PETER SCHMITT’S DENIAL: Won’t confirm or deny telling fan “If the Islanders move, they move”
Yesterday we heard from an Islanders fan who had a recent encounter with Peter Schmitt, the Republican minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature. According to the source, Schmitt said “nothing” was going on with the Lighthouse Project and the blame falls on Charles Wang for “dreaming too big.” (This is the part where we remind everyone that it’s the County that has insisted on a major development around the Coliseum property).
For the knockout punch, the Republican leader since 2000 apparently hit the Point Blank reader with this over-hand right:
If the Islanders move, they move.
I did not want to publish Schmitt’s comments without speaking to him, so late yesterday afternoon I called his office. After being placed on hold for a while, I was forwarded to the office of Christina Brennan, the minority press secretary. Brennan was extremely cordial, candid and accessible and said she would speak with Schmitt. She said either I would hear back from him, his office would email me a statement or she would relay his response to whether he said Wang is “dreaming too big” and “If the Islanders move, they move.”
About 30 minutes later, Brennan called to say Schmitt would not confirm the remarks. The minority press secretary didn’t say whether he denied them.
Brennan said Schmitt declines to comment publicly on the Lighthouse Project because it will go before the legislature again and he will have to vote on it. (Republican Kate Murray, the Town of Hempstead Supervisor, utilized the same public strategy before her ill-fated anti-project mailing and website earlier this month).
When a lease for the Coliseum development is executed by Tom Suozzi’s team and the developers, it will go before the legislators and needs at least a 10-9 vote to be approved.
Whether he declared “If the Islanders move, they move” or not, Schmitt appears to have little use for the Lighthouse Project. Over the last year, all 19 members of the Nassau County Legislature – Democrats and Republicans – received personal invitations from the developers for a private presentation of the plans for the Coliseum development. All but one legislator has come in for a meeting: Peter Schmitt.
There’s a pattern here that even a hockey blogger can spot. The Republican trail of stiff-arming Nassau County’s major project goes from Kate Murray to Peter Schmitt. Whether it continues all the way to the top to Joseph Mondello, the former Hempstead Town Supervisor who is now the Chairman of the New York State Republican Committee, is pure speculation better left to the political experts at a place like Newsday to investigate.
I do know this. While Charles Wang has dropped by London, Ontario this week and may go to Brampton and possibly Sweden in the near future, he might want to consider a friendly stop to the place he called home as a child.
Queens County, New York.
Your Comments on this story and the Lighthouse here. Comment Guidelines.
176 Responses to PETER SCHMITT’S DENIAL: Won’t confirm or deny telling fan “If the Islanders move, they move”
-
Matt says:
I can’t believe that these people actually want to take away the team we have all grown to love.
-
Aaron says:
another depressing development in one of the most life-sucking sagas in team history
-
BillyIsle says:
Just another reason to dislike this man; and I have many. Its sad that incumbents almost always win.
-
patrcik says:
The only way to get these people to do anything is to make it clear they will be voted out of office. They must not be getting they cut of the pie. They are always all about the $$$. They all make me sick.
-
mt275 says:
Maybe they should have told Robert Moses to think small. No L.I.E., no jones beach, etc… There is absolutely no leadership here, just people shuffling paper. I went to CitiField last week. The experience of coming off the subway, and walk 2 minutes to the stadium is a beautiful thought.
-
StevieL says:
I think it is time to face facts. Nothing is going to be done regarding the LHP before Oct. The Isles draft Tavares in June to make the franchise a little bit more valuable and then Wang declares the team is for sale. Then you watch these corrupt politicians start lining up and claiming it is Wangs fault, and we tried everything we could to keep this team here. I really hope that Wang calls Queens because I fear that is our only hope to keep the Isles on LI!
Hey CB! How about a review of the in’s and outs of that lease agreement. How can Wang get out of it before 2015? -
CB: You hit it on the head, the Republicans are stonewalling this project to cancellation. Murray is a puppet for the higher ups in the party whom could care less if it creates jobs or increases tax revenue for the citizens of TOH. The only reasonable alternative for Wang is Queens. It’s amazing how out-of-touch the Republican Party thoughout this country.
-
bcarey says:
“I can’t believe that these people actually want to take away the team we have all grown to love.”
They won’t be taking the team anywhere. They might allow it to leave by not approving this thing, but the idea that they are actually involved with where the team plays its games after this is over is false.
-
AM says:
I am obviously angered by this, but what do you recommend the many loyal visitors of this site do to voice their outrage? We can vote in November, but that might be too late.
-
alex says:
it’s really sad, this would have been nice to have on LI. I would have loved to travel down to Uniondale and see this beautiful structure that would become the pride of LI!
-
This guy lives about 2 blocks from me. From my understanding, he was the reason the handful of blocks around my house got new blacktopped streets. Funny enough it started on his block and stopped at mine. I can’t wait for Halloween… If you catch my drift.
-
isles316 says:
Pathetic. I don’t even want to vote anymore for these people. They don’t deserve a salary.
-
MT says:
I just don’t get it.
-
Mikey says:
After stimulus-gate and Murray’s flip-flop on neutrality, it has become increasingly clear that the lighthouse will likely go nowhere as long as the GOP runs ToH. I find it hard to believe that this debacle is the sole fault of Murray. It seems like an orchestrated political strategy on the part of the Nassau GOP and Joe Mondello. They have no vision for the future and have been losing power on long island for years. Their best hope is to oppose the project, spin the blame on others (Wang, Suozzi), and hope young people (and Dems) keep feeling Nassau. We have already seen it with the bogus mailing. Until these clowns articulate good reasons for opposing the project, I have to assume it’s all political shenanigans.
-
AK says:
I can tell you this without hesitation. A very close friend who was a sub-contractor on both the CITIFIELD and Yankee stadium projects told me there is more than adequate room on the 67 acre Willets Point area for a new arena, attached convention center/sports complex, housing, restaurants, retail space and a park. So Mr Wang, I plead with you. Tell the TOH to buzz off and go after the Willets Point project. Enough is enough with these idiots of the TOH.
-
Cain says:
Being an out-of-towner, I think it is a shame, but these politicians were elected… by you.
Hopefully if/when the Islanders relocate or are sold, they stay in the area.
-
mrlbem says:
I live in The Town of North Hempstead, which is controlled by democrats. My Nassau County legislator is a democrat. If the democrats were the problem, you could be sure that I, as a registered democrat, would make sure that they heard from me. If you are a republican living in a republican district, especially in the Town of Hempstead, you owe it to your Islander-fandom to make yourself heard.
And I’ll say this again, Mondello’s son, Joe Jr., used to be a huge Islanders fan. I wonder what he’d have to say about Dear Ol’ Dad.
