55 Responses to “LIGHTHOUSE PRIMER: PB media alerts, rally/hearing details, where to email and your RSVPs”  

1. 1 Mike L on Aug 3rd, 2009 11:53:25 said:

   I’ll be there with my friends. I’m hoping for a strong turnout but with work and everything I dont expect much. I actually hope the opposition to the project also comes out to voice their concerns. I’m also hoping everyone stays civil. I have a feeling this could get ugly.

2. 2 ken on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:22:11 said:

   i took off from work for it and will be there for a buddy. I hope we get a nice turn out. I am actually most interested to hear the oppositions points. I don’t understand the opponents point of view and am hoping this meeting will answer any questions they may have.

3. 3 Ann Aquarian on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:25:42 said:

   I’ll be there!

4. 4 Kevin Fitz on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:26:37 said:

   I have a question. I live in Western NY. So obviously I cannot make it to the hearings tomorrow. But I do want to write an email to the town showing my support. But in all honesty, I only support this cause of the Islanders. Building up the surrounding area of the Colesium has no effect on me. I do not want the Islanders to move, that is my only reasoning for supporting the project. So what should I write? Should I EVEN write? If I do should I just lie and say I live in the area and want this project built for the future? Please advise me!

5. 5 Daniel on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:30:11 said:

   I will definitely be there. Should I be wearing my Islander jersey or not?

6. 6 NYI FAN on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:31:10 said:

   I will not be attending, there will be too much traffic!!!
   
   Seriously, my letters to Gov’t Officials hopefully will be part of the record.

7. 7 Scott on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:32:59 said:

   This is what I sent:

   I am writing to express my support for the Lighthouse Project. I currently live in Great Neck and have lived in Nassau County my entire life. It is clear that the old way of doing business on Long Island is no longer sufficient to keep up with the economic demands of the 21st century. Long Island needs to show that it is open for business and progress or it will eventually be no more than a place where people commute in and out of on their way to work in the City. Long Island needs more places where families can go and eat and socialize without driving their cars from place to place. To have the Coliseum along with shopping, dining business centers and outdoor skating is too good to pass up since all we have now is miles of concrete around the Coliseum. Furthermore, if the Islanders move, there won’t even be a Coliseum. There will always be doubters clinging to the status quo and selfishly putting their own narrow interests above all else but these people simply cannot win this time. There will probably never be another opportunity where a private investor is willing to put up billions of private money to improve Long Island. So, I hope that common sense prevails and all long Islanders can have a destination to be proud of that is not just another shopping mall.

   Thank you for your attention.

   Sincerely,

8. 8 Nick - Let There Be Light(house) on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:34:12 said:

   #4 - better if you don’t

   #3 - go here and your questions shall be answered:

   http://lettherebelighthouse.blogspot.com/2009/07/comprehensive-guide-to-public-comments.html

9. 9 7th Woman on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:39:13 said:

   Well, where the hell else would I be?

10. 10 Stumpy32 on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:53:56 said:

    This is what I wrote…

    Dear all interested parties:

    I am originally from Long Island - grew up there. In 1998, I went away for college with the intent on returning once I graduated. However, I finished college - then law school - and found that there were limited job opportunities for me on the Island. Not to mention, with paying student loans, I was unable to afford a home, or even an apartment, that could work for myself, and for my wife.

    Therefore, we now live in Brooklyn, closer to my office, and will be looking to move into a home soon. This project might have me return to Long Island. I can’t tell you how many people I know from Syosset High School that have not returned to Long Island. There is simply nothing there, nothing going on, and beyond that, there’s a universal belief that it is the king of red tape bureaucracy, and nothing ever gets done. Projects are stalled, people stay out of work. That Long Island politics is a machine. Now, we have the Lighthouse. Sure, I’m an Islander fan, and I want to see the team stay where it is, but this is so far beyond that. It is a project that will define what Long Island is, and is not, willing to do. Is Long Island willing to accept the grand projects, or will they remain firmly rooted to their antiquated 1960s-era version of what “suburbia” means? It is an embarrassment that this has taken so long to get off the ground. It is a project that has a very willing developer that, for the most part, is simply asking to have the right to build, with his own funds, a development that will bring jobs and people to the center of Nassau County, and the Town of Hempstead. How can this possibly be a bad idea? The Town says they worry about traffic - that’s fine, but what exactly has the Town done in the last two decades to counter that? Have they increased bus or train service? Have they developed new forms of mass transportation? Not a chance. Rather, if they haven’t sat on their hands - Republican AND Democrat - they’ve developed more far flung places that require a car to get around. So, when the Town talks about traffic, I laugh, because Long Island won’t fix anything about it with or without the Lighthouse.

