LIGHTHOUSE NOTEBOOK: Paterson’s support, Murray’s vid and being “on the right side of history”
(thx, nlking on Twitter)
UPDATED at 5:00 pm – Here’s the David Paterson press release.
1:00 pm - You can read all the platitudes from today’s Lighthouse press conference with Governor David Paterson in plenty of other places. Here’s what you need to know.
When it was all over – the jockeying for prime photo ops with the Guv, the arms around Charles Wang from those pretending they were always in support of the project, the well-crafted soundbites – one of those politicans threw his arm around this blogger and said the following:
The momentum has now officially shifted. The Lighthouse is going to get approved, at least enough of it to make the developers happy. I’ll tell you why. If it wasn’t, there wouldn’t be so many politicians and operatives here. That’s how it works in politics. Everyone here today wants to be on the right side of history.
He may be right.
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Some highlights from the Paterson event…
- The Governor, raised in Hempstead, recalled a pair of childhood experiences at the Coliseum. He said that after the New York Nets traded Julius Erving in 1976, he went to a game and cursed at owner Roy Boe for an hour. Paterson said he went to an Islanders game in the ’70s. “There weren’t many African-American fans there,” he said. “A lot of people asked us where their seats were.”
- Paterson jokes a lot, but the best comedy is when there is some truth in the humor. County Executive Tom Suozzi gave another passionate, eloquent speech this morning about the need for the Lighthouse. As he often does, Suozzi cited Suffolk’s significant edge in economic development over Nassau this decade. When he was done, Paterson said, “Tom is a great executive for Nassau, and a great public relations man for Suffolk.” Paterson praised Suozzi for his economic leadership, saying when the Executive took over, “Nassau owed more money than 37 states.”
- Kate Murray used the majority of her time at the podium properly – to plug the August 4 public hearing at Hofstra University. She said her staff is “keenly focused on progressive development” and that she “understands something needs to be built on the HUB.” Then the Supervisor added her qualifiers about doing the right thing. That’s completely fair. We’ll know soon enough.
- Paterson on Wang’s October 3 deadline: “Charles is negotiating. My hope is that by October 3 Charles will be one happy owner.” Pointing out the $4 billion pricetag, 40,000 construction jobs, 19,000 permanent jobs upon completion and huge tax revenues, the Governor called the Lighthouse Project, “The most significant economic initiative to see Long Island in a long time.”
Among those in attendance: politicians Carolyn McCarthy, Kemp Hannon, Brian Foley, Craig Johnson, Robert Barra, Rob Walker, Michelle Schimel, Charles Lavine, Kevan Abrahams and Dorothy Goosby, Islanders GM Garth Snow and Hall of Famer Mike Bossy.
When the public event was over, staffers from Newsday were ushered into the arena for a private audience with the leading politicians and developers. Maybe Long Island’s newspaper will get some additional tidbits the rest of the audience did not.
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Kate Murray is starring in a new two-part You Tube video where she discusses the Lighthouse. Catch Part I and Part 2. The view of Newsday and some bloggers and Tweeters is that the vids are evidence Murray is coming around on this Lighthouse thing. I’m not entirely sure the proof is in the production of a PR piece.
The Murray interview is conducted by her own spokeman, Michael Deery. Let me ask you something. If in my old job, I sat down with Garth Snow for a 15-minute rehearsed Q&A on the state of the Islanders, would it have any credibility? Of course not.
The Hempstead Town Supervisor might mean well. Clearly, over the last few months she has taken a wiser, more leader-like approach to her stewardship of the Town’s piece of the project. (Again, has anyone heard from Kristen McElroy? Anyone?). It’s just tough to buy her You Tube appearance – written, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett Deery – as the real thing.
Why not, for example, give a lengthy interview with News 12? Why not with Newsday? I mean, of course without writing the questions for them.
