CRUNCH TIME FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT
Some dates that could make or break the deal
After four weeks off for Tavaresmania and the free agent un-frenzy, we jump back in with a major Lighthouse Project update because right after this holiday weekend it heats up again. Put a circle around these dates.
July 7: On Tuesday at around 10:30 am at Hempstead Town Hall, Supervisor Kate Murray and the ToH will approve the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement. Don’t mean to dissuade anyone from going, but it’s not exactly going to have the buzz of Tavares last Friday. If you are a supporter of the Lighthouse Project it’s more important you clear time for…
Early August (date TBD): Probably during the first week of August, the Town of Hempstead will host a massive public hearing on the arena project. Do not lump this one in with all the meetings that already happened. If you are an advocate for the Islanders and/or the Lighthouse and there’s only one day you could ever give up to show your support, this is the all-day extravaganza you must attend. The proponents need to blow away the opponents.
The parties will negotiate a location. Count out the Coliseum for fear of home-ice advantage. Somewhere on the Hofstra grounds sounds about right. Stay tuned for details in the days after the July 7 meeting.
September 22: Islanders vs. Los Angeles at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. Fascinating how that brilliant PR salvo of almost six months ago has kind of been forgotten about, don’t you think? This is a reminder that the exhibition game is actually happening. Best way to tell how Charles Wang is feeling about Lighthouse negotiations: whether he shows up in Kansas City or not.
October 3: It’s the start of the Islanders’ 2009-10 regular season and Wang’s deadline for “certainty” from the Town of Hempstead. “Just tell me ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’” Wang has said a lot.
As I wrote on May 21, there’s still almost no way the Town of Hempstead gives Wang a “yes” by October 3. Because the first six months of this year were wasted by posturing, there’s so much work to be done, and it’s impossible to imagine the ToH meeting Wang’s deadline. (By the way, whatever happened to that document of responsibilities Tom Suozzi said he would make public “10 days” after the June 5 hand-holding meeting?).
When Oct. 3 passes without any Town certainty, all eyes will be on Wang’s next move. But hey - it’s too early to be so darn cynical. Let’s see what happens July 7, and do not miss the big public hearing in early August.
Comments on the Lighthouse in this thread only. Let us know if you will show at the major hearing.
UFA discussion continues below. Again, I do not expect anything other than maybe more AHL signings today.
44 Responses to “CRUNCH TIME FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT
Some dates that could make or break the deal”
Please Wait
Thanks for the update CB. Once we get this new arena, the Isles should be at the point where the kids are running on all cylinders and we can get some free agents in here!
people nee to understand that Kate Murray is probably getting her baclking again and will be tough to unseat her even with an “attractive” opponent.
People need to wake up and
1-not vote for her, if they were thinking about it
2-try to help McElroy any way they can, a little or a lot.
I’ll be there in August. It was nice not focusing on this for a while, but I guess its time for reality. We gotta make this Lighthouse happen. Vote McElroy!
CB - I agree with you that if people can only make one hearing they should plan to attend the public comments in August. However, we cannot make it seem like Tuesday’s hearing is an afterthought in any way. If people can make it on Tuesday, they absolutely need to go, because we need strength in numbers at all the hearings.
We had a packed house for a February hearing that accomplished a lot less than this hearing on Tuesday will accomplish. It’s true that public hearings are more important, but we need a strong turnout at both. The worst thing we could do is make it look like we’re letting up in our pressure to get this done for ourselves and our future.
Great job as usual CB. I almost forgot about the preseason game in KC. Just like #3 said, its back to reality for us. I will be there in August to show my support for the Lighthouse. I don’t blame Wang for not opening up the checkbook for Garth to make a run at free agents until the Lighthouse get appoved. If 10,000 can come for the draft party in June there is no reason why we can’t do the same in August to show our support for the franchise. Go Isles.
CB, I will absolutely be there! This is the home stretch gentleman and ladies! Full Court press the whole way. Let our voices be heard and HOPEFULLY we can sooner rather than later get closure.
You never know, this picture could become Historical.
You are missing the most important date - ELECTION DAY!
Katie wins, Islanders lose.
Katies loses, we are now at the mercy of whoever wins.
That early August meeting is going to be somewhere between August 4-6.
And of course, I’m out of town. Grrr….
But that’s what Lighthouse people told me at the draft party.
That will be the day when all these opponents who have been talking big — Oh, there’s thousands of us, just wait and see — will be showing up, if they ever show up. So that’s the date for us to show up, present company excluded, unfortunately.
there is no way the lighthouse project will be approved. im optimistic, but when it comes to the lighthouse, im realistic
I live up in Westchester County so, unfortunatly, I can’t vote since I have nothing to do with the TOH. I always enjoyed making the 40 mile trip to watch the Islanders play and I hope to enjoy many more. What I don’t understand is the stubborness on Murray’s part in not passing this along? The County which owns the property approved it so what is the TOH waiting on? There are a few things which I also find strange because:
1. Mr. Wang and his partner are footing the bill for the entire Lighthouse Project, no tax payer money will be used other than improving the roads leading to the Lighthouse and the Collesium.