    It is a big moment here, for all of us Long Islanders, either those currently living on the Island, or those like me who can’t (or won’t) because of the reaction to projects like this one. A man like Charles Wang - who seems to be permanently indebted to the Island for reasons that escape me - will NEVER come again. Never. This is it for the County and the Town. The Town needs to get their act together and approve this.

    I want to live on Long Island. I want my kids to live where I lived. But it just won’t happen if projects like these move somewhere else. And if this one fails, you can be rest assured that developers will never come back. Move on, BUILD THE LIGHTHOUSE, and while this won’t be a cure-all to Long Island’s problems, it certainly will help in repairing the stigma of the Island as a black hole for developers.

    You’re more than welcome to call me with questions and discuss this further. I’ve left my full contact information in this email.

    BUILD THE LIGHTHOUSE!!!!

    Very truly yours,
    (name)
    (Syosset High School ‘98)

11. 11 Dan on Aug 3rd, 2009 12:58:04 said:

    as much as I’m not a Bettman fan, I really hope he doesnt get booed tomorrow like he almost always does when he speaks/presents. i dont think it would make islander fans on the whole look very good to the town of hempstead to see supporters of the lighthouse booing somebody who is backing their interests on this matter. i wont be in attendance but i really hope those that are realized that Bettman is pushing for this project and he at least deserves our respect on this matter alone. hopefully everyone is on their “best behavior” for lack of a better term. CB, maybe a call to all IPB readers to welcome Bettman with gracious applause and cheers?

12. 12 orngfan on Aug 3rd, 2009 13:01:31 said:

    i am taking off work to attend the meeting, my first appearance at a lighthouse meeting as i currently reside in nyc. i also took the time today to write a letter to the town of hempstead. i’d love to share it with all of you, but since its 7 paragraphs long and would probably come out to about 2 pages or more, i will spare you the space. its for the town to read anyway.

    LETS GO ISLANDERS!

13. 13 geduffer on Aug 3rd, 2009 13:01:40 said:

    I’ll be there. I may or may not speak, although I’m leaning towards doing a slash and burn on the NIMBYs, while being civil to the people who want to engage in a real discussion.

14. 14 IslesOfficial on Aug 3rd, 2009 13:04:26 said:

    You can definitely count me in for the Blog Boxers that will be there. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
    Isles Official’s Outlook

15. 15 Alex G on Aug 3rd, 2009 13:16:02 said:

    I took off work. I’ll be there with a couple of friends!

16. 16 mt275 on Aug 3rd, 2009 13:32:32 said:

    Stumpy32… Well put. I am from Brooklyn myself. I always wish there is something near the coliseum, so that I can spend a afternoon there with the kids before the game. Right now, I drive in, and drive out.

17. 17 Kaszycki's Krew on Aug 3rd, 2009 13:41:12 said:

    I regret that I cannot come to the hearing tomorrow…..but….wanted to write in my capacity as an Islanders Season Ticket holder…….as a person who was born in the Town of Hempstead, and as someone who may come back to live there when my children leave home after college.

    I view the Lighthouse as a good place for me to come and be entertained by both the Islanders and other events, venues at the Lighthouse. It has potential as a “destination” for people like me for shopping, recreation and dining.

    I view the Lighthouse as a vehicle to create some immediate jobs in construction and perhaps business and industry as well. Perhaps actually giving my children a chance to stay on Long Island and work / live.

    I am from a family of 5 and collectively - one of 24 first cousins who were born in our family on Long Island. Now? There are three of us that still live here…..(one leaving and returning) out of the 24.

    I could be very interested in relocating to the Lighthouse to live, as its closer to my job in New York City - and when I retire - what a nice place to be - an area which will not require a car, and have all the amenities that I might need as I approach being a senior citizen.

