project their biggest selling point as a candidate. It would slow the project down, but only for a few months.
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NYI FAN says:
The Scott Rechler article in todays’ Newsday, shows that without his families money, he cannot finish most of what he starts, read the article, he has walked away or been bought out of most projects this article speaks about. He is a John Spano with a bit of money & a family name behind his incompetence. Flushing has the largest Asian American population in the Metro area, ever walk around Main Street lately? This would be a no-brainer for CW as a back up plan.
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Wang would certainly want to own the Isles and be into the hockey if the team won the Stanley Cup. I don’t doubt that. Post 84 had it right – he does not know how to win – and lets see how it goes forward now.
We ought to all come to the game on the 11th April dressed like Kate Murray
THAT would be funny
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Coach B says:
Have to keep the pressure up. It’t time.
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DavidNYC says:
I am fine with Queens. It is a shorter commute for me coming from the NYC to games. Murray is most disappointing because she has not articulated her stance and reasoning for opposing the Lighthouse. Talk about transparency, she has given us ZERO so it is hard to respect her.
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Bryan says:
I say we go to Queens and vote Kate Murray off the Island!
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Moose says:
Could Wang still make money on the land without the arena and the islanders in Nassau? I would think something would still get build on NVMC land. I want the LH but what I really want is the NY Islanders to stay as the NY Islanders. I am pretty sure I will be moving out of Nassau soon anyway.
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eye on the island says:
87 hits on the first point that i wanted to mention. the asian community of queens is a huge variable in all of this. lets not forget-our “sap” option is mandarin chinese, not spanish. so from a business perspective it is totally reasonable
second point-if this happens and the lighthouse is not built, it will be a huge symbol of the downfall that is bestowing the suburbs. over the past decade there has been a tremendous shift back to the cities after the exodus to the suburbs over the previous 40-50 years. Suburbs need to reinvent themselves in order to be viable areas to live.
if the isles(and lighthouse) go, so does long island with it.
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Jeff says:
Queens makes a lot of sense. The plus for me is that it’s an easier commute from CT.
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#72 Mike- I don’t like Choo-choo Charlie either. I truly believe he’s a total dolt when it comes to making hockey decisions. However, IMHO he does want the Isles to win & would put a winning product on the ice….if he knew HOW. I don’t think he’d let a few dollars stand in the way though. However, Choo-choo is not a hockey man and does not have a clear sense on HOW to win. He’s a crazy man & would be more at home in a rubber-room than in a press box.
The Isles are a FAIL– not because Choo-choo is cheap, it’s because Choo-choo has the IQ of a corn muffin when it comes to hockey.
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#93 If the Isles leave and the Lighthouse does not get built LI will survive I really dont want the team to go but things here are not good. And now CW wants to get his loans from China?? In the 1980′s Grumman employed 25,000 people on LI. I was one of them. Grumman is no longer and about 24,000 of those people lost there jobs. That was a REAL issue. LI survived. After this I will never vote for Kate Murray but show me ONE THING that Charles Wang has done that can be deemed a success….CA just ask Sanjay about that one….Real Estate Old Plainview was a bust and he has done nothing with all of his land in Oyster BAy….NYI? yeah CW turned that into the laughingstock of all of spoers in 10 years of ownership….The Lighthouse TBD but not lookin good
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303Joe says:
Of course my 1st preference is for the Lighthouse project to go through. But if that fails I have no problem with the team going to Queens or Suffolk as long as they stay in the area and don’t move to another state.
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West Coast Fan says:
I’ve always thought of the Coliseum as somewhat of a shrine, given that I’ve been going to games since the 70s and remember what it was like as Fort Neverlose. Now living in SoCal, I love flying back for the holidays, and driving out to the ticket office in the middle of a cold December weekday, to that still fantastic building in the middle of an empty lot, to pick up tickets for me and my dad (turning 80 next year) so that we can hit a couple of games like we did all those years ago.
And even I say screw Kate Murray and the TOH; move the team to Queens.
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Smytty94 says:
If the Isles can’t get the Lighthouse I would love to see them in Queens, but for me it would mean the end of season tix because of the travel and traffic coming from LI. But, hey better Queens than KC!
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Moose says:
I could go to Mama Leone’s before games. That would be amazingly awesome.
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vigs says:
The LH project would make Wang more money, so as a business man, he is going to pursue that project as long as he can. If it falls through, which could be as soon as October, then the Queens option is a real possibility. The Isles would be profitable in Queens, but Wang would push for a stake in the surrounding real estate to make it worth his while.
