TOM SUOZZI AND THE TIMELINE
Aka, the last Lighthouse story for a few days
On one side there’s Charles Wang, insisting on thumbs up or down on the Lighthouse Project by the start of the next hockey season. On the other, there’s Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead, insisting they are actually ahead of schedule in their process and they will take their time to get it right.
A cleverly-timed editorial by David Levy, Murray’s lead counsel, was featured in Newsday today. Levy essentially says that everyone is wrong – including Islanders fans – and the Town is right. Beyond the merits of Levy’s argument (or lack thereof), it says it all that Kate Murray chose not to put her name and image on the article. Say whatever you want about Wang and his development partner Scott Rechler, but they do not hide. Neither does Tom Suozzi.
The Nassau County Executive was the only person I needed to speak with when last night’s outreach at the Marriott was over. Although he is every bit behind the Lighthouse as Wang and Rechler – except for the paying for it part – Suozzi is the only person with any kind of authority to end the stalemate.
So I asked Suozzi: “Charles and Scott are demanding an answer by October. Kate says she’s doing this the right way and won’t be rushed. There’s no way she has any intention of finalizing approvals by the start of the next hockey season. Please explain to my readers where’s the solution, where’s the endgame.”
“I have a timeline,” Suozzi said.
A-ha. Okay. Explain.
“My staff and I have created a timeline where we take every step that needs be accomplished over the next six months,” said Suozzi. “We believe it is a very fair timeline and could lead to approvals by the start of the hockey season. My job is to make sure the developers, the County and the Town work together to get this done.”
Okay, sounds good. But has Kate Murray seen the timeline? What if she doesn’t even approve of that?
“The Town has it for review,” said Suozzi. “I need to know if they’re okay with it. If we need to make a few modifications, fine. Just let us know so we can proceed.”
What’s the, uh, timeline for a response to your timeline?
“We should know in a few weeks.”
I know what you’re thinking: when the puck can we get back to Islanders hockey and Tavares-Hedman? Believe me, I’m with you. My timeline is to have a hockey story this afternoon and game chat during Islanders-Red Wings tonight beginning at 7:30.
As for the Lighthouse Project, it’s time Suozzi found a way to bring everyone together instead of Town Supervisors hiding behind guest editorials from attorneys. Last night could have been historical, could have been one of those “I-was-there-when…” events. But nobody has any guts anymore.
Perhaps Kate Murray can offer a rematch, on her turf, with her supporters. Don’t know how it would turn out, but you can bet Wang and Rechler would show up. Put it in the timeline.
Comments.
55 Responses to TOM SUOZZI AND THE TIMELINE
Aka, the last Lighthouse story for a few days
-
ken says:
this is what i dont get. who is against it and what are your reasons?
you can’t give me the “not in my backyard” argument. b/c if this doesnt get done your backyard is going to have a large vacant building in it and an already awful area will get worse. those people in that neighborhood should be welcoming any kind of investment or change in the area.
-
While this is frustrating to us fans, I think the bigger picture is even scarier. Kate Murray hasn’t said a peep about her thoughts on this project. Why?? The NCGOP hasn’t commented either. Why?? As a resident of the Town and County, I always took the conspiracy/corruption sayings with a grain of salt. If indeed there is a vast corruption of Government, we as citizens need to put a stop to it, immediately. We can not allow ELECTED OFFICIALS to do as THEY please. They work for us. Screw the oldtimers that continue to run the political landscape, electing officials so that they can have what they want. They are not the majority anymore. WE ARE THE MAJORITY. We must stand up for what WE believe in. To me, that is an end of corruption by elected officials.
-
spencer smith says:
cb – i think you mean murray (and not suozzi) hiding behind guest editorials from attorneys in the second to last para. appreciate the great coverage on this, keep it up.
poorly written sentence. I clarified. Thanks…CB
-
bergie20 says:
sounds like last night was a success. i was expecting a bombshell announcement but surprisingly there wasn’t. glad that 99% of the people there were pro-lighthouse. hopefully the overwhelming support for the project is enough for the toh to see the light.