On the other hand, Murray’s performance received two thumbs up from a political expert whose opinions I trust:
I thought Murray did well by the Lighthouse Project with that video. Think about it: the Governor supports it, Charles Schumer supports it, the County Executive supports it. Islanders fans obviously have spoken loud and clear. The unions are fanatical about it. The press has not come out against it in any meaningful way.
Look wherever you want – it’s hard to find any major objection to the development. I guess we’ll see what happens August 4 with the public hearing. But I think it’s possible the Supervisor and her advisors looked around and decided to join the crowd. She’ll win her election in a landslide, but she doesn’t want to come off as the lone dissenting voice.
We’ll know one way or the other before October 3. See you August 4.
Comments on this story and the Lighthouse Project.
91 Responses to LIGHTHOUSE NOTEBOOK: Paterson’s support, Murray’s vid and being “on the right side of history”
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dave chyzowski says:
looks promising
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Madchef says:
Sweet! could this franchise be turning the corner.could all the years of absorbed misery finally pay off. I may be drinkin the kool-aid!
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Gary says:
I agree that im not coming around on her either–It wouldnt surprise me right after the election, she withdraws her support or hardens her stance
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Murray hopefully seems to have a proper head on her shoulders.
Approval by Oct. 3rd is looking more promising??
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Sean, approval by Oct. 3 is highly unlikely. However, there could be enough momentum by then for Charles Wang to ratchet down the rhetoric. We could easily have a final scope and be on the way to a re-zoning hearing and a lease by then, but there’s a lot left to do.
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bergie20 says:
great to see that the momentum looks like it has shifted and that something will probably get done!
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Battfist says:
Im not sold on Murray yet either….
Thanks CB for the update.
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Lou says:
Chris was Verizon FiOS 1 LI News in attendance?
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KO21 says:
I’m begining to feel a sense of relief but at the same time cautiously optimitic. Isles fans can’t get too high or too low.
We need to stay focused on the task at hand.
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art says:
I’m also optimistic, however I still think that the Oct deadline will not be all that Wang expects but enough for him to put his [open to all offers] statement on hold. Look for an end of the year as a drop dead deadline for full approval. Of course also remember that the billions of $s needed for the project are to be mostly private money and credit, not easy in this economy! But first things first let’s hope for a green light in Oct and not a red one or the yellow go slow I warned about in the beging of my post.
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ME says:
When Charles Schumer and Gov Patterson come out and are very pro Lighthouse project, it puts Murray and the Hempstead politicians in a difficult position to be anything but supportive of the project. By Hempstead not approving this project it could jeopardize future money’s coming their way for development.
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Glen S says:
It’s starting to look real positive let’s keep our finger’s crossed and let’s have a huge turnout on Aug,4…
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kevin27nyi says:
i hope this goes through. hopefully the momentum is shifting and this will be completed asap or along wangs schedule.
(trying to be optimistic here!)
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jon from nj says:
These are politicians ladies and gents…I’ll believe it when I see a shovel in the ground.
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kevin fitz says:
AMEN joe from NJ, AMEN
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JayK says:
Jon (#15): that’s the point. They ARE politicans. And the wind on this has shifted so clearly and so unambigously that, as Chris notes, they are going to go with the flow. There STILL is no organized opposition to the Lighthouse project. I continue to find that amazing. So you can be cynical, but it’s not inconsistent to be cynical and to believe that the politicans’ self-interest might help get this project done.
I haven’t given up my October 3 fantasy: The Islanders are introduced. Fans go crazy for #91. And now it’s time to drop the ceremonial opening puck. And out on to the carpet, heading toward center ice, are Charles Wang, Tom Suozzi and Kate Murray. The cheering dwarfs whatever was heard for John Taveras.
They don’t even need to say anything. The message would be clear.
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islanderbill says:
As an Islander fan, I can’t help but be cynical but i will echo the other sentiments on this thread….It does look promising….
Let’s hope this get’s approved and we can move on
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JD (e_godard) says:
great recap, thanks Chris!