    Failure to approve the Lighthouse will be another nail in the coffin to Long Island’s reputation as not being business friendly and catering to the NIMBY’s. Major companies have exited Long Island over the years ( OSI Pharmaceuticals being the most recent) as they find local government to be non cooperative, taking jobs with them. Taxes are pricing families out of this market. The Lighthouse could introduce new business which can help with the tax burden, create new jobs and pump some life into the housing market over the long haul.

    Now is the time to act. Now is the time for brave government officials to make a stand in favor of commerce and helping to create a “new” Long Island. Time to take a chance on progress and not cling to a business model that has been obsolete for years.

    Please do what it takes to get this project moving and lets do it NOW!

18. 18 Hockey1919 on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:04:01 said:

    You don’t have to live on Long Island to voice your support. This is about creating a destination worth going to on Long Island. I no longer live in the area and have been less and less inclined to make the four hour drive to visit a dump, but by making this an attractive destination it will ensure that people return to Long Island to spend their cash. It can only help to generate tax revenues that the county is sorely lacking.

19. 19 Mike in Bohemia on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:13:31 said:

    I can’t make it tomorrow because of work, but I would like to thank all supporters who are attending for making the sacrifice. Please know there are many thousands who would like to be there, but can’t. You are our voices. Good luck tomorrow, guys.

    I have emailed the TOH strongly showing my support.

    Give em’ hell!!!!

20. 20 Alex G on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:20:52 said:

    whoever cant make it tomorrow, please please please send emails and letters to the town of hempstead

21. 21 Nick - Let There Be Light(house) on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:22:47 said:

    And to add, those who can make it should still send emails and letters to the Town so they know we’re serious.

22. 22 Healy on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:25:17 said:

    Won’t be able to make it though I sent a simple email to address provided expressing my support as life-long Long Island resident struggling to stay here.

    Also, while I do support the project, I am in disagreement about the “Just Build It!” motto that currently is being touted. I understand the frustration and proactive message that this motto is trying to convey, but I think to the general public–who hasn’t been reading up–it sounds like this decision and execution of building this thing is a “rush job”. May reflect negatively on those wearing it. Having said that I don’t have a better idea :-/

23. 23 orngfan on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:35:58 said:

    i know there’s 1000s of people who read these blogs, its pretty pathetic the town said they’ve only received about 240+ emails. its your ISLANDER duty to write one of these emails supporting the lighthouse. it takes 5 minutes. come on folks! if you can’t take off work to be at the meeting, or even if you ARE going to the meeting, you need to write an email or a letter to the town.

24. 24 Jzimm on Aug 3rd, 2009 14:49:04 said:

    For all the crap that Gary Bettman takes from us fans, he has a chance to win some of us over, at least temporarily, tomorrow. I’m grateful that he will be in attendance and I appreciate his support in this. We need all that we can get. I would love to take a flight out of DFW to be with you all tomorrow, but I won’t be able to that. Good luck, I hope this is a big step.

25. 25 Dan Clemens on Aug 3rd, 2009 15:01:51 said:

    I will be there along with 2 friends and my 9 year old sister.

26. 26 Harold C on Aug 3rd, 2009 15:13:59 said:

    I love the Islanders…I love my team and do NOT want them to move. I think that there is SOME merit to a LH project, but I am not in favor of the “Just Build It” mindset as well as some of the others. I do believe at the end of the day this will get done, I just HOPE that the powers at be find common ground and move forward.

27. 27 jay on Aug 3rd, 2009 15:31:26 said:

    I cant make it tom, but emailed in support to the TOH. Good luck to everyone who is there tomorrow? Anyone know what the next steps in the process are, after the hearing?

28. 28 alex on Aug 3rd, 2009 15:57:23 said:

    I’ll b there!!!!

29. 29 Jay on Aug 3rd, 2009 16:05:05 said:

    Unfortunately I can not make the hearing tomorrow. This was what I emailed the TOH

    I just wanted to state that I am in full support of the Lighthouse Project. The town needs to build new infrastructure, and this is just the thing to do it. I implore the town of hempstead to push the project along and make sure it gets done.

    Best Regards,
    Jason Frank

30. 30 bergie20 on Aug 3rd, 2009 16:55:13 said:

    good luck tomorrow guys. i wish i could be there but i had already scheduled a vacation out west before this was announced. hopefully tomorrow will turn out to be one of the great days in nyi history.

31. 31 Willis on Aug 3rd, 2009 17:05:28 said:

    I emailed and also found that my short email became 5 paragraphs LOL!