2. Job creation and in this economy I would think that is what’s most important. You’ll have construction workers at work during the building phase after that you’ll have workers from office workers all the way to maintainance people working when the project is completed.
3. Increased tax revenue, meaning, that the people working on the project will go to the local stores or fast food places, spend their money and pay the sales taxes…when the project is complete, once again, people will pay property taxes, sales taxes, the whole nine and again, the increase in these tax revenues is good for the TOH and also the County. The project is a win-win situation for all.
But hey, its simple, these politicians cater to their special interest groups (don’t matter who they are) and in the mean time, the regular people like us aren’t listened to nor do they care to listen to us except every 4 years when they want to get elected.
hempstead has ALWAYS been impossible to deal with when it comes to development or construction–Many have given up–Wang will not get approval by the time the season starts but im sure if significant progress happens, he will go along–Dont hold your breathe though because if shes elected, things will stop again
Boy that new arena in KC sure looks purdy…….yikes!!!! As Wang said….they have great Barbecue!!!!! Back to reality as has been said. I was having such a good Islander summer.
Keep up the pressure. Lets go to all hearings no matter how big or small. There is strength in numbers & politicians want the numbers with them. The more people they see on our side the better off we are. CB keep up the good work & keep the info coming. I hope to see as many people who can get to these hearings as possible. CB is right it is about the Lighthouse check your politics at the door.
One important thing: I understand (and share) the frustration many people express. But these meetings coming up in August are not about Kate Murray or elections or political parties or ANY of that stuff. It is instead a time to show positive and enthusiastic support for this development here on LI. None of that other stuff has anything to do with these meetings and would be out of place. It would even distract from what is our overriding objective. My goal is not about Kate Murray or any of them, my goal is to see this development come ti fruition. I hope that people can put their (completely reasonable) issues with the process and with LI politics aside and show up demonstrating enthusiastic support for the Lighthouse on LI!
Remember to call Kate’s Office @ 516) 489-6000, they love to hear from Isles fans.
Enough of the negative crap. Be proactive, attend the meetings in great numbers. If the lighthouse never comes to fruition, don’t let it be the lack of support that causes it. Botta, Gallof and Nick have done a great job covering this topic and keeping us informed. As Nick pointed out, do not take these meetings lightly. This is our chance, bottom of ninth, down one run, 2 out and 2 men on…..you determine the ending.
I’m a Dynasty era fan in Ohio. I also root for and attend 1 or Jackets games a year, including vs the Isles. Nationwide Arena is a major improvement over NMVC I remember as a child. Only GREAT thing about NVMC is the rumble and vibration made by the passion of fans rooting for a great team. The new buildings acoustics don’t reverberate as nice. But geez, look at that picture that Spirit Center, looks like a beauty. I hope in the revised Lighthouse plan there is a better version of the NMVC. Let’s go ISLANDERS!!!
I’ll be there. Just let us know what date.
Support the Lighthouse!
I am pleased with some of the recent progress and some of the various government officials coming out and supporting it. I do not trust Murray and her camp yet. They finally saw what kind of oppossition they were facing. I guess until it is 100% approved I am cautious. I do think if Murray doesn’t meet the Oct 3 deadline then Souzi should immediatley terminate Wang’s lease at the NVMC making the Isles free to move anywhere they like as soon as they like. It is only fair to the Isles for all the crap they have been put through all these years in this matter.
I’m not a TOH voter since I live in Jersey but I will definately be at the public hearing in August in support of the Lighthouse.
Keeping my fingers crossed that those smiles are legit.
back to reality with the LIGHTHOUSE talk…..I was still high as a kite from draft day.
Lets just hope it gets done.lets just hope SOMETHING gets done.
i hope all of you realize that murray is just sweet talking to get your support/confidence for the election. this is part of her reelection strategy. if she wins the election, im telling you she will just go back to her old self again by delyaing/not passing things. all murray has done is promised more meetings, nothing more. i hope you guys see through her and vote her out if you want wang and the isles to stay.
Wake me up when September ends. There’s no more NHL Live from 12-2pm, the draft is over, and the free agent frenzy is over. I’ll take the “early August” day off to attend the big meeting, but otherwise, Let’s Go Mets! (ugh)
Anybody know what kind of promotion the Isles exhibition game in Kansas City is getting? Are they making a real effort to sell out the place?
I know the town says they can’t give their final verdict on the project by the oct 3rd deadline. I was just wondering if anyone fimilar with the process could suggest when is the earliest time frame we can get a yes or no the lighthouse
I wish I could make it to every single meeting. I encourage all of my fellow Isles fans show up @ every meeting if possible. We must not squander our oppurtunities to show our support. This is not the time to relax.