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D MAN 12 says:
Meet me at the lighthouse…and dont forget your smile
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StevieL says:
Hey CB! Everything seems to be moving in the right direction, as it should. There is just to many positives for this not to happen. I am just curious, is there any organized opposition to the Lighthouse? I mean if Murray is on board, what’s to stop this?
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hathead68 says:
Look, the Lighthouse, in some form, is going to happen. Did anyone here dream that the Islanders would have a shot at John Tavares at this time last year? Everything is falling into place. The Islanders are about to take off… count down to lift off … buckle up and enjoy the ride!
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was it really necessary to have it OUTSIDE?? REALLY??? I should have never worn black.
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Isle4Ever says:
So far so good….I’m really happy see a growing group of supporters for this project and not too many naysayers. I only hope that they can at least approve enough of the project on Oct 3 to make Wang happy.
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UIF says:
I guess we’ll find out August 4 if there is any organized opposition to the project. I would assume that would be their moment to try and counter the momentum.
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Stumpy32 says:
I agree with #15 that I’ll believe it when I see a shovel in the ground. Things look far, far, far better than they did even a few months ago, where we were thinking that it wasn’t even a concern for anyone outside of Isles Country. Now, we have the governor – albeit a very unpopular and somewhat incompetent one – on our side. That’s great, but a lot of politicians make statements, pledge aid, so that they can put a positive public face on something, and then reject it in private where no voter’s eyes can see or care to look.
Things look great right now, no question. But the fact remains that our franchise needs this ASAP…hell, Long Island needs this ASAP, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to get excited until I see the frame of an amazing new complex in Uniondale rising from the asphalt. Only then can we dream of great things and a future with our hockey team.
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I have to say that I laughed at Paterson’s comment about Roy Boe. I know the sentiment well. When Boe died, I sent a friend of mine from Nets’ fans days, now living in California, an email that said: “There was a time when I would have gone to this guy’s wake and spit on his cold, dead body. I’d like to think I’m past that now.” It took me awhile to concede the fact, but I guess Boe truly had no choice.
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doc says:
I always did like that Kate Murray… wink wink.
DOC
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Islefan2487 says:
Is it just me or does this resemble the problem the dodgers faced in brooklyn when O Malley tried to get a new stadium there. Sure it may be a bit of a far stretch to compare the two…but to me there are certain similarities. I just hope this wont be the same result as the dodgers (moving out of NY)
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thanks for the update CB. i’m away next week and can’t attend, i urge everyone else to support and make noise. i hope i’m not mislead…it really seems like this is going to happen. i’m excited on so many levels…
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Jim Clark says: Very good news. Politicians are only attracted to imminent successes.
CB: the press already acts as cheerleaders for politicians. In many cases like George Stephenapoulus and Lesley Stahl, they come from their staffs. -
Tavares #1 says:
Sounds good. Thanks Botta.
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bcarey says:
it’s a sad day in Kansas City…
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Joe in Massapequa says:
CB, great article. This helps ease the bit of worry I had last week after listening to Francessa interview Wang on WFAN. There were no warm fuzzy feelings during that one. I echo many here thinking that the October 3rd deadline will come and go but Wang will pull back his stance quite a bit knowing that some sort of project will get approved. I always thought from day 1 it will get approved but definitely not in the capacity that the current plan holds. In my eyes it will be very much scaled down but also allow the potential for growth to near the plans that are currently on the table.
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nystrom23 says:
All I can say this was a big success, and that things can possible go the isles way for once
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Schultz39 says:
sounds good…..but I’ll believe it when I see a shovel in the ground.
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G. HOWITT says:
Tax hikes for ALL, LOL ..actions speak louder then words !
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mht says:
Aug 4 will definitely be the pivotal day.You know that all the NIMBYS (not in my backyard] opponents of the Lighthouse will be out in full.I am a resident of the town of Hempstead and I have received 2 official mailings from the elected officials urging attendance at this hearing.If we can make to Hofstra.it will be for our benefit.
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Jay says:
I’m cautiously optimistic. I won’t believe it until I see a shovel in the ground. I’ll be thrilled if it ever happens. We deserve it after all these years.