Also, starting over with a new plan for Queens would take time. I don’t see the Isles playing there in the 2-3 years the article suggests, maybe more like 4-5. This would mean Wang would have to endure 4-5 more years of losing money, which is a tough pill to swallow, especially since he wouldn’t be making as much money off the deal as he would with the LH project. Man I hate Kate Murray.
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Better than KC thats for sure. Screw the TOH they dont deserve to have them anyway. Place is a dump and will continue to be so. Nice job politicians. Hmmm and the population of Nassau county has gone down….go figure.
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Isle be Damned says:
I want the Isles to stay right where they are. but if they must move then Queens is an acceptable alternative. I wonder if they’d still be called the NY Islanders though. I know Queens is on LI, but it really isn’t Long Island and if they moved there it would clearly be a 2nd NYC team.
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Just to give everyone a ‘lil taste as to how the Isles will be viewed if they move to Queens…here’s the VERY FIRST sentence in the article CB linked to in the Dailey News:
“City officials in charge of the proposed Willets Point redevelopment would entertain bids from the Islanders if the storied hockey club decides to leave Nassau County, insiders told the Daily News.”
“Storied Franchise”??? The Islanders Media Guide is the ONLY damn publication that refers to the Isles like that! And to come from the Daily News? Typically they call the Isles “moribund”…now the Isles are “storied”?
Queens is a 10 steps up in every way, IMHO. I pray it happens.
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JB says:
I’m totally down for the Queens move. The only real sad part will be saying goodbye to the Coliseum. At least with the Lighthouse project, we would still be sitting in the revamped carcass of our old buddy.
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IslesPassion21 says:
Evidently, Ms. Murray is getting inundated with “Lighthouse supporters” phone calls…I was told to goto http://www.toh.Li to contact him…
“Instant Karmas gonna get you”, Murray!!!
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Joe from Bayside says:
i vote we move kate murray. isles stay on li, they get a new arena, and kate murray goes away.
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19 says:
NYI belong in Queens as a first choice not just if the LH fails. I’ve said it before.
In Queens, they’d have access to mass transit, numerous highways, near airport and hotels, part of NYC and they’d get the attention they deserve from the media and increased fan attendance. Even if LH happens NYI would be ignored by the media if they stay on LI. Just look how the great Devils are ignored with no games on NBC etc. by not being in NYC.
NYI would still be close enough to keep most of the LI fans they have left plus gain easier access to fans from NYC, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey. They could still keep the Cablevision $. It’s a win/win.
Face it, LI doesn’t deserve a pro hockey team. The politicians don’t deserve it and there aren’t enough fans to support it. Nowadays, a pro team belongs in a big city not a small suburb or the mentality of one. It was fine in the 1970s and 80s but since the 90s sports is big business for big towns not small ones. Isles attendance is infamous for being low in Nassau. Fans here and on other web message boards are the exception as they’re die hards and passionate but there just aren’t enough of them. Did you know that the nights they retired Bossy’s and Potvin’s numbers the arena wasn’t sold out. I know because I was there and saw plenty of empty seats. So LI people don’t really deserve the team kept on LI either. During the dynasty days, 40% of the season ticket base was from Queens/Brooklyn. MOVE TO QUEENS!!
Fans here and on other web message boards are the exception as they’re die hards and passionate but there just aren’t enough of them.
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Sorry for the repeat post on this… but one thing I’ll add in response to those who think playing in Queens will result in instant credibility as a NYC team should consider the Lakers/Clippers situation. There, the Clippers play in the same damn BUILDING as the Lakers, and they’re not even considered a second class citizen insofar as LA basketball is concerned…
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#110- That’s been my contention all along. What best for the ISLANDERS? It’s not the Lighthouse. Location. Location. Location. Queens is a better location than Uniondale….for a pro sports team anyway.
Uniondale can’t support the Isles LONG TERM. LH or not.
Big City = Fortune 500 sponsorship. Without BIG sponsorship, pro teams become a FAIL. As unfortunately, the Islanders prove, year in & year out.
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…the Clippers never won 19 playoff series in a row or 4 titles. Apples and oranges. NYI in NYC = attention.
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You guys might not believe this but Murrays office called me back…I wriote his name down at work…I onnly remember his last name which is “Ra”…He passes the buck to the County and makes an argument for Murray not being legally able to go to a meeting until she actually reads the full proposal…She can not make an opinion about something she hasnt seen yet and if she does she would be putting herself in a situation where towns can actually take out a law suit against her…
He said he is a Islander season tix holder..He expressed that TOH is moving as fast as they are can…I dont know what to make of it to be honest…
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#104 – The NYI are are storied franchise that also happen to be the only local, major sports team not mentioned in their TV advertisments for their sports section!
Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Rangers AND Devils….
That gets me angry every time I see that damn commercial.
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Oh and that politician said that Murray wont meet Suozzi with Rechler and Wang because that would be a conflict of interest…
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Im sorry, in other words he was implying that Murray would meet with Suozzi but not with Wang and Rechler together…He said “you cant believe everything you read”…
Sorry, about the multi post but wanted to get it straight…
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alex says:
Cb,
If the islanders do move to Queens and wish to get a new stadium, will they need to go through another environmental review process and all that other stuff?
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Re (112): You know what? I believe the guy. But what Kate Murray needs to realize is that the way she is choosing to handle things and the quotes she is putting out there do NOT sound like she feels that way. If Kate murray SAID “I want to read the entire proposal I can not make an opinion about something I hasnt seen yet, I dont want to put anyone in a compromised position and jeopardize anything… I want the TOH to move as fast as we can on this” well then that would be COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than what she actually said. In the modern media you make any little comment and we all hear about it. If you instead say “I will not attend some developer’s pep rally supporting his agenda” it sounds like you are NOT supportive. Kate Murray needs to work on what she is saying to people because it seems to everyone that she is talking out of two sides of her face and that isnt helping ANYTHING.
LTBLH just did an article talking about this very thing:
lettherebelighthouse.blogspot.com/2009/03/occams-lighthouse.html -
mrlbem says:
I know I’ll have to post this again when a Lighthouse topic is at the top, but. . .
I’d be feeling more warm and fuzzy about Charles, the Lighthouse or even Flushing if the owner didn’t want my renewal for 2010-2011 season just now!!!!
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On Edge says:
For me, living in Holbrook, Queens would be even easier just taking the LIRR.
For LI, the best scenerio is that this project is done and the Islanders have a first rate building and there is a hub to the area that ATTRACTS people and business. I just cannot understand the lack of vision by these TOH and other officials. Blows my mind.
The more I think about it, the more I think Queens makes more sense. It’s like spitting in the wind dealing with these bureaucrats. If I was CW, I think I’d aggressively pursue it and let them make the NVMC a supersized Walmart like Kate Murray probably wants.
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JayK says:
Isles Passion — wow, that is huge that he called you back. I wonder why you and not the so many others who have called?
I could interpret that in a thousand ways, but I won’t.
Politically, I don’t think it’s out of the question that she can be defeated. It would be tough. But remember that in ’97, Gulotta won re election as county exec 2-1, and it’s not like he beat a nobody; he beat Lew Yevoli, who was the supervisor of Oyster Bay. Gulotta had long coattails that even swept in a few councilmen in North Hempstead, and no Republican has won townwide up there since (I think).
Two years later, after the county’s economic mess was revealed, the Democrats took over the legislature. They went from being down 14-5 to being up 10-9. A stunning reversal in just 24 months.
It IS possible for people to get out and change things at the ballot box. We can beat Kate Murray!!
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michael says:
queens is definitely a MORE than appropriate back up plan for the lighthouse project. how many fans do the kansas city royals draw again? and the chiefs? i rest my case..
in other news, i think kate murray deserves the BITCH of the YEAR award from the residents of nassau county. it will be the last vote she wins.
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doc says:
Murray is so busy that she hasn’t read the full proposal yet? Isn’t that her job to make sure she gets these things done?
Oh… such is politics.
DOC
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isles fan says:
Murray needs to get her act together ASAP.
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Islebethere4u says:
WOW. Haven’t really thought about Queens but it sounds like it could be a blockbuster for Queens, NYC, and the Isles. Baseball, Tennis, Hockey, Horse racing (not far from Aqueduct or Belmont raceways), convention center, hotels, restaurants great transportation, all near the airports and bridges. This would rival any thing the Meadowlands has to offer and more if done right! I think Queens is a great plan B, maybe even better than the LH. I’d be for it just to keep them in NY, especially if it keeps them within easy (if not easier) reach of their fan base. Kate Murray, you are a twit if you lose this team!!!!