Meet me at the Ligthouse and don’t forget your smile!
the season starts october 3? cant wait to know the rest of the schedule. i just hope the LH project works out
Thanks for update CB.
I realize that this comment is somewhat off topic and thereby in violation of your guidelines CB, but I just wanted to wish you, your family and all of your loyal followers a happy, safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday weekend. I will be attending the meeting on the 7th. Hopefully I will be joined by many, many other supporters of Long Islands future and also some loyal fans of our favorite Islanders.
Someone should organize a trip to Kansas City for the game. Not sure if tickets are for sale yet or how easy it would be to get the tickets. Even if Islander fans bought the tickets and didn’t show it would be better than the stands full of KC fans.
CB - If the early August meeting takes place on one of my days off I will be there … If I know the date 2 weeks in advance I can put in for a day off … it will not guarantee me a day off (summer vacation coverage is tight) … but I might get lucky.
As a non-resident I can only go there in support of the project representing citizens that visit and spends money in the TOH … I’m one of those pesky revenue generators for local businesses … including of course our beloved NY Islanders.
Thanks for the info CB. As someone who spent most of his life living in the Town of Hempstead I realize the need for the Lighthouse and keeping the Islanders on Long Island. I just hope that the ToH officials make a decision soon so that we can get back to hockeytalk and stop talking about politics!!
well with no real hockey stuff to deal with until training camp opens in sept its every islanders fan’s duty to keep up the pressure on our elected officials.
everyone who can make the meeting on tuesday should obviously go to show support but those who are all passionate about the project should start laying the ground work to bring as many people as humanly possible to the august meeting.
with the help of the readers of this blog, lettherebelighthouse, islandersmania and every other islanders blog out there we should have no excuses to not bring thousands down to the august meeting.
the time for us to act is now
I will be there july and august. Ill bring as many people as possible. Everyone please dont assume that you can just sit back everything will just work out. Stand up and be counted. Make your voice heard. Come to the meetings. Support this cause in anyway that you can. Get as many people as possible involved
Quick thing piggy-backing on what 19 Isles said earlier.
The Town of Hempstead is required under SEQRA to give at least 2 weeks notice in a public forum before the public hearings are held. This will help people get a handle on their schedules and hopefully increase attendance.
If I’m the Islanders, and the hearing is not at a place like Hofstra, I’m setting up a Park-and-Ride system from the Coliseum to get as many people there as possible.
I would be there if I could. I’m in Virginia, and have a trip scheduled for the beginning of August, so give ‘em hell for me!
Ditto #38. I am in Virginia. Wish I could help support. The thought of this failing and the inevitable which would come would be absolutely devastating. Long live the NY Isles on LONG ISLAND.
I will be there to support the Lighthouse. Kate Murray has to go! After all these months of waiting to draft Tavares, if the Isles were to actually leave…what a shame!
If I could uproot my family (barring the differece in cost of living) and move to Hempstead simply for the right to vote, I would. I’ve lived in the Atlanta area since I was a little kid (became a Falcons/Braves fan), but I never lost my love and respect for the Isles crest and the Blue & Orange sweater. I’ve been an Islanders fan literally since birth, and that team has become such an integral part of my life/my family’s life, to imagine them playing anywhere but Long Island is too much to stomach. Even in the worst of times (99-00 season), my wife and I honeymooned in NY……….to catch an Islanders vs. Pens game!
The Isles are so rooted in Long Island’s identity, it would absolutely break my heart if the Lighthouse Project were not to pass….
It seems a win/win on so many levels, reaching so much deeper than a hockey team…… A cultural center in a barren wasteland. Major economic stimulation in an area that is begging for growth…. Jobs for thousands - both temporary and long-term……… A 5-Star Hotel….
Basically, from an ex-Long Island resident looking through my “tourist-shaded” glasses, a reason for many of the Millions who visit NYC to have a reason to go into Hempstead and spend some money…
Seems like a no-brainer…..
Makes you wonder what corporate interests are at play here……
Unfortunately, it seems like Nassau County politics haven’t changed much over the years….
Nonetheless, I pray that those who oppose the Project are silenced by the vocal majority (or what seems to be the majority, for that matter), and Charles Wang is given full permission to open up his checkbook and start turning a crumbling building in the middle of nowhere, into an economic oasis……
Seems like an absolute no-brainer……
Go figure.
gaborik is going to get sledge hammered by john tavares!!!!!!!!owned
Newsday’s article today says its August 4th for the public meeting
economic oasis?
Low paying jobs, increased traffic, tax dollars put into politician’s pockets. Wise up people. Let them go, new entertainment will come; we now have lingerie football. Long Island needs higher paying jobs, decreased taxes, and less congested Southern State Pkwy.