-
Froggy says:
Is it just me or is the handwriting on the wall? There is no way the Republicans are going to let this thing go through prior to elections (if ever). For awhile I believed that this would all work itself out. Well, for the first time I am starting to feel differently. Seems like Queens or bust at this point…with bust being a distinct possibility. Just sad…
-
Joe says:
Well we know his name and next time he runs for election vote him out.
-
bergie20 says:
nassau county republican committe phone #
516-334-5800. might be more useful than the town of hempstead phone #. -
geduffer says:
Since the Republicans in Nassau County have been a morally (and ethically) bankrupt machine, overrun with graft and corruption for years, the blame goes to the moronic voters who continue to return these hacks to office year in and year out. They are obviously bought and paid for by either the merchants in Garden City and Roosevelt Field or the people that lost the development bid and paid off these idiots to stop the project. The only way to get rid of them is to defeat them. If anyone can dig up evidence of corruption, they’d be done. Since the Democrats control the statehouse, maybe it’s time to drop a hammer on Hempstead Town at the state level or county level. Keep the pressure on, you never know, they may slip up yet. As for Charles, maybe he should invite Jim Balsillie down for a, uh, business lunch.
-
C.J. says:
Perhaps this guy didn’t confirm or deny whether or not he said those remarks because he was three-sheets-to-the-wind, just like he appears in that picture.
-
Chris F says:
I think the real story here is you found a picture where this guy is smiling, well kind of. I wonder if he takes this view with all major Nassau County companies that employee significant amounts of local people and generate large amounts of tax dollars. And yet voters keep re-electing these people…. Next stop Queens!!!!
-
rb says:
Scmitt didn’t attend a private presentation of the plans for the Coliseum development because he never received his personal invitation…one of Kate Murray’s Nigerian dwarf goats ate it
-
Jamie says:
When the Islanders move I will root for them wherever they move to.I get the NHL Network and will be able to watch all the games. They will always be MY TEAM. If for some crazy reason Long Island gets a team again in the future I would root against them because they would not be MY ISLANDERS that I grew up rooting for.
-
mike says:
CJ (22) is right. How many cocktails did this guy have before the photo?
-
“Brennan said Schmitt declines to comment publicly on the Lighthouse Project because it will go before the legislature again and he will have to vote on it.”
Such a curious (cowardly?) stance for an elected leader. At least there is some theory behind judges not publicly speaking to issues they may later be called to adjudicate. But where do public representatives get the idea that publicly discussing an issue somehow compromises their vote?
It’s a democracy! Elected reps should be discussing, debating and weighing issues that affect the public. Personally, I’d rather a rep openly discuss a matter even at risk of “flip-flopping” after learning more; that beats hiding until the day the issue arrives on the floor. (Yes, I realize this is a rather naive view of how it really works, but…)
-
Ryan says:
Cain: While I appreciate the sentiment that “we” elected these politicians, the fact of the matter is that the historic dominance of the GOP in Nassau County, and specifically the Town of Hempstead, is so strong that it’ll take a generational shift to unseat that party. There are blocs of voters that have been clicking the Republican line since after WWII, and the concept of voting for a Democrat is simply foreign. I can’t really describe how strong the machine is (still!), or how far reaching the entire system of political patronage goes.
-
Frank James says:
I can see the Republicans who are opposed to this project’s point.
The economy is great.
Are taxes are affordable.
There are plenty of industries that are begging to make Long Island their home.
Jobs are plentiful.
So why would we want to get involved in a construction project that would provide jobs and tax revenues for years to come?
Just let the Isles move away.
After a year or two bulldoze the Coliseum.
Erect low income or senior housing on the property.
Oh wait you don’t want low income or senior housing?
Okay then just let the Islander less Coliseum fade away. Maybe the Marriott would purchase the land for expansion. Because with so many new businesses flocking to LI they will need the added rooms.
Also whenever anyone comes to LI for a vacation they favor staying in a landlocked hotel in Uniondale over a place near the shore.As a die hard I would be stunned if the Isles are still here in 3 years.
Like him or not if it weren’t for Wang we wouldn’t still have the Isles around now.
They would have been loooong gone.
-
Mike from Philly says:
I have been saying that team go to Queens for the past 4 months when Queens came out to the public urging the Isles to relocate to Willits Point. The TOH will NOT approve the Lighthouse, it is time to say goodbye to Uniondale and start getting the ball rolling in Queens. If I remember correctly Queens said they would like to break ground at Willits Point summer 2010. Charles, time to move on, take us to Queens!
-
art says:
I’ve said it before-”its not going to be the LH or the highway.” The ISLES will find a way to stay. At crnch time Wang will sit down with the suits and adeal will be struck that will not be another scaled back LH and it wouldn’t be a standalone rehab of the NCMC. The county and region does not want to lose a franchise that wants to stay and Wang will get a deal he can live with financially. He’s a business man first, but he loves his team and LI. Look for an unofficial extension of the so called OCT deadline. The team is not going to KC and those that think a deal for QUEENS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS IS POSSIBLE ARE DRINKING TO MUCH OF THE FOAMY BETWEEN PERIODS IN THE LOBBY111
-
I hope that if the Isles move they go to Queens. Although I live in Jersey, I still consider them my local team since I’m able to drive to the games and watch them on cable. I’d have trouble rooting for a team in KC or somewhere that has nothing to do with our area. To me the Islanders would cease to exist because in reality the players may be the same but the team identity would be destroyed. They wouldn’t be ‘our’ team anymore.
-
We need to make sure Wang can wait til November–once we make sure these buffoons are voted out of office, maybe a great project like this has a shot. Now it’s well documented I am not a fan of Republicans but this is just giving them a bad name and it’s unfair that some of them, who may be good, are being lumped in with idiots like this!
And Derek if you do pay the house a visit on Halloween, I for one will applaud!
-
Pete M says:
The good news is that the Democrats hold a 10-9 majority, so if any vote breaks down along party lines – and it looks like the way this thing is shaping up – then things are still looking our way.
-
Is Wang willing to negotiate? Scale it back a bit or make small modifications? I want to know this answer. This all or nothing stance concerns me. How about agreeing to certain stages of the project? Anything, extend an olive branch Charles.
Otherwise, this is all political posturing from both sides.
I don’t buy into this Democrats being paraded as heroes for supporting the Lighthouse while those evil Republicans are against it nonsense. Sorry, I love my Islanders but this drama has gone beyond ridiculous in the media. Less finger pointing, rallies and more meetings should be the focus. -
Jake says:
Is nay one actually suprised by this. This has got to be the only place in the country where some one wants to spend billions of dollars of there own $$$$ and isn’t allowed.