-
Steve S says:
CB,
A day or two before the meeting, you said given what you knew, you would lean toward Queens. Has your opinion changed after last night?
Thanks as always. You did tremendous work last night.
-
crazy joe davola says:
It is becoming clearer as we go on, that Kate Murray is the last legacy of corruption and incompetence that is the Town of Hempstead. Once the most corrupt political machine in the country, they have now have lost almost all of their power. This is their last stab. In the old days, Kate’s husband/child/relative would have a new car, the party would have their donation, and all would be good. The GOP in Hempstead trult stands for Got 0 Plans.
-
Mike from Philly says:
Go to Queens!
-
coral springs isle fan says:
Check out Flight of the Conchords clip. Just picture Wang, Suozzi and Murray (not present) discussing the Lighthouse project. Murray!!!
-
michael says:
kate murray enjoy the remainder of your term, because it will be the last term you ever serve on long island. maybe she can run for political office in kansas city, while the islanders STAY WHERE THEY BELONG!
-
Nelson9 says:
re: Suozzi and a timeline – I have to think that he has some authority to push the TOH if he needs to. He’s doing this the right way (ie waiting and remaining ready to proceed) and if the TOH messes things up, he can lay the hammer down. Oh and the “not in my backyard” nonsense has to stop. Since when is a parking lot a sight to behold? In my heart I think this will get done.
-
dose says:
“I always took the conspiracy/corruption sayings with a grain of salt. If indeed there is a vast corruption of Government …”
corruption doesn’t need to “vast” or part of a “conspiracy” of any sophistication to be effective in achieving its goals. in fact, by necessity it usually is not.
-
politicians should serve the people who elect them, not party lines or private agendas.If that’s what they want they should be running their own businesses….oh yeah , that’s why they are in politics, they couldn’t make it in the private sector!
-
Brian says:
It offends me that Mr. Levy would say that most Islander fans don’t understand the full scope of the project, as if somehow, our inquires to Ms. Murray’s office are an annoyance. I have submitted several inquires through the town’s website only to hear nothing.
“So calls to rush the process must be ignored by the town.” – nobody’s asking this to be rushed. Just give us some indicationas to the Town’s thought process here.
“And the public should thank the town for its careful consideration of a project…” – what, are you kidding me? Thank the town for doing it’s job? The Town has been so silent about his. How about, how much of the project have you reviewed? What are your thoughts so far?
Frustrating beyond belief.
-
Staten Islander says:
This is getting scarier and scarier. I’m having thoughts of pricing packages to Kansas City and looking into Devils gear, because I’ll never root for the Rags if they leave.
-
UIF says:
I was hoping more (or any, other than one screaming person) opposition would have showed up last night. How well was this event advertised? If people against it showed up and spoke, at least we could see what their arguments are instead of just speculating all the time, and then everyone can come to some sort of agreement going forward. A room full of people who all agree probably did less to advance the whole thing, although it probably was good as a “show of force” type deal.
-
Bryan says:
I think it is very important that everyone get to the polls this November and get Murray out of office. There is no point having someone in there that is scared to do or say anything. Murray is like Dale Purrington laying on the floor in a ball covering her head and face for safety.
-
Akeem says:
“I know what you’re thinking: when the puck can we get back to Islanders hockey and Tavares-Hedman?…”
CB, you have no idea. I’ve had just about enough of the lighthouse stuff. I understand the importance of community awareness and getting the project done, but I come to this blog, as do most others I think, for Islander hockey. -
bf51 says:
I am new to the blog. Chris- thanks for all the updates and insight. I’ll definitely be coming here for all my NYI news. I live in DC and not LI anymore but I do NOT want to have to root for the Caps if the Isles move to KC….
-
Rex says:
I am a frequent reader of this blog and I don’t post. I have finally had it. I read that Newsday story it it was my final straw.
I had already decided I was going to vote against Kate Murray in Nov. pass or no pass on this issue. Because I have not liked the way she has handled this from a perception perspective at the very least.