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Strummer's Army says:
This does all sound very positive and I believe it will get done (8 years or so later then it should have but..). However, Do not take the heat off Kate Murray until she has provided everything the project needs, I don’t trust her. I think she understands she has to go along with this now but I’m not forgetting anything she said or did and if I had a vote in the election I doubt I’d still vote for her.
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Hock says:
Sounds like most are rallying behind the Lighthouse, however, Kate continues to be very cautious about what she says. I wish she would just come out and say what’s on her mind. If she has constructive criticisms, just voice it and let’s work through it already.
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The reason this Oct date may be pushed to the end of the year is the election. the pols are afraid of the Garden City vote and power $$$ so they give the yellow light not the green light to Wang. I think he will get a reduced development ok which as a business man he has already factored in. I don’t think he will take a half loaf but three quaters would be a victory for all of us especially if the shovel starts in the NVMC parking lot first-then let it take 8 years to finance and finish the rest of the project.
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19404ever says:
Agree with Joe post #33, after watching that train wreck of an interview with Mike “lower my taxes” Francesca, I was NOT in a positive mode, but this is huge, I will not celebrate until the first shovel is in, but early on, YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! Hey Francesca, stick this in your Ziti dish, windbag….
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DonK says:
It looks like Kate Murray is scared witless that the Isles could leave town on her watch. If that happens, she’s toast — there are enough Isles fans who would never forgive her to deny her another term.
But I agree that while things are looking up, we’re still a long way from that meeting at the Lighthouse. Assuming she is re-elected, who’s to say Murray won’t try changing her mind — or that someone else might pull back on his/her support.
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Isle74 says:
I do not trust Ms. Murray. As we all know, Pols will say and do anything to get elected.
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dose says:
#11 makes a good point about the private money to be used. once a green light comes, all attention and pressure shifts to wang/reck. maybe they already have the shekels lined up. i hope so. in any case, it’ll be their show from then on.
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Staten Islander says:
It looks promising, however, I still get the sense that when Kate pats you on the back, she’s looking for a soft spot to stick the knife
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Nick - Let There Be Light(house) says:
Strummer’s Army #40 is absolutely right. This is a great step forward, and we seem to have momentum on our side. However it would be dangerous to stop applying positive pressure on the Town to get this done. To echo what others have said in a different way, our work is not over until shovels are in the ground.
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Pete M says:
If nothing else this event has forced a number of people that we haven’t heard from before to go on the record. Now we’ll just have to see if its all just hot air. Also, by looking at all the different statements it seems that Ms. Goosby has been handed the ‘negativity’ baton. Aside from Kate Murrays slightly ominous “thorough and complete in our work” statement and the “what we do today affects our children and grandchildren” rhetoric, Goosby’s was the only completely non-supportive statement and came right from the NIMBY playbook.
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SCLI says:
bcarey on Jul 27th, 2009 15:32:38 said:
it’s a sad day in Kansas City…
It’s always a sad day in KC!
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I think the whole photo-opt with allthe politicians is the key. Everyone is now on board. This is Big!!Unless the meeting on the 4th brings some definite Garden City bashers out to throw cold water over the project, it will probably be 80/20 in support v. against. I can live with that!!Build a winning team, build the lighthouse and they will come!!!
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Vukota says:
Listen, not everybody is going to want this thing to pass. Which is fine. Just lets keep the pressure on and hope for the best!!
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Noomz says:
News12 is having a Live show/commentary at 7pm on the Lighthouse.
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Brian says:
Can’t wait to see two 40 story towers in the middle of Nassau. Another step closer to Queens. Might as well become the sixth borough.
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Blizzard says: To number 54…Brian. If you havent noticed, the current site is an eyesore. But I am sure you havent because you are obviously a Rags fan.
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Matt says:
RE:54
Change is inevitable anywhere, I have lived in Tempe, AZ for a few years and it amazes me how outdated/slow development on Long Island is in comparison. Then again who cares how many jobs can be added to the area when you can’t see a pretty sunset?