-
Michael B. says:
I agree, Steve. Enough of this ‘evil Republican’ garbage. I expect more from CB, I’m disappointed that he would stoop to something like this. I don’t care if someone is liberal and they disagree with me, but enough of this stupid, hateful bashing that has nothing to do with anything hockey related…
-
IslesHostage says:
If only D’Amato let Gutkowski buy the Isles…..SMG made this mess. The Coliseum would have been replaced and the Isles would be in a new building next to the old one and would be making money (like they would be if SMG were bought out).
The Lighthouse is too big, too much and Wang has to scale it down. Sorry, folks, but if Wang would budge to speak with all parties, not just the project proponents eager to get tax revenue……it’d be done and we could get in and out of a hockey game within half an hour’s time coimpared to God knows what if the whole mess were approved.
There still has been ZERO (mandated) work done on the roads since the 1980′s Mitchell Field agreement if you’d like to look it up, and the trafic will only get worse.
-
How is it hateful bashing? Prove that liberal democrats are to blame here and I will gladly bash them right back!
-
a lot of projects – especially sports projects – come down to the last minute. both parties blame each other for the lack of progress until the last minute when they reach a compromise. hopefully that’s what happens here. in the meantime bombard the nassau gop with phone calls – 516-334-5800 – and tell them how you feel.
-
andy says:
hes a rangers fan
-
#38,#40. Can’t blame CB for this, all the Dems voted for the project and what did the “EVIL Republicans” do??? CB is just conveying the facts of the situation.
-
IslesHostage, if you have ever been to a meeting then you would know that Charles Wang, Rechler and co. have all publically invited reps from the TOH to meetings to discuss any change in plans. It’s the Town that doesn’t go and doesn’t discuss it with him. He IS willing to scale it down if it makes sense.
-
It is not stupid, hateful bashing to say the Republican party is blocking this project. It’s just an honest interpretation of the situation. Of course we will know more as election season approaches, but that is certainly the way it looks right now. If you are a Republican and don’t like what people are saying, then call up the elected officials in your party and hold them accountable. Nassau County GOP: 516-334-5800
-
Jimmy Williams says:
It pains me and I’m sure many others to see that these people are going to take away the team that I have devoted my heart to. If they move, like many others, I will be absolutely crushed.
-
AZS says:
With all of the joy that getting the #1 pick gets this snaps us back to reality …
I for one WILL NOT vote for any candidate that has anything to do with the Lighthouse Project failing …
I hope Wang is willing to look into Queens or KC will be getting themselves some great player that we’ll be drafting …
-
frank nyc says:
Hey Charles pack them up and come by my
neck of the woods. Flushing, Ny
We want the islanders and as a lifelong islander fan
it would be great.
They want to fart around the issue out their in Nassau
while Queens is putting together proposals.
In all seriousness it is ridiculous that just a few of these
republicans can block this project from going through.
lol they hold the fate of the isles in their hands, crazy -
The site I offered actually offers his home phone#. If anyone is interested it’s right in the contact area of his personal site.
-
msmg says:
As a Republican from the ToH one thing must be done. Massive, massive marketing campaigns. Political ad campaigns, tons of them. I know they are expensive, but you must inundate the public now. Positive ad campaigns for the lighthouse and attack ads against Murray and other Republicans. Not slander, but legitimate political advertisements. If Wang wants this project done then he must try and de-seat Murray and all others standing in his way. Wang has the money to launch ads for the next few months, the only thing possibly standing in his way from doing this might be campaign finance laws. The Lighthouse Project should petition to become a 527 organization and bash opponents, similar to Swiftboat Vets and MoveOn.org
-
G. HOWITT says:
Hmmm! i’ve been an Islanders fan since 1972. Is the private sector paying for this project, i hope so because i am a capitalist/ Conservative. I hope they won’t raise my taxes if this project goes up like socialist/ lib’s do. the librals don’t care how the $$ is spent for the project Hmmm they will just raise my taxes Rush Limbaugh 2012 !!! . Like Rush Limbaugh said long island become socilist…
-
Hal says:
# 42 – The liberals are too busy running up the federal deficit and giving equal rights to enemies of the US to be worried about the Lighthouse. That and setting us up for a massive failure by nationalizing health care.
-
Brother Rat says:
Schmitt’s a knee-jerking thug, and his antics have been covered in Newsday over the years. Anyone remember the firestorm a few years back about how he gives incorrect, conflicting dates as to when he got his bachelor’s degree from Hofstra? He should have graduated in 1972 but he got his degree in 1976, and he has at times claimed it was 1972, then 1973, then 1974. Let’s not forget his drunk driving conviction while in office.
Our local politics are so full of graft and self-interest that it makes me feel dirty even to have to rely on some of them.
-
Isles6 says:
Great to abe able to hop on the seven train and go see an Isles game. DON’T SCREW THIS UP QUEENS COUNTY! And I am talking to you as well Mr. Wilpon, especially if you are talking about trying to “improve” the “Iron Triangle”
-
JayK says:
After Schmitt’s comments appeared yesterday, I just about crawled home. I’m still at about that level of bottom, but I will take this opportunity to say that for all of you who say we must do something on election day, the place to register is beatkate09@yahoo.com. I’ve gotten a “partner” to work with me, and we’re mapping out a grass-roots campaign to bring out the anti-Kate vote on Election Day. So let’s hear from you.
But I still feel like crap.
-
OH right # 54, Newsday is a BASTION of unbiased political opinion. If you believe that then you believe Obama is a centrist.
-
Joe says:
52 and 53, last time i checked, this was an islanders blog, neither of those comments has to do with the islanders, the lighthouse project, or anything. So, go ahead. Continue following your out of touch Republican party, and our Islanders are going to leave us.
-
#44, I was going to say the same thing. But it does make it hard to say I’m a republican when I see what’s going on here. But does anything get done on Long Island? They are pulling the plug on the windfarms and moving the project off the coast of Rhode Island where it isn’t so “difficult” to get approvals. Nothing gets done here because they have the means to make it … “difficult.”…
-
Islesnut says:
Move the team to Queens already. The Lighthouse is never going to happen, or sell the team to someone, who will be complacent with only a new building.
-
RAmen says:
I want to know what special interest group is lining the pockets of these politicians. I just don’t get it. Removing hockey from the equation, I don’t understand where there heads are at. THe lighthouse project is in the best interest of long Island. Period.
-
#58 – I love the Islanders but love my country more. You should get this worked up over the shift to a Socialist state that this pop culture “President” is leading us into without any pushback at all since the media is in the tank for the left. Sorry, one is SLIGHTLY more important. And the next time you talk about being “out of touch”, tell us how great nationalized health care is and how it’s worked out in Canada. Spare me the out of touch nonsense.
-
7th woman…hi, Dee…dead on about the wind farms. I read that this morning and I thought exactly the same thing. So the jobs and the tax revenues go to Rhode Island. What exactly did we accomplish here?