No though I feel I need to be vocal I found that Newsday article insulting and condescending, I responded there too as “Concerned Voter” I am just left very frustrated but the county i grew up in. I do believe the alternative to no Lighthouse is far worse. I don;t know who it is convincing the scared people of Nassau the Lighthouse is a glorified plan of “project housing” and I no longer care, the fear trading has to end and this regime must be voted out no matter what happens w/ the Lighthouse at this point.
-
cgs878 says:
Since when has politics ever been about serving the people? It hasn’t seemed that way in my adult lifetime (which is about 22 years). To me, it appears to “work” as follows: we get asked to give more of our earnings to taxes to support the whims of government; then, the politicians do whatever they want with the money… and expect more in the future when we have to bail out the mismanagement and greed that they created. Welcome to business in the 21st Century. Ugh.
With RXR Plaza (f/k/a EAB Plaza – the two glass buildings across from NVMC) to the south, Hofstra to the west, NCC to the north, and NUMC to the east, I don’t see how tall buildings at the Lighthouse site would look out of place at all. And why does the fire department need a new truck? NUMC, the RXR buildings, and Hofstra dorms are pretty darn high, and they should have trucks for those already. That’s just one issue that seems like a non-issue. There are plenty of others. Just build the darn thing already!
-
StevieL says:
Hey CB! How is it that Levy even got that prime Newsday editorial space the very day after the Lighthouse meeting? Is Newsday promoting their Agenda? This is a real mess and I don’t see solutions any time soon!
Traffic problems? Those problems will be caused by cars full of money coming to spend it in the TOH! Unbelievable! The Jets left Hofstra, if the Islanders leave , who here will ever visit Hempstead again in their lifetime? TOH has to wisen up, thier very survival is at stake! -
Jim (GFIC) says:
Actually I might hide if I were wearing that tie. It looks like a freshwater shad.
-
JayK says:
UIF — #17 — I am not saying there is no opposition to it, but there is very clearly no organized opposition to it. That’s extremely unusual on NIMBY Long Island. Normally, as soon as some project is announced, a few citizens form a “Concerned Citizens against (fill in the blank).” It happened on Broadwater, it happened with the wind farm offshore, it happened with the Cerro Wire mall, etc. I really had a feeling that last night, when I got to the meeting, I might find a dozen or more die hards standing outside with “Don’t build the Lighthouse!” signs standing in front of the Marriott. There wasn’t one.
I continue to think this is what has Kate Murray so baffled. You could always get political cover to do nothing on Long Island because there were so many people in the general population who WANTED you to do nothing. That hasn’t happened here, and I think it has thrown her and the NIMBY GOP off their game.
I mean..in this day and age, at least start a “I hate the Lighthouse” Facebook page. Opponents haven’t even done that. Maybe because most of the opponents don’t even know what Facebook is!!
-
beatlebailey says:
where is the strong opposition to the lighthouse? everybody needs to calm down and let the process play out. This thing will done in some form. Where is nick classic?
-
Coach B says:
Wish I could have made it last night, but thanks to Chris and everyone who attended the meeeting.
-
HilbertSnipe says:
You are right CB, no one has any guts anymore. I understand we as Islander fans are doing a lot to move this project forward, but I believe we can do more. I would love to set up a rally of some sorts, however, I have absolutely no experience leading something like that.
-
Brooks Simpson says:
It’s never a wise idea for an elected political official (or their representative) to complain about the ignorance of voters, since guess who elected those officials.
The TOH appears to me to be spending more time stonewalling and explaining why it will not explain its refusal to become engaged in this discussion than in moving things along. Murray’s become a symbol of “the party of no,” although she feels compelled to use a lot more words to express that idea.
Make her pay at the polls. Then revisit the spider’s web of intergovernmental relationships that have stymied this project. This is more than just about the Islanders, and indeed it’s more than just about the Lighthouse. You’re now seeing exactly what will happen in the future when any development issues appear, and if Long Island doesn’t develop, it will die.
-
Jimmy Mac says:
So no new “news”… I was hoping for something.
Basically a pep rally for the Lighthouse.
I guess we just continue to wait for the TOH to review the scope until October.
I’m sure they will find something to delay the process.