They probably isn’t a Ranger fan because I don’t know any Rags fan that would want them to leave – the games/rivalry are far too epic. -
Yep, Blizzard. Because if someone disagrees with the Lighthouse they must be a Rangers fan. Very open minded thinking. How about I live near the Coli and I don’t want two tremendous buildings blocking out the sun? That ever cross your mind? Nope, because all evil plans against the Isles are hatched by the Rangers or the NHL.
Besides, have you ever been to a Rangers/Isles game at the NVMC? Obviously not if you say Rangers fans have never seen the place. I know, I have to put up with 9,000 every time their team visits.
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#54…Maybe it will actually add some life to BORING Nassau County.
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admin says:
Please let’s stop shooting someone down by calling them a Rangers fan because they disagree with you. Let everyone have their opinion. Thank you…CB
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Last post, I promise.
Thank you CB. That is all this is, my opinion. I am acutely aware that it isn’t a popular one, especially on this board. However, there are negatives to this project and if you can’t see them you never will. You are Islanders fans who want a new venue and who see economic growth because of this project. Others don’t see it that way. Others see traffic congestion, environmental impacts, impacts on school enrollment, etc. What impact will all these additional residents have on the area? Some will be good, some won’t.
There are dissenting opinions out there, don’t think there aren’t. Thank you for the forum.
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Brian, I thank you for being so civil on the matter – I can completely understand your concerns. As a person that visits Long Island regularly there really isn’t any place to specifically go other than the beach. The Lighthouse will help give an identity to Long Island, and maybe we can finally get rid of those cringe-worthy ‘Island of Surprises’ commercials. I know I’d definitely stay the Lighthouse hotel.
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mrlbem says:
Noteworthy is that in addition to Kate Murray, there were other republican politicians there today voicing their support for the project. Hannon, Barra and Walker are all GOP. And Hannon represents Garden City. This kind of bipartisan support is critical.
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Will C says:
Every NYI/NYR game the amount of Rag fans depends on the how they are doing, because then the bandwagon fans come out.
And if you are worried about tall buildings around you, NY is probably not the place for you. Queens has been moving east for about 15 years.Interesting about how in every release it states how many seat the NVMC will have for basketball. Here come the NETS.
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geduffer says:
This is for Brian as well and it’s not a bash. If you have concerns, go to the hearing on the 4th and tell them your concerns. Rather than being strictly a NIMBY, tell the developers and politicians what they would need to fix in order for you to support something like this. All of these outreach meetings that the developers have held, the only opposition was one lady who just said “I don’t want this in my backyard, then ran out of the room and one moron who accused the developers of a land grab. They would welcome hearing concerns of people and working with them to mitigate them. I support the project, with or without the team because Nassau County needs to be able to grow, and the only way to go is up. The trick is to do it while protecting everyone’s quality of life.
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As for traffic congestion, if LI were a state it would have the 12th largest population in the country, at 118 miles long and no wider than 23 miles N to S, you can’t avoid congestion. All this environmental worry is garbage. It is just government creating a business to raise more money and tax revenues by making envoironmental “requirements.”
The Island needs this. It is far more important than the team. -
As a long time Islander I can say that area needs a rebirth. The Parkways and Hemp Tpk move pretty well with proper traffic control.The Beaches close by will bring new tourist money from all over the Metro area. Beach in the day ,dinner and a cool activity at the Lighthouse at night. Concerts and The Nets will be huge.I applaud Wang who has lost 100 million dollars on this team. He has saved The Islanders maybe he can Save Nassau County. It really needs a spark!
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Just another bump in positive momentum since the Spring … just need Blake Comeau to sign by the end of the week to go into next week with a full head of steam before the public hearing for the LHP.
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Blizzard says:
Sorry for calling him a Rags fan, I know that’s the ultimate insult here. I guess Brian is right, we should preserve his sunset in Hempstead. Scrap the Lighthouse.