    Someone above mentioned about not being from Long Island and what to write and I struggled with that too. We don’t have a vote, and personally I don’t want them to feel like “who are you to tell us what to do”. But after reading soooooooo much about this project these past several months, I finally realized if I didn’t speak up I would be no better than those who won’t educate themselves but still just say “no” to the project. So remember that, all you out of towners!

    I’ll be there tomorrow because I can take the day off and I feel like it is the least I can do. In keeping with #1 of CB’s post, I “anticipate” traffic the whole way thru NYC to Hofstra and most likely I’ll miss the rally, which is a bummer. But I agree we need every bit of support at this meeting and I “expect” to see a huge crowd!

32. 32 dirk on Aug 3rd, 2009 17:05:56 said:

    Why no Tavares? With this being billed as such an important event, Isn’t it a no-brainer to have your biggest asset there to draw attention to your cause and draw fan support? Joel Rechliz? Give me a break…

33. 33 Bri on Li on Aug 3rd, 2009 17:15:25 said:

    My two cents, as I will not be able to attend.

    I am writing this evening to be sure my voice is heard for my support of the Lighthouse Project. To give you some perspective, I was born at Mercy Hospital, raised in North Merrick, lived in Europe for six years (where I met a now close friend through our love of the Islanders), and now reside in Long Beach. The Islanders are as much a part of Nassau County as Jones Beach. The project that Mr. Wang and Mr. Rechler are proposing is huge in scope, as large as the Coliseum parking lot. I understand the concerns of local residents for traffic and congestion, but the project developers and the County will have to take that into account, and I believe they will find a solution. These cannot be the only thing stopping the LIghthouse’s construction. The Islanders deserve a building that reflects the county’s dedication to their team. Not many suburbs have a national sports franchise in their backyard.

    My only concern is the Environmental impact such a large construction will have. Please emphasize state of the art building practices, such as rain water reclamation, green roofs, and alternative energy, such as solar and wind to offset the consumption at the site. There are locations in Singapore where aeroponics is used to grow produce on the rooftops of apartment buildings and skyscrapers (http://www.cityfarmer.org/aeroponics.html). When purchased on a large scale, the economics of green building are not much different than regular building, and the rewards last generations. Please think of the future generations of Long Island when you approve the Lighthouse.

    Last of all, speaking of generations, I am a second generation Islanders fan, and my daughter a third. My father left Long Island to be closer to others in my family, and because the cost of living became too high for a retiree in Nassau. Please don’t let the Islanders leave too.

    Let’s Go Isles!
    Yours respectfully,
    B.E.F.

34. 34 Gutty34 on Aug 3rd, 2009 17:34:34 said:

    My boys and I are coming out. Playing hookie for the day

35. 35 isle5 on Aug 3rd, 2009 17:40:24 said:

    OK Chris LET’S TAKE THAT HILL! CHARGE!

36. 36 mtrico on Aug 3rd, 2009 17:53:06 said:

    I have taken the day off from work, and will be there. Not sure what to expect, but I would like to see what opposition there is, if any.

37. 37 19 ISLE in NJ 22 on Aug 3rd, 2009 18:39:55 said:

    CB — As you (and Nick from LTBLH) advised I tweaked my email to the TOH a bit … so be warned … you asked me to share it with other readers … so here it is …. way over 100 words… LOL!

    To the distinguished members of the Town of Hempstead Board, and Honorable Town Supervisor Kate Murray,

    Hello. I fully support the Lighthouse Project. I am neither a resident of Nassau County or New York State for that matter. I am a former NYS resident now living in Central New Jersey. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, I had always planned on moving to Long Island as many in my family had, once I was established in my career, and was ready to begin a family.

    As you may have guessed I am an Islander fan, which is what has made me aware of the situation regarding the Lighthouse Project and the fate of the Islanders’ future on Long Island. Admittedly my focus is on the fate of the Islanders, of whom I have remained loyal to the core. That being said I still LOVE New York, I still LOVE Long Island and I always have considered Long Island my second home.

    I attended school at New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury before the financial burdens of tuition, books and supplies & not to mention commuting between school and my home in Staten Island made it nearly impossible. In hindsight I can look at that time in the late 80’s as the first sign of my plans to make a life in Long Island slip away.