-
Brother Rat says:
Ugh, the hubris of TOH officials never ceases to surprise me. This whole level of government should be abolished, and at the very least, regional planning decisions–those that affect the Nassau Cty Region, rather than just a particular town–should delegated to operate at a regional (County) level. Aside from planning & zoning, TOH deals with minor issues that do not justify their level of bureaucracy–issing birth/death/marriage certificates, maintaining a few parks & pools, making traffic law decisions (a new stop light!), some sewage issues, and deciding on their own budget! These are not big, life-altering issues here. Plans that affect a region that are not planned at a regional level hurt the region as a whole, as they get overburdened with short-sighted, protectionist concerns. The historically uneven development of Nassau and even central CT are sparkling examples of this.
Point of clarification–why on earth does TOH have a Town Attorney and also a Counsel to the Town Supervisor? How many individual TOH positions have their own attorney? And us taxpayers are footing the bill for their expertise?
All these concerns like firemen access, garbage removal, sewage, etc., in development projects are generally taken care of by developmers as part of the project–they put in more toilets and sewage pipes, they can pay for a new fire truck if that’s necessary, etc. I can see delaying approval to determine, in broad strokes, how much will be needed, but exact figures can’t be worked out until the final schematics are approved.
There will always be dissenters against development projects that alter the status quo and look forward–on LI, think all of Robert Moses’ projects, Kennedy Airport, the Jones Beach wind turbines, etc. But, you need some public official to seize the project by the b*lls and just make it happen…I don’t always agree with Suozzi, but it’s hard to objectively come down against this deal and this project (to say nothing about being an Isles fan).
Sorry for the length, I couldn’t post after last night…I couldn’t make it (stuck in Boston as a grad student), but it’s great to see the comments here and on Newsday’s boards.
-
25yearfan says:
Good luck getting a union plumber to fix a leak at Hempstead Town Hall….
Oops, that would be an unseemly display of quid pro quo (ok, blackmail).
-
John says:
I know where I live that every time new construction or development comes along to change something… the environmentalists come out in droves, and picket and flood the local newspapers with opposition letters etc etc… I’ve read nothing on this blog indicating that there is this type of opposition to this project… and I would think that would be the biggest opposition. It just seems really short sighted on TOH to reject private sector money development, when around the world governments are bailing out hordes of corporations and banks, and providing stimulus to jump start economies.
-
I slightly disagree with Brooks at #29 above–death won’t be brought about by not developing, but by not developing right. Some projects are simply, on the whole, bad ideas (personally, I think Broadwater was in this category) but with some public benefit. Planning for the future is hard and nearly always politically unfeasible, but it just needs to get done.
-
David Levy’s comments would carry more credence if they did not drip with sarcasm and arrogance. Does his supposition about what “most Islander fans” know or believe about the project indicate assumptions on his part as to our level of awareness or intelligence? If not, it sure appears to. All of us know this is a big deal. That is not in question. What is in question is ambiguity, misinformation as to the developers true interests, and efforts to misdirect the attention of area residents from important aspects of the project and the process, all coming from Ms. Murray, her office and whoever is …guiding her.
To characterize Mr. Wang as “uninterested” in a stand alone refurbishing of the arena without mentioning why he thinks that would not be feasible and/or prudent is to intentionally distort his view and question his motives. If Mr. Levy believes there is something untoward about Mr. Wang’s motives, he should say so, and why. To not do so is cowardly.
Mr. Levy refers to “those seeking to assign blame” as if voicing frustration at what many see as TOH’s intentional inaction, avoidance and worse, cannot have merit. This after stating “the culprit has been the county; it’s not the town.” Welcome to the blame game Mr. Levy. There’s plenty to go around.
-
art says:
Comes 2110-2111 season a suggestion for the team name to keep up the tradition is The Kansas City Prarielanders.
-
John #33– actually, the Long Island Progressive Coalition, which certainly should be thought of as environmentalists or sympathetic to environmentalists, has been full throated supporters of this since Day 1. A representative of them spoke last night, and I commended her later for her group’s early and consistent support. They see it as a Smart Growth issue, which they strongly back.