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One interesting item that we perhaps overlooked is the Isles have a very solid Television contract with MSG, very lucrative deal. If the Isles relocate to Queens that stays intact, unlike if they move to KC. We are talking millons for Wang, get a generous lease where he makes money on concessions, etc, Wang could do very well with a move to Queens. Low overhead with parking as more fans take metro. There was a good point on a prior post that Wang would have to spend the $$ to build the arena though, no way tax dollars would pay for it. That is the possible only drawback here. CB is a master at publicity and could be helping to stir the pot prior to the Meeting on Thursday too, with this Queens PR.
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Enough with this hag Murray.
Start the negotiations with Queens, the sooner the better. -
Pete says:
As someone who lives in Fresh Meadows (10 minutes from Willets Pt) I say:
DO IT!!!!!!!
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I’d be very sad to see the Isles move to a totally different location. I have plenty of fond memories at NVMC … BUT!! If there is only a choice between KC and Queens that is a no-brainer. I fully support the LHP … however if it comes down to it … I’ll take Queens.
Queens would invite much more corporate sponsorship and help fill executive suites … including many of the benefits others have mentioned above.
A whole new generation of hockey fans would give the Isles an advantage building a fan base .. still close the their Long Island heart … but open up a whole new stream of fans with easy accessto the venue in NYC and its northern suburbs.
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drive45 says:
Go to Queens. I grew up 10 mins from NVMC and was a season ticket holder. I was there when they hoisted the last of 4 cups. Now I’m in NJ. Queens is much easier to get to for me. Free agents will want to play in NYC. Kate Murray is a hack. Definitely needs a new PR person leading her on this. Maybe she is trying to be diligent, but is sending the wrong impression. I suspect the folks at Roosevelt field are pulling her strings and trying to block the lighthouse.
Hofstra students should get involved in the LH. It would make that school immensely more fun and important. -
Also … think of the possibility of future $$$ generating Winter Classics … with Yankee Stadium / Citi Field as possible venues … The Isles also could cross-promote with the Mets … and I believe the major Newspapers would take the Isles a little more seriously … lets not get crazy here … a little more … they barely take the Rags serious … Hockey will always be the step-child sport in NYC.
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Seems to me that there are TONS of Isles fans in NJ … I used to want to move to Long Island from Staten Island after finishing college … but the job opportunities and costs of living there didn’t match up … so now I’m here in central NJ … 100 miles from my team.
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mike says:
This is starting to look more and more like Quebec & Colorado the team sucked for years drafting Sakic,Nolan,Sundin,Forsberg and then just as they were about to win off to Colorado.I can picture Tavares,Okposo,Bailey ect. Skating the cup around Copps Coliseum in Hamilton in 2013. Sad but this is were this MESS is headed.
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Angelica says:
Queens would be a hella lot better than KC…it would be easier for me to get to games!! lol
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Queens is plan B as far as this organization is concerned, if that- it doesnt benefit anyone to simply forget that.
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Rob says:
I’m no political expert but I don’t understand how one woman can stop a project which would economically beneficial to Nassau County and Long Island. We do live in a democracy, not a totalitarian state, last I checked. Does she illegally control the board and sway their vote? Maybe Newsday could put the spotlight on Ms. Murray and put some pressure on her. She can’t sit idly by let an important Long Island Institution just leave. Is she a Ranger fan? Is she getting some sort of sadistic pleasure watching Islander fans suffer? She must make a public statement. How can Suozzi not influence her? Any input, anyone?
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Gary says:
#53 – Are you looking to kill the kid? it would be a miracle for him to stay upright for more than 15 seconds against the Boogeyman. What I would do for Minnesota is give Mitch Fritz a shot at him. At least he’s his size. Let Wrecker develop and fill out before you let him take a shot at a monster like that?
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Darwin says:
Oh how I’d love for this to happen. Games would be far easier for most fans to get to, we’d get more coverage from the local press and perhaps best of all, Kate Murray can watch her political career sink as she watches the Isles blossom as a franchise just a few miles away.
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JK, I am surprised as you getting a call from Murrays office. His name is “Joe Ra” and he told me they usually don’t return calls and that they are sending out letters from Kate Murray to explain things. He said he called me back because they are not very busy right now and he said that the Lighthouse people began a campaign to call Murray so he wanted to answer some of us while he had a chance.
Sounds like damage control to me…
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David says:
I want the Islanders to stay in Uniondale, and I want Kate Murray to suffer and get her ass kicked by all Long Islanders..(her jumbo sized ass)
I say do it. Queens is not a bad plan B option. Close to LIRR and Subway that place would sell out and be a hit. Esp right next to Citi Field it would be a nice little sports area. Put a few restaurants/bars in the area it could be great…