And one other thing: if you’re not depressed enough about the town’s refusal to tackle this issue, read Nick’s blog entry from today at http://lettherebelighthouse.blogspot.com/
-
Dan says:
I really can not see the team moving off the Island. We have three things going for us:
1) TV deal. Who would throw 400 million over the next 30 years out the door?
2) Our historic past. Can the league move the greatest American hockey team ever? No other American team has won 4 cups in a row.
3) Queens has publicly said that they want us. (I am not sure but I think that Brooklynn has also said this)
4) Gary BettmanWith out all four of these I would not be as positive.
#28 I will root for no team if in fact the Islanders do move. I will just become a ranger hater and root for them to lose every game. I would go to the garden and buy the jersey of the team there. I would just root against the rags.
-
eric says:
just another d-bag. f them all.
-
#52 It is all comming out of wang’s pocket. I believe there is a small ammount from the fed/state going to infrastructure, but it is very small compared to TARP.
-
(57) Hal, I wasn’t supporting Newsday, I was mentioning Schmitt’s distaste for laws, facts, and common decency. I didn’t mention his politics at all, kid.
Schmitt’s comment after his drunk driving arrest (and subsequent guilty plea bargain) was that his constituents don’t mind, as they continue to re-elect him. I’m not from Massapequa, but that’s not the sort of person I’d want representing me on any level.
-
West Coast Fan says:
Perhaps Wang should use his vast resources to back one or more potential contenders for political office who are sympathetic to his interests. That’s probably the best chance of unseating the roadblock. A few angry Islander fans are not going to unseat the current regime… but a serious, well-strategized and highly publicized campaign might.
-
Coral Springs Isle Fan says:
That dude looks Scmitt faced in that picture. What a shame, they just don’t get it. It’s hard to remain optimistic when reading comments like that. Something tells me the Isles will need to to say bye, bye before anything gets done. It’s the replublican way, reactive governing instead of forward thinking.
-
Ugly Roe From Massapequa says:
Republican, Democrat, they all suck. Look at the borders of this country. Which party wants to close them to protect us? Answer? Neither one. And by the way, we’re not a “democracy,” as one (uneducated) poster suggested, but a “democratic republic.” Read a book; big difference. We elect officials to represent us, not just to represent Islanders fans. Most of us are ugly lunatics anyway, especially me. Nobody uglier than yours truly.
-
kevin fitz says:
Typical Republicans. Good job Hempstead and Nassau County voters for voting these guys in. Who cares the Republican’s have done nothing for the citizen’s they represent, they don’t want gay marriage legal! Vote them in! This is YOUR fault residents of LI who voted these buffoons into office.
-
Healy says:
As unnecessary as they are, the comments about the guy’s picture are making me giggle out loud in the office. Looks like Queens might the last chance the Islanders have of staying the Islanders. I am sick and tired of the circus that is Long Island government.
-
kevin – please keep politics out of this as much as possible. there are plenty of republicans (myself included) who want this to happen. we don’t this board to turn into a debate on gay marriage. thanks.
-
Steve K. says:
Next election, I don’t care who’s name is on the ballot, I am going to go down the entire row of democrat candidates and vote for them.
-
It’s very sad that immigration and healthcare have to be brought up in a discussion about the lighthouse. Instead of being reactionary and engaging in an irrelevant argument about national issues, why don’t you direct that passion and frustration in a positive direction. If you are a Republican and do not like how they are responding to the lighthouse issue, then call your party at 516-334-5800 to voice your concerns.
-
streit02 says:
y dont they say screw nassau county and just start planning somethng for queens. Would anyone really be that upset if they moved to queens? Would it be bad for the Islander to call for a March down Hempstead Tnpke in protest? Maybe that will get people attention when you cant even drive down the road
-
Valentino says:
How can want extend an olive branch when TOH hasnt given him any idea where they stand, what the want, or even made a counter proposal?
Wang is the one making noise, asking for any dialogue whatsoever. TOH refuses to give him any clue.
This is why he put a deadline of OCT. He is willing to make adjustments, but TOH wont even negotiate !!!!!
So you WANG bashers need to get the facts straight.
-
Quagmire says:
Wang and his group have already sunk big money into the Lighthouse process, is it even feasible at this point for them to start from scratch in Queens or anywhere elsewhere? I have a feeling that this – if indicative of the TOH stance on the Lighthouse – will be the last straw for Wang and rather than sink millions more into new plans, studies, etc. for a new location, he will simply wash his hands of it by selling the team.
-
UIF says:
Ugh, even here I can’t get away from the “Great taste!” “Less filling!” Republican vs. Democrat nonsense. It’s a bad idea to go down this road guys…politics is only going to divide Isles fans further from pro/against the Lighthouse to pro Lighthouse and Democratic/pro Lighthouse and Republican/against and Republican/against and Democratic. Trust me, politics will NOT unite anybody here.
-
Drivefor5 says:
This is what I sent to our freind over there “Shame on you saying “If the Islanders move, they move” Do you have no sense of pride? This team gives this Island something to be proud of other then being close to New York City, I am a republican or a former republican I am embrassed to be a part of this party because of people like you, worrying about votes and your salary not the people you represent. I hope you lose you election, an im ashamed that you are a Long Islander.”
My family are Republicans invloved in the party that are in office and I have gotten into huge fights with them and they say “Low income housing gives the D’s votes and we wont stand for that” and now over devolpmeant and traffic. they keep telling me something will be worked out but Im starting to get nervous. I call Kate Murray everyday and we all need to start… Forever an Islander
-
on draft day they will say..
the new york islander have been buy by the toronto maple leafs.
and burkie will get his way. -
Heineken says:
Forget Nassau, just move the team a few miles west to Queens. Less problems plus Queens wants us! Mass transit to the game would be huge!
Give the project to someone who wants us, let the NVMC rot and good luck filling it or doing something with all the land -
Arguing over politics & religion = DEAD END, so pointless . Unite for the lighthouse Project! Lets start talking with queens!
-
Steve says:
Islanders should start talking with Queens ASAP. It’s better for them in the long run anyway because they’lll get more exposure from New York media and Queens want the Islanders to come. Screw the Rangers if they don’t want the Islanders in NYC.
-
Pete says:
I’m ashamed to be a rebulican with the nonsense regarding the lighthouse. Repulicans and conservatives alike are into lower taxes and being fisically responsible YET Kate murray wants to use stimulus funds for a new Coliseum when we have private financing for this? This is against what repulicans believe in and I can’t believe rebulicans are buying into her thinking here. Well this is one regiatered rebulican that will vote against kate murray come November.
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Is the writing on the wall starting to read … The Queens Metro-Islanders?