-
Marc from Troy says:
Been a while since a clever post from a Rag troll. Thanks, art! If someone is looking for a good team name 100 years from now, hopefully they’ll come across that gem of yours.
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
beatlebailey (#26) is right … let the process play out! .. and where is Nick Classic?
I took it upon myself to read into the SEQRA process on the NYS website after reading something from Nick’s site and talking to an engineer who refs at my rink to better understand what the hell is going on here … because the “perception” to me is that Kate is Stone Walling … but maybe not.
As the TOH is the LEAD AGENCY in this whole SEQRA mess .. which is required by state law … that means that TOH has to make judgements … I think this is why KM unwisely chose that analogy with defense and prosecutor.
Basically it means that the TOH has to sit in judgement of the environmental impact after the municipal agencies impacted by the project can declare that the project managers have satisfied the elimination or decrease the impact to an acceptable level. That is probably addressed in that 6,000 page document submitted by the LHG.
If the Town doesn’t go through this and appears to side with the project … then it appears biased and they can be sued by who ever doesn’t want the project. They still have to have public hearings.
Sorry for the long post CB … but the hysteria is reaching peak levels … and part of that is Kate’s fault for not expressing how her role can’t be compromised or it endangers everything. I’ll make this a ONE post thread for me for going over 100 words.
-
JimintheUK says:
The thing that I don’t understand with all of this is how the politions cannot see what this project could bring. I saw today in Newsday that the umemployment rate on LI is now at 7.5%. How many jobs, temp and full time could this project bring to companys and employees located in and around LI. It would provide jobs for years on end and with the way the country is going right now and plans with lots of jobs is the way to go.
Maybe come Nov. when Ms. Murry and her cronies are out there in the real world with no jobs they will see what people have been dealing with just hoping to find some sort of job.
This project not only effects the Islanders and there fans but numerous other people out there that depend on events at NVMC for more business and more income.
How some people can be so short sighted is beyond me. Hopefully in the end the project will be done and everyone will remember all of the people who helpes it go through and the people who held it up with go down in history as the people who almost destroyed LI. -
d-man says:
how can this lawyer repping murray get a platform on newsday to take shots at everyone and yet murray can’t show at the meeting so she “appears” to be fair?
-
Beetlebailey, 19 ISLE in NJ 22, Nick Classic is working as diligently as ever on all of this. He was that the mtg, I was talking w/him afterwards. Check out his most recent entries over at lettherebelighthouse.blogspot.com to see what he had to say about the mtg as well as his recent entries regarding the ongoing process. (tried to not make that a link but wanted to answer the question
) -
Hi Chris, after going to last nights Lighthouse Project meeting, I have to say, although I have been a true White, Blue and Orange Die Hard NY Islander’s fan, pretty much from Day One. I said to my wife, while driving home to New Jersey, you know Maryann, after tonight’s meeting, I actually like the Islander’s more. I, as a devoted NY Islander’s fan, trully enjoyed last night, Very insightful. I thought Mr.Wang was excellent. To the NY Islander’s fan’s that could not attend, the sentiment shown toward the Islander’s, was outstanding. Standing ovations for both Bobby Nystrom, and Mike Bossy. A ton of the comments were, on the NY Islander’s, supported with strong ovations. Trully a site to witness. By the way, I was able to get a picture taken with, and autograph of Mike Bossy. I was also preveledged, to shake hands with, and get pictures with Mr.Wang, one with my Wife, and one with me. I was left with a great appreciation of this man. NY Islander fan’s, his heart is in the right place, when it comes to the NY Islander’s and Long Island. We should all be very happy for that. By the way Chris, I don’t know if you saw me, but I did wave to you while waiting to get to Mr.Wang. Super take Chris, Mark/NJ “Go Islander’s” Oh one more thing, I was wearing my Kyle Okposo, 1980 Mitchell and Ness jersey, and while speaking with Mr.Wang, (and quoting him), he said oh I love your jersey. “Bring back the 1980′s”
-
we need a timeline for the timeline… if that doesn’t sum up long island politics i don’t know what does
-
Stumpy32 says:
Mark – I was there last night, and I have to say – probably the best Isles jersey I’ve seen, maybe ever. I love that jersey so much, I’m getting my own.