    Now here we are 20 years later, and a lot of other young people that had the same plans, or have lived there their entire lives are getting to understand what I had felt. A lot of my friends and family that had lived on Long Island no longer live there anymore due to economics and lack of jobs. As I don’t have to tell you the tax burden alone makes it nearly impossible for young middle class single people or families to gain an economic foothold while living on Long Island … or even the NYC metro area for that matter. That is one of the reasons even though I work in the immediate NYC metro area, that I had to retreat to the mostly rural confines of central New Jersey in the same manner as previous generations of my family moved to Long Island. However for them it was more of a move from Brooklyn to Long Island in an affordable pursuit of the American dream.

    I’ve been a frequent visitor to Long Island since I was a baby in the late 60s. I saw Long Island grow up into a suburban paradise, and then fall onto itself as the mega businesses that had helped employ the Island and support other small businesses had left. Take it from an outsider like myself. When you can see the changes in Long Island on a quarterly time frame you notice more change then the gradual creep of change by living there on a daily basis.

    I know some of the biggest and valid concerns about the Lighthouse Project is traffic, and infrastructure. However the fact of the matter is that traffic on Long Island has already been horrible for decades, and the infrastructure has eroded over the years and will continue to erode even without a Lighthouse Project. True enough that the entire region needs an infrastructure modernization. For Nassau County that can start with the Lighthouse. I see the Lighthouse as an oasis in suburbia that is the beginning of re-energizing the economic engine that will reinvigorate the job market and keep the young talented Long Islanders that were educated with Long Island tax dollars … home.

    As far as the Islanders are concerned I believe the Islanders are the last big icon of the Island that once was the envy of every suburban area in the nation. It is only fitting that the passion of us Islander fans that have seen decades of neglect and decay of the team we love are still enduring and supporting the team as it embarks on a renaissance to restore greatness … I see the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as the crown jewel of that renaissance since it is the the nucleus of the Lighthouse Project.

    I know I can speak for a lot of former New Yorkers and Islander fans around the world, that support our team … and support it’s resurgence via the Lighthouse Project. Uniondale needs to become more than a place to see hockey, concerts or a children’s show, it needs to become a multi-attraction destination. I’ve spent lots of my disposable income going to games, and would spend even more if the NVMC site becomes more than just an event venue … but a destination.

    Thank You for your consideration.

38. 38 KO21 on Aug 3rd, 2009 19:42:19 said:

    I am unable to make it …Chris you told us to post our comments here so here is mine, sent to ToH and proof read by Nick from Lettherebelighthouse…

    To whom it may concern,
    My name is Robert Cuillo. I am a Lake Grove resident and a native Long Islander who’s been an Isles fan for over 25 years. I admit, in the beginning, I only cared about “our team” leaving. I cant imagine that ever happening, so selfishly, I only wanted a new arena built. The more I educated myself on the subject, I learned that Charles Wang can’t sustain the massive losses he’s currently taking without another means to create revenue. If this doesn’t get approved Long Islands only major sports franchise will not be able to exist and will go someplace else. It would be a travesty to allow this to happen. I would be devastated and thousands of other Long Islanders, would be heart broken, but that is only the tip of the iceberg,,
    Long Island needs the Lighthouse Project for reasons that far supersede the loss of a the sports team that bears our name. Long Island is in a crises. We are losing young people every day to other places that welcome growth and development. I already lost several cousins and other friends and family to North Carolina, Denver and Florida. They all left Long Island for a better life style and for better opportunity., affordable houses and property. My cousin bought a 5000 sqr ft , beautiful house on 1 acre and all the luxuries for 250K. I wonder if you can get a house for less than 300K here with a small yard. We have young people who go to College on scholarships and financial aid payed by our taxes, they graduate but dont come back to Long Island to use their educated minds for the betterment of Long Island. Where do these college grads go if they don’t want to live in a basement apartment with no jobs to think of? The answer is they go someplace that WELCOMES them. We need to break this vicious cycle!
    From what I’ve learned the Lighthouse Project will create tens of thousands of jobs, thousands of inexpensive homes. The homes will give options for young people and singles who can’t afford half million dollar house’s. It will create a place for Long Islanders to go and be happy as well. Lord knows in these times of war and economic strife, we could use something good here to happen. We are losing Long Island business’s to other places that promote growth and investment. If the Lighthouse is approved it will show investors, business’s and entrepreneur’s, that we aren’t a place that says no to development and that we are open to growth and new ideas. This development will be a catalyst for other investors to invest here in our communities. We are so entrenched in the “cant do” way of thinking, that we are driving Long Islands own away. Communications Specialties, Inc. (CSI), are just one example of what is happening to our own home based business’s. I think this is a tragedy. If we aren’t attractive enough to keep our own, how are we supposed to attract outside business’s and investors? We need the Lighthouse Project approved for many reasons. This multi billion dollar endeavor will be a huge indicator, to the world, that Long Island is a great place to grow and thrive and not a place where you have to fight tooth & nail only to get rejected anyway. The bottom line is, if the Lighthouse Project is approved, it will help lift the “enigma” that it’s nearly impossible to get anything done on Long Island, especially large scale projects. What better way to lift the enigma by approving the biggest development EVER on Long Island?