It’s really hard to get a read on these politicians … they seem to take a self preservation stand more than anything else.
Where are the Teddy Roosevelts (NYC born and Bred … Long Islander by Choice) of Nassau County? Where are the bold dreamers that dare to dance in the path of conflict and hardship.
Time for Wang / Rechler to take off the gloves and offer to develop that “Iron Triangle” for the City of NY that also includes a Convention Hall / World Class Indoor Arena for Hockey, Basketball and concerts. Wang is right … it’s a YES or no.
-
Lets have a ‘Tea Party’ to get the project started librials are invited too !!
-
Anthony O. says:
I’m sick of these politicians hiding out so that they can perpetually elude the media and citizens from giving a “straight” answer on why they don’t want the Lighthouse. Unreal…
-
Mike says:
I have sat in on many legislative meetings such a the ones conducted prior to this project proposition and can say that this man is old world Nassau Republican with the “we own this county and we’ll dictate what happens hear regardless of what might be good for the public” attitude. If his stance is “if they move they move” then I would like to give him a heads up to start preparing his defense for his Republican constituents who are going to see a drastic tax hike with the simultaneous service cut as the rest of us “hangers on” move to other municipalities that do not “dictate” what is “to big” but rather make decisions on what’s best for the area and not the Republican party.
Unbelievable, why make Wang go through the motions if you never were going to give it to him?
-
TM says:
CB, I’ve said your last sentence 100 times since your blog started. GO TO QUEENS! I don’t know why Wang hasn’t met with them already. Enough is enough!
Republicans are clueless. They destroyed the country the last 8 years and will be the reason our hockey team leaves LI. (The voters who voted for them get what they deserve.)
-
TIM says:
Hey guys i’m from Canada and i just sent that joker an email to,probably won’t help but i’m an islander too so i want to do my part.IF YOU DON’T TRY HOW WILL YOU KNOW
-
In connection with Wang & Rechler’s offer with “Private Funds” … Wang & Rechler should be offered a favorable lease of the land with a chance for them to profit … I mean for God’s sake … Cablevision’s lease on the Garden is practically grand larceny of NYC taxpayers … at least make a deal that makes $$$$ for all parties involved.
-
Yet another reason to vote Democrat! Hopefully Wang holds out until after elections in November.
If everyone gets out to vote this nonsense should stop.
-
Then relocate those “chop shops”, junk yards and auto repair shops to the property in Uniondale … how’s that for a trade off?
-
I apologize for this extremely long post, but I am a regular reader and I am extremely passionate about this yet have said nothing so far.
I agree with Heineken (84). The poltical system in this country, more especially in this local region, has devolved over the years into a dog and pony show which ultimately does absolutely nothing for anyone, aside from dividing us against each other so that the only people who win are the establishment politicians and their cronies. If you think they are on your side than you are sadly mistaken.
More than any time before, we need to unite as citizens who actually care about what goes on and focus on what matters here, and I think we are in agreement of what that is, keeping the Islanders from moving away from this area. The fact is the people who are holding this up are far too comfortable right now, the only thing they understand is power and fear. These crooks need to fear for their jobs and perhaps even their status as free citizens. Badgering their secretaries who probably have cue cards on their desk and PR degrees is not going to be enough here. These crooks shouldn’t even be able to step out of their front doors without facing their opposition head on. There’s more than enough dirt to dig and shame to go around for these folks who will literally destroy the greatest American NHL franchise just to stop natural progression from taking place to pacify a dying constituency.
Infiltration is an option, as anonymous whistleblowing by anyone somewhat connected in any such way. People on here who know these politicians and where they live, if you have the chance to speak with them, get them to say some stupid things on tape. Expose anything and everything and they WILL go down. It is not out of line to use the ever so hated “liberal media” to our advantage in this situation.
Just some ideas. Arguing about politics is so last century folks, in this day and age, it is the citizens vs. the ruling class and we only got where we are now because we were too busy getting mad at each other while we unknowingly took it in the rear.
Let’s get it done! Long live the Islanders!
-
How about buying out SMG (profit as is) and getting ad revenue, parking, ticket sales and other revenues back to Wang and then building a small central development WITHIN the approved parcel of land (the block the NVMC is on) and including shopping and entertainment and NOT overloading the gris and traffic with this much nonsense? Team makes money, attractive place to go, PLENTY of parking (without trotting from garage to garage 9X to find a spot while the game has started – genius, Wang!) and making Wang money, the county money and the residents and pols happy?
Wait, Wang wants SMG and their deal extended, the Dems want as much garbage packed into the can to get tax revenue and the traffic problem is no one’s fault since they never will address it (and Wang only offers $25M for the Parkway and Tpke and surrounding roads).
Pork, pork pork…….must be on board…..Wang will negotiate a tower into two large buildings…..and no politician will go to a pep rally to get yelled at…..has Wang asked for a closed media free meeting to discuss it with opponents? Nope. Crowds must be present I believe.
So solutions are of no interest, just all or nothing. Remember his two alternatives in the submission???
-
As a member of the Nassau County Legislature, Mr. Schmitt will be caqlled upon to vote on the lease. But at this point, he has no say in the project. That ship sailed years ago when the Legislature approved Wang’s proposal. CB, you were not asking Schmitt to comment on the lease, which hasn’t been drawn up yet. You’re only asking him to comment on the project, which has already been voted on. Even if you believe the conflict of interest crap, there’s no conflict here. Go back at ‘em!!
-
If the Isles move that lot will turn into apartment buildings which im sure the people of Hempstead will ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Really spruce up the area
-
end game says:
chris you have to start telling uswhat is their END GAME. wny do they want the islanders to move. how much are they receiving in kickbacks or some sort of benefit by being involved with the people who are ultimately going to develop the land!!!!!!!!
-
NYI FAN says:
Boy, CB, you really stirred the pot with this blog! All this controversy over a ‘fans’ word that this was said. I have to laugh at the way the ‘Republican lynch mob’ reacts to hearsay!! 300 isles bloggers are a joke to these politicians, they have more important fish to fry.
-
Hud says:
The Isles need Mario Lemieux to step in, he saved the Penguins. How about a write in vote for every job in November? Write in the following names: Bossy, Potvin, Trottier, Gillies, Nystrom. I think they could save the Islanders, not sure what they would do with the rest of the issues, but, they will figure it out. If I still lived in NY that would be my plan, brilliant, eh?
-
How about Obama stimlus $$$$ to pay for the project. We can have the hard working tax payer in Florida to pay for it, and maybe they can even raise the taxes in Nassau County to boot. why should i care i live in suffolk county with tax hike Lib’ Levy….