But you summed up the meeting very well. I was supremely impressed with Wang, and the Islanders franchise and fans. More than anything, we had a room filled with Isles fans, but fans that were smart enough to understand that showing up in jerseys and chanting “Lets Go Islanders!” wouldn’t get it done. Talk about the economic benefit. Talk about LI’s own stimulus plan. Bring in distinguished alumni like Nystrom and Bossy, who are respected speakers without any career in hockey. This is why many of us love this franchise – for its accessibility. While I was sitting there last night, I wondered if any other NY-area team owners would do the same thing as Wang..effectively moderate a 3-hour talk like that one. And, you know what? None would. They may be there, but standing up for 3 hours, taking all questions, easy and hard, mingling with LIers for at least an hour after, give the man a ton of credit. Rechler too. I wouldn’t know Rechler if we walked into me, but I had to tell him post-event that I give him a ton of credit for the work they’ve put in. And Wang? I just wanted to shake the man’s hand who saved my team.
Last night, even if nothing came from it toward the overall development of the Lighthouse, I have to say – I’m damn proud to be a fan of the New York Islanders.
-
“I slightly disagree with Brooks at #29 above–death won’t be brought about by not developing, but by not developing right.”
34–I think “developing right” is implied. No one wants to develop just for the sake of development, especially if it’s a disaster. That’s what smart growth is all about.
We’ve got to press more than just Murray. The Levy piece was too revealing. Let’s have a serious discussion.
-
Gary says:
The supervisor of a town is SUPPOSED tp be a leader. When everyone looked to Kate Murray for leadership the only leadership to be seen was the sight of Kate Murray’s head leading her neck up her ass.
-
So seeing as how it’s near unanimous around here that Levy’s “editorial” piece was arrogant, condescending, and inaccurate, at best, anyone up for taking a shot at an “opposing viewpoint” piece? I think I’m a decent writer, and if I actually lived anywhere near the TOH such a piece would already be written, but this needs to come from someone there on the front lines. You know, someone from the TOH who actually has a firm grasp on every side of the issue. Maybe even someone who has had a long working relationship with Mr. Wang.
Any suggestions for someone out there like that… CB?
-
Angry Bill says:
I like Wangs October deadline. If Murray and her cohorts do not get this project moving forward, that leaves us enough time to organize and get them all voted out of office in November.
-
Like Murray is going to rush her decision because Wang wants an answer by October. Her excuse will always be, we want this done right. If she continues to drag her feet and forces Wang to move the team, Please for the love of god, make her pay and vote her out of office. I will personally help the person running against her and go door to door, even though I no longer live on the Island anymore.
-
mike says:
Long Island is DYING a slow ugly death,
Taxes
LIPA
No Jobs
Looks like the former OBI owner was right?
Get out of NY state before it is to late! -
Willis says:
Its fine if she wants it done right but if she is up for election in November wouldn’t it be in her best interest to say she wants to be thorough and fair, then finish up quick, have at least one town meeting (to gauge the public’s acceptance), and then give “warm” approval before election so that she can look good? I’m sure she can get a good spin on it. Whataya think, would she do that?
-
KO21 says:
CB, did you read the article in todays Daily News???Wang said he will way out all his options and he said he is definatly open to moving to Queens, Willets Path, if this LHP falls thru. I’m surprised CB hasn’t addressed this interview with the Daily News. I am relieved to hear that at the very least Wang is determined to keep the Isles right here where they belong, on Long Island.
-
Michael says:
Not to throw you a curve ball KO21, if Wang was 100% interested in keeping this team here – there would have been no exhibition game scheduled in Kansas City.
Wang will go where the money is. He can recoup his losses by pulling in 200 million plus a franchise fee.. more than he can by building an arena in Queens.
Hopefully he wants too, but I still think it’s Lighthouse or bust.
I’m getting really tired of this whole fiasco… I only want to hear if its going to be done or not be done and move on.