    With all that being said, I welcome a place for pedestrians to congregate. It would be nice to have a place for people to get out of their cars, walk together and socialize. The Lighthouse can also be a place that draws people to Long Island which would obviously stimulate our economy as well and, not to mention, the revenue the Islanders bring has to account for something.
    I can go on and on and on about why Long island needs the Lighthouse Project and we need this sooner than later. Charles Wang has been magnanimous thus far, taking astronomical losses, keeping our Islanders on long Island for 9 years. Long Island needs this and the Islanders need this NOW. That doesn’t mean rush it, do it right but do it quick. We must learn from past failures to get developments done here on Long Island in a expeditious manner and use those lessons to do it right this time. The most important reason to get this done is jobs for Long Islands workers.

39. 39 Bob on Aug 3rd, 2009 19:59:53 said:

    I’m fortunate enough to be a teacher in Nassau County, so I don’t have work tomorrow. I’ll be there showing my support. Should I be wearing my new Tavares t-shirt?

40. 40 Pat on Aug 3rd, 2009 20:45:39 said:

    I will also be there along with some other friends. I can’t wait, the future of our Islanders and the future of Long Island is at stake. Please, please write to the TOH in support of this project.

41. 41 Thomas32 on Aug 3rd, 2009 21:40:10 said:

    For all of us “fans” attending tommorow , should or shouldn’t we be wearing Islanders stuff?? I’ve heard some people saying NO , and some YES. What is it??? Can anyone shed some light?

42. 42 Irish Isle on Aug 3rd, 2009 21:50:58 said:

    Cant make it tomorrow, as I have to go work. Did send an e-mail unfortunatelly I didnt copy it before sending it. Though I did close it with the fact that I live in toh, I have voted in every election in the last 13 years and I support the lighthouse project.

43. 43 Pnut on Aug 3rd, 2009 22:12:41 said:

    The ‘nut will be there, coming from W Suffolk, took the day of way in advance. I hope that not only will people like Chris “The Man” Botta and Wang speak but time will be givin to lighthouse Nick, posters from hfboards and Islander Mania to show strong support…Not only because we are very opinionated and passionate about hockey, i would bet that passion will bleed out and show that this is not just and Islanders thing but a Long Islanders thing. No matter what race, what religion or even if you are a Rags fan, this is something that we can do for ourselves as well as our children and our childrens children. This passion must be used in a positive light

    I’d also like to see the pols that are truely against it come out and have the guts to say it. If no one steps forward we all need to question and keep questioning why it is such a struggle to get things done, not just in Hempstead, but in Nassau and Suffolk too.

    If I experience both these things tomorrow I will be one happy nut

44. 44 Rene K on Aug 3rd, 2009 22:13:20 said:

    Umm is the link to the light house spelled wrong???? It looks like it should be hotmail instead of tohmail???????????????? Hopefull this didnt affect any of the letters not getting through??!!?!?!?!?!!?!? I’ll write 2 just in case??????????????????????????????????????????

45. 45 BrianAlbany on Aug 3rd, 2009 22:24:03 said:

    toh = town of hempstead …haha

    I do see how it could look like a typo though, haha.

    I like the “whatever it takes” attitude!
    Go Isles!

46. 46 potvin05 on Aug 3rd, 2009 22:54:04 said:

    I cannot attend, but as CB suggested, I’ll share my e-mail to the TOH with you guys. Whoever can go tomorrow: keep