-
nlk says:
IslesHostage, the flaw in this argument, which others have talked about here on this site is that you act as if this arena only won’t have an arena manager. Wang has absolutely zero experience in running an arena. Is he going to get all the money from the circus, from concerts, etc? No, he’s not. The arena manager, whether it’s SMG or a competitor, is going to want a cut of the concessions, parking etc. from those events and from hockey. So all these formulas that see Wang collecting 100% of all these things are just silly. There’s going to be an arena manager, and the arena manager is going to take a reasonable cut. That’s the way the business is run.
There are other big flaws in your argument. First of all, there isn’t going to be shopping there if there aren’t people there all the time, either residents or office-dwellers. So cross the shopping off your list since you don’t want offices there and you don’t want residence. Secondly, Wang has proposed meeting with Kate Murray on several occasions, and she keeps refusing the meeting. Third, as far as discussing it with opponents, I think he would but the opponents don’t have a group or a leader. Can you tell us the name of the president of the main opposition group? How about an email address?
-
Nik…..when it costs $45 to have a tire mounted and balanced, why agree to pay $450k?
Wang’s a businessman (though he’s handson/hands all over) and should be able to negotiate a management agreement with a private party that is fair/reasonable, correct?
SMG charges FAR less to Mario after they went at it. Wang is looking to extend the current gunpoint thievery. His friend Alfonse D’Amato, afterall, worked for SMG and Computer Associates at the same time. Wonder if Wang gets kickback from SMG after cancelling his 2002 meeting/threat?
-
Stan Fischler's Boy says:
QUEENS BABY!!!! better than KC.. and closer to Westchester!
-
puck-o says:
Best place, the pilgrim state facility is empty virtually abandoned land. Alot of land and connected to the LIE and the Southern State 9 (sagtikos). He could build whatever he wants it is near his Computer Associate buildings and is an eyesore in the middle of the Island. The Islanders do not belong in Queens, yes it is better than KC but Suffolk Nassau border! Perfect
-
100 streit02 – hilarious! Light house project or…..co-op city!
-
Paul in Canada says:
#63 this isn’t the time or place but it works fine. Ask any Canadian and healthcare is way down the list of things in life we complain about but you probably know better somehow.
-
Schmitt looks more tanked than Tampa and Colorado were.
-
IslesHostage, thank you for rational thought in an otherwise irrational debate. Buying out SMG and negotiating a better more fiscally responsible deal with a new company would make more sense but why Charles Wang has this “all or nothing” stance is beyond me.
I WANT this lighthouse to go through because I’m an Islander fanatic. But there’s a whole lo of stuff many conveniently ignore and I’m tired of the media spin. Negotiate, negotiate negotiate. Stop the darn hard line stance and media finger pointing. -
Nick Isles From Brooklyn says:
Queens will not be easy at all? The Price tag will go up – a poster earlier said that Wang will sell and indeed he will. A project in Queens will cost a whole lot of money – a few hundred million. It would be lovely for me – I go to Citi Field all the time – so in a selfish way – get er done – but in reality – watching the Willets Point situation closely – hearing rumors around the area – I have a bad feeling about the Queens bid.
Wang will not start from scratch – not at all – he has lost way to much money on this project and he will hang em up!
Lets hope there is an investor with good deep pockets to look into Queens!
CB – seems like you are losing hope in the Lighthouse! Are we at the point of Queens or Bust?? Your last paragraph is deep!
-
Brendan says:
I just called Schmitt’s office, and was emphatically told that the comment is not true. POUR IT ON HIM!!!!! Call relentlessly- the politics will only stop if these mooks are inundated with calls. E-mails are useless. With a call, someone actually picks up the phone. If you love this team, call now!!!
-
mtrico says:
I am thinking more and more that this project will not happen. Too bad about that on many levels. Hopefully, if a move is coming, it is in the local area.
-
The SMG issue and the buying out/condeming the lease issue has been discussed for years now. At this point the SMG lease is not an issue with 5 years left on it. The issue is how the politicians, left OR right, can benefit from taking a side in this issue. Listen, whatever letter is in front of their name, THEY ARE STILL THE GOVERNMENT. From the local assemblyman all the way to the President, it’s ALWAYS about what THEY can can and how they can position themselves as the good guy. Clearly the impact of a project this size is not small and they guys (and gals) have to play CYA before they make a move. They DON’T CARE ABOUT THE ISLANDERS, US FANS, US TAXPAYERS – They care ONLY ABOUT THEMSELVES AND HOW THEY WILL BENEFIT FROM A DECISION. All of these arguments are futile, this is the truth and this is what will rule at the end of the day.
-
#111 yea because they come to the best Country in the world to get it for free U.S. of A, don’t tell that to Obama !!
If Wang wants this project done then do it, he is a capitalist, he is holding the fans hostage. and i don’t want to here this, if it wasn’t for Wang the Islanders’ wouldn’t be here BLAH BLAH !!
what about issuing bond opening to fund the project, what about taking the islanders public IPO….
-
Hoser14 says:
Hey puck-o (#109)-
IMO, I always thought that the best plase for a new arena would be by Republic Airport along Rt. 110. It would be be between the LIE and the Southern State Pwky, with a LIRR line running throught it. If not, Queens works for me, I live in Brooklyn. -
G. Howitt,
Your ignorance to the situation is astounding. Please, if you are going to fill the space with your far right talking points, at least know that this isn’t a financing issue.
-
No pro sports teams belong any further east than the Islanders are already located, you think this team is over looked, wait until they move to suffolk. You become to far removed from the NYC metro area. It is either Uniondale or Queens, if not, well I don’t want to think about that…
-
admin says:
Comment Guidelines:
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2008/12/comment-guidelinesthese-are-effective-immediately/
-
beatlebailey says:
if this does not go through wang will not move them. IMO he will sell them and the new owner will move them to KC most likely. Then with no islanders what do you do with the coliseum. I do not want my tax dollars to renovate it post islanders. I say knock it down and make an even BIGGER parking lot that Kate Murray and the republicans can hold rally’s in or host Nigerian Goat Races…although that could lead to too much traffic!
-
Scott W says:
Send him an email. We need to start holding our elected officials accountable. How these comments come out amaze me. We have 1 professional team on the island that is a major source of revenue. Yet these clowns act like they could care less. We really need to start getting on these guys. I recommend sending him a professional email stating your dissappointment in his comments.
-
Blizzard says: What I dont understand is why these schmucks oppose it. Is there a legitamate reason why the area shouldnt be developed? The whole place is a dump! Not to mention the revenue and the jobs it would create. It just seems like a no brainer. Somethin stinks. At this point I would love to see them move locally and the whole site become a big asphault eyesore for Murray and these pricks to look at.
Queens or Suffolk county. Suffolk would be great! Pleanty of space, maybe at the old Pilgrim state site? Or by the Ducks stadium? Willets point sounds like the only real possibility however.
-
Can someone please explain who we’re supposed to be negotiating with?
The County has approved the project….the Town has to approve the zoning….the Town has no right to negotiate witht he deveolper…they can only approve or deny the zoning.
Besides the fact that the TOH Supervisor refuses to even meet with Suozzi and Wang. So for all the “all or nothing” posts….it’s all BS…
This project has become a political football between the Republicans and Deomcrats….and the people who are effected are us…the everyday schmucks who live on Long Island and actually believe that our elected officals have our best interests at heart.
-
Blizzard says:
I am appaled at this whole process. The Islanders mean so much to me. If anything this franchise with its glorious history should be playing in a state of the art arena. The freaking Devils have a new arena for cryin out loud. Its disgusting to say the least. These politicians should be ashamed of themselves. If Long Island can not support a hockey team Im leavin this crap hole. Sorry I had a drink after a long day and I am not happy with this information. LOL!!!!
-
jon says:
#126 The reason they oppose it is political. It is the only issue Republicans there can run-on. An example of development run-amok, in their “esteemed” positions. Essentially, what it comes down to is they need to get re-elected, and they need something to run-on. This is what they will run-on: “We opposed the massive, over-developed Lighthouse Project!!! We REFUSE to allow traffic to become so bad that we will risk any/all financial incentives from this project to ensure you get home in a speedy time!”
-
Mike from Bohemia says:
The traffic will get much better if the Lighthouse doesn’t go – all those construction workers wont have any job to drive to and from, and the younger people will continue to flock to more desirable areas.
-
Adam M. says:
I for one will not get crazy over one politician and his lack of care for the people that voted him in. Welcome to America, where the people are the door mat.
-
Vas says:
That guy looks BOMBED!!!!!! JD in the House!!!!
-
#133, absolutely. In a time when any/all jobs are needed, this will undoubtedly clear up any logjam in that area from the lack of anything actually going on.
-
Moose says:
CB, do an IP Check on some of these ‘dissenters’ and see how many comeback to computers associated with the TOH.
I bet there’s a little operational smear tactic going on here.
-
115 – Great call. Everyone needs to keep the heat on these guys. I got the same reaction (even before I asked the question).
Me: “I have a question for you”
Receptionist: “It’s not true” -
jimmy says:
ok they dont want the lighthouse.. face the facts!! in the end this will be wangs fault if we move.. he could definately come up with something other than this massive project that will make him a billion dollars! WANG DO NOT BE TOO GREEDY!!
-
So who is running against Murray? It is the only way we win this thing. Sends a message to the Republicans if we take her down in November.
-
Rangers SUCK says:
Wang won’t fark around here, but if he thinks K.C. is a “great” place to move, well…… I’m not from N.Y. but Queens sounds ok to me. Hell, you guys call the Jets and Giants NEW YORK and they play in Jersey, so they can still be the NEW YORK ISLANDERS !!
-
BR says:
IslesHostage – Where do you get the idea that Wang wants to extend the agreement with SMG? That’s nonsense. He has said that he will extend his lease on the coliseum. That is being negotiated with the County, as part of the Light House lease of the entire site. As for SMG, they will not be part of the rebuilt coliseum. Part of the agreement reached between the Light House Group and the County is that SMG will be bought out of its contract to manage NVMC. If the LH Group and SMG cannot reach a reasonable buyout agreement, then the County will step in and void SMG’s contract. You really need to do some research. All of the documents are available at the County website’s section on the NVMC re-development section.
-
Those who live in the County need to keep in mind that most Republicans at the County Legislature voted in favor of the Light House proposal. You need to write a letter to those who voted in favor and start driving a wedge between them and their leadership (who seem to be opposed).
-
CHAD says:
“better left to the political experts at a place like Newsday to investigate.”
NEWSDAY? EXPERTS? HAHAH. I NEED TO CHANGE MY PANTS AFTER WETTING THEM
-
Jimmy — #134 — please remember that all of the bidders on the RFP put out by the county submitted projects similar in scope to what Wang and Rechler did. The idea that he is “greedy” is undercut by the fact that all potential developers, and the county itself, submitted a smart-growth, new urban type project. There is nobody out there who wants to just do the Arena.
-
From an historical retrospective…
“As the 1957 season rolled around, the team on the field was overshadowed by the publicity of the team’s possible move to the West Coast.
Since the early 1950′s Walter O’Malley had wanted to build a more modern stadium for his ballclub in Brooklyn, but New York officials did not want to provide O’Malley with the specific land he had in mind.
On October 8, 1957, O’Malley announced that after 68 seasons in Brooklyn, the Dodgers would be moving to Los Angeles…”
Scary. It could happen here, folks.
-
IslesPleaseStay says:
Do you think that Wilpon will really let Wang move to Willets point and redevelop that area? No way! Especially after Wang boxed Wilpon out of Lighthouse development, and Wilpon made him add a ballpark to get the approval. I don’t see these 2 powerful business people making a deal and getting along. Maybe Wang should just sell the team to WIlpon
-
doc says:
oh boy…
-
DLR says:
Can anyone tell me if he devils sell out the rock? I hear its never a sell out. Is that true?
-
IsleofNJ says:
How about a caption the picture contest to lighten up the mood?
“Suzy Kolber, I want to kiss you! “ -
If they want to play politics then Wang should step up to the plate and start playing. Enough of this tip toeing around so you don’t offend anyone. Play hard ball. Bottom line… If we do not have a deal in place by opening night then I am either moving the team or selling it to someone else (highest bidder, local or in Kansas City). Take a tough stance, enough of this bull cr!@. Treat the town like an ex-girl friend that just cheated on you; drop your draws or I’m out of here!
-
John says:
@Jamie (28) So if you lived in Colorado and were a Rockies fan for that brief moment in history you would root for the New Jersey Devils against the Avalanche. Or better yet if you were a KC Scouts fan and KC were to get new team someday and the Devils came to town you would root for the Devils, right? Ironic isn’t it?
-
DLR – I’ve been to The Rock for 3 games, all on weekends, and none of those games sold out.
As for those of us supporting the Lighthouse, the gloves need to come off. I’ve been trying to beat the drum on this for a while now, but politicians only respond to one thing: votes and voters.
BR is also 100% correct. In addition to 7 of the 9 Republican legislators supporting the Lighthouse in 2006, many Republicans at the State level and in the State Assembly are publicly backing the project. This is not lockstep opposition from the Republican party, and we should not treat it as such. Wedge-driving is not a bad strategy here.
As for the “dreaming too big” line, I’m with you, CB. I cracked up at that. Not only is it the County’s idea, but why would people be content with such small-time thinking? We can keep 80-90% of Nassau County exactly the way it is while making smart decisions (like the Lighthouse) on the other 10-20%….And while Queens should remain an option, nobody should declare the Lighthouse dead.
-
KO21 says:
OMG, this is just a @#$%ing disgrace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is just horrible to hear and if he didn’t say it he would’ve said “I DIDNT say it”…He obviously has an agenda…
CB, post his number so we can call and for ourselves..
-
CB, why do you talk about Queens when Wanger said himself “it would be very hard to stay”, hard might mean there’s a chance but we all know he cant go thru this process again…He will move if they don’t get this done and Wang will use the corruption to justify it…I just cant believe all the emotion invested into a team that’s gonna desert us!!!
-
Do you suppose they’d bring all the Stanley Cup, division, conference and regular season banners and hang them in KC? That’d be a hell of a lot of Long Island in a KC arena…
-
NYCISlanders says:
If the idea is to develop the Hub then the Town Of Hempstead is letting a golden opportunity to generate revenue slip through their fingers. The Source Mall is a morgue, Fortunoff’s is going out of business, there are empty stores dotting Old Country Road, there are a few more empty stores in Roosevelt Field than I remember.
I don’t really believe that TOH really wants to develop that area any further. In my heart I believe TOH politicians want to keep the area as is, mainly a bedroom community.
Wang should really check into the feasibility of an arena next to Citi Field. I think our days in Uniondale are numbered.
-
Jim Clark says: The Islanders should draft Tavares and announce a move to Toronto in 2015 if TOH doesn’t approve the Lighthouse (can we get a jingle about going to an abandoned airfield?). That should make Brian Burke and Laff Nation steam.
-
I left a message and I got mad, I told him off a quite bit, called him an SOB…Is that bad or good???
-
28 Jamie, sad but true, I care about the players now so im gonna follow them…Just wont ever see them live and there wont be any pride amongst LI’ers…
-
Isnt that what the prs of the US does all friggen day???He goes around pushing his agendas he will be voting on…I’m positive in the future, these criminals, will be outed and charged for thier crimes against the poeple’s interests they are swarn to protect…
-
Trots19 says:
NYCIslanders number 152 .. don’t forget the old Avis headquarters. It’s on Old Country Road and it is in the town of Hempstead. It has a big fence around it and it has been empty probably six or seven years.
-
57 JayK on Apr 23rd, 2009 14:24:32 said:
After Schmitt’s comments appeared yesterday, I just about crawled home. I’m still at about that level of bottom, but I will take this opportunity to say that for all of you who say we must do something on election day, the place to register is beatkate09@yahoo.com. I’ve gotten a “partner” to work with me, and we’re mapping out a grass-roots campaign to bring out the anti-Kate vote on Election Day. So let’s hear from you.But I still feel like crap.
AWESOME!
-
greg says:
you know what this reminds me of, the quote “if they move, they move”
Rocky…..Drago, “If he dies, he dies”
-
Isle be Damned says:
oh jeez. just move the team to queens and be done with it already.
i am so sick and tired of this lighthouse project talk that is never going to happen.
let the TOH lose the tax revenue. They don’t deserve it anyway.
-
#160 – in the same vein I’m sick and tired of people who think Queens is ready to go and not subject to any negotiations or delays. I’m not saying don’t talk to Queens, but IT IS NOT A SLAM DUNK and should not be treated as such.
Our team is in DANGER here, people…let’s try to maintain that sense of urgency and not think naively that Queens will ride in like the cavalry and save us just because you want them to.
-
Islebethere4u says:
Dear Mr. Wang,
It may be time to step back and reconsider the offer from Queens. The team needs to stay in this area and needs to stay on the “Island” one way or another. We think you can make that happen. Cut your losses with the town from hell and look to Queens.
Thank You,
Islander Fans
-
Hold on, #162 – there is NO OFFER from Queens. There are a few politicians saying they could possibly make an offer. Again, not saying don’t talk to them, but There. Is. No. Offer.
-
thxs Nick…if the Devs cant sell out, can we? I just dont think the Islander fan base and hockey’s 4th rate status can justify and enormous leap of faith in building a new park. As a fan, Id love it. But, it all seems impractical.
-
DLR – I understand the thought process, but that’s a serious leap of logic. This is about way more than hockey, and the worst thing we can do is reduce it to just hockey terms. The Islanders have a proven ability to sell out when the team performs well, and mass transit improvements that make it easier to get to the arena can only improve attendance figures.
-
Brad says:
Why does no one blame wang for not just renovating the coliseum? Why does he demand this huge development. Did the Pens demand this type of thing when they got their building? NO of course not. fans need to stop blaming politicians and blame wang. He has clearance to renovate. Gilroy didnt come to LI because of wang and Garth.It’s not the building. Wang does not want to spend money until he has clearance for wangville. Blame wang not murray… the emperor is not wearing clothes!
-
p.s. there are at least two ownership groups willing to keep the team where it is and renovate. seriously wang is playing most of you like fools.
-
167 There WERE two ownership groups who would keep the team where it is and renovate. Are you sure anyone is still interested in the Isles other than Charles Wang.
-
Brad: the proof of Wang’s stance is that the type of development you’re talking about (I swear my fingers could type this sentence by itself) is that nobody in the entire country is just doing stand-alone arenas. They’re history. You’re saying that Wang should be the only person in America to sink money into an arena that is surrounded by a parking lot. The fact that nobody is doing it anywhere, and nobody bid it in the RFP, should show you the economics of it.
-
Hey Brad, you’re really Kate Murray, aren’t you?
-
How many times does it need to be explained that all developers submitted similar plans for development of the area at the request of the COUNTY, and that Wang’s was chosen as the winner from that group. This is not about Wang “demanding” anything, it is about his winning bid to develop the property in the manner desired by the COUNTY!
-
Quagmire — 171 — as to your question “How many times?”
A lot, apparently.
-
Ray since 1974 says:
All I can say is “If Schmitt loses re-election, he loses” VOTE HIM OUT IF YOU DON’T AGREE
-
I always found Mr. Scmitt to be a contrarian to anything that would improve the county of Nassau and bring it into the 21 century.Every time I see him on News12 he has an attitude and is very rude to other guests he is debating.Never liked the man.
-
Isles fan Ken says:
#166 – Are you kidding me? Is that you, Kate Murray?
-
islesfan1 says:
like that lard a$$ Schmitt ever had an original idea or a dream in his life. He used to be a driver for the other nassau county hack politicians until he kissed enough a$$es and greased enough palms to become one himself. He thinks he’s defending his parents version of suburbia. It hasn’t occured to him that his parents generation beat it to Florida because they couldn’t afford to pay a thousand dollars a month in property taxes on a three bedroom house, and this generation is getting the hell off Long Island as fast as they can.
i4e11 
Question CB, do you know the exact count for democrats and republicans out of those 19 that will vote on the project?