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beatlebailey says:
IMO the first thing Wang will give back is the height of the two office buildings. My guess is they become two 20+ story buildings which is still big but not enough to blot out the sun and scare all of those 6th borough fanatics. Memo to the NIMBYS – the Island is DECAYING – young people cant/dont stay here anymore – we need mixed housing – apts, condos, townhouses to sustain the Island. Cant wait for the 4th. I will be ready for the opposition.
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Frustrated Voter says:
Kate Murray has to go! Let’s vote her out.
She’s a total, fense sitting, dispicable, fairweather fan. We don’t need her in office.
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you know, my 78 year old mother said the other day that having a destination with towers that you could go to the top to see much of LI 360 degrees would be something nice for people to make a day of along with the other venues–Even a German mother who doesnt understand much these days gets it!
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JZimm says:
I really don’t trust a single politician in the world. I can only hope the Islanders get everything they need.
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Brian you are entitled to a negative view of the LH. But bear in mind that a fenced in expanse of many acres of empty decaying land is not good for anyone. If Wang doesn’t develop that land no one will for many years. The county is broke. The only thing missing from the scene are a bunch of wild barking snarling junk yard dogs!!!
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Anthony says:
The lighthouse project will not be approved entirely, BUT they will get a chunk of what they’re looking for and they’ll move forward with the Isles staying put on LI. They’ll scale down the project and Wang fully expects that. That’s just the way politics works… Encouraging news though!
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You said it with the positive momentum, 19 ISLE in NJ 22! Its great to see.
I actually talked to Kate Murray today- walking in the parking lot on the way over to the meeting lol! I was walking towards a car in the lot, and out popped Kate! I looked at her, recognized her immediately, and smiled. She smiled at me and said hello. I told her how pleased I was to see her here. She smiled and said to me, “Thank you! Look at you with your Lighthouse hat and your Islanders bag! You must be really excited about this!” I responded, “Im excited that things are moving along, its wonderful.” She nodded and replied, “You must also be happy about John Tavares!” I smiled back at her and said, “You know it!” Then she said to me, “Its exciting. I think he is going to do great things for this team” and I nodded and agreed. By that time we were getting closer to the actual meeting so I told her it was a pleasure to meet her and then joined the crowd area while she joined the politician area.
So how about that lol?
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Post 74 I could’nt agree with more, I believe in the end that’s what will happen,a scaled back project maybe two 20 story tower’s like #69 stated. In the end the bottom line is that the Isles where they belong on LONG ISLAND……
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TIM says:
today is a good day for Islander fans and Long islanders a syep forward instead of backwards
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IslesHostage says:
Now lets just reduce the size for the sake of the residents and Chucky gets his cookies, the Isles stay and the politicians can all circle jersey over this. If it’s as big as the plans I’ll still be fuming we sent a nail into the heart of Long Island for the sake of the man who refused to buy out SMG. (and who is going to renew with/rework the contract of SMG)
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Good news! I like good news on the lighthouse front. I don’t care what side of history these idiots need to be on (but I knew that the project wouldn’t move forward until everyone felt politically motivated), but I am glad that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
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Gutty34 says:
Brian – with all due respect, are you kidding us?? You live close to the coliseum and dont want the towers to block out the sun. Maybe we call you a Rags fan and bust chops you havent seen the coliseum but the real statement should be….have you been to Manhattan or any other city for that matter??? Last time I checked the sun really does shine there – holy cow. Amazing. Not a blacked out mecca but actual god made real sun. Please tell me your opposition is not based on losing sun from a 20 – 40 story buidling. If that is the case I definately want to meet you – and you better be crispy tan my friend to prove you are a sun worshipper. Possibly the worst argument I have ever heard in my life to not want a project that will save your hockey team and possibly Nassau County. I hope this isnt what the 4th turns into. Can we hear it now….I oppose because I live by the coliseum and dont want to lose my sun. Last question before I end my rant…..do you have a tree in your yard or have you cut them all down so as to not block the sun??? Hilarious stuff my friend.
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rochfire says:
Good to see some positive news again. Now that our stuck in the mud leaders up here in Rochester are about to let some 25 mil federal funds disappear due to stalled potential downtown development, Schumer may be able to redirect that money to the LH. I agree that LI needs something to entice young people to stay (housing, taxes) are driving many away. Congestion is just a way of life down there. I still have family, friends and get to visit a bunch of times a year so I have seen how bad it can be. It is an island afterall. There are many people who are just against any sort of progress if it means change or any deviation in their abnormally blissfil, ignorant lives.
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JAM says:
Move to Queens!
L. I. doesn’t have the infrastructure nor the people per square mile to accommodate the needs for this project.
This might seem like a great idea at first, but what if
-The 2,300 residences aren’t sold.
- Or the one million square feet of new class A office space doesn’t rent.
- And don’t forget about the approximately 500,000 square feet of complementary retail, restaurants, and cafes.Who’s paying for those short comings. I know, the people of Nassau County. Yes, the people of Nassau County who pay the 4th largest property taxes in the nation.
Table: Who Pays America’s Highest Property Taxes? – Forbes.comI’m not saying don’t do this project. I’m just say watch what you wish for, you might just get it.
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#83 – you live in Rochester? I thought I was the only Isles fan in the whole city!
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Healy says:
Gutty34 #82:
Pretty sure the “won’t be able to see the sun” argument is a metaphor for all of the environmental changes that will occur (the potential for eyesore buildings, the traffic congestion, the garbage issue, the decline of the suburbs, etc).
All that being said, the way the land currently is sitting is an eyesore in itself, and this project is an opportunity for Long Island to fix some of the traffic congestion in the area. I support the Lighthouse but I think it should be scaled back and those dollars given to improving the infrastructure and adding better public transportation there.
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Sorry, one last quick one to answer the funniest blog post I have ever read.
#82 – Gutty34. Thanks for a great morning laugh. Yes, actually I live right in the NVMC parking lot and I literally meant that the buildings will block out the sun. Yes, I’m a crispy tan Irish guy and if I can’t stare directly into the sun 12 hours a day I’m not happy. Unreal, thanks for the laugh.
I see some on here can see where I, and others, are coming from. I agree, as it stands now it is an eyesore and waste of valuable space. I also agree that you will get your lighthouse there. I only hope to convince them to scale it down somewhat. Two 40 story towers? Seriously? I want an entertainment destination but I’m not so sure on the residences. I’m in my early 30s with small children. I figured out a way to stay on LI even with the high cost of living. Others will too if they REALLY want to stay here. If they don’t they will leave, period.
Thanks again for your time. Oh and Gutty34, I do have trees on my property but those suckers are coming down ASAP so I can soak in those rays! Clueless.
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Hockey Guy in Canada says:
You said it Botta! What has become of Kristen McElroy? Some have speculated the kinder,gentler Kate Murray that emerged from the Wang/Suozzi summit a few months back was possibly the result of some sort of back room deal. Maybe the deal was Kristen McElroy as political “opponent”. I mean, I’m glad all hopes aren’t pinned on her success. Jeez.
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Brian – Just having a laugh at your expense. My apologies
I am very curious though what the arguments against will be. Agree that the 40 story towers have no place on the Isles and I believe Wang and Scott know that as well. The entire project will most likely be sclaed back about 25-30%. The surrounding area has enough retail so besides restauants and “essential living” type stores (deli, minimart, card stores and of course a CVS)there is no need for more Gaps and Bananas. Leave that to Roosevelt Field. I want this to be a place I can go at night for dinner, walk around, catch a game, go skating, see a concert etc….I too am in my mid 30′s and managed to stick around. I think more will come if this is built. -
Maverick says:
IM getting excited about this, me and my GF are going to be there next Tues. Lets GO Islanders.
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#85- yeah Kev I do. It’s nice to have company. Moved here in 95.
Glad to see momentum seems to be shifting in favor of Wang and the Islanders. It seems like they might just push this thing over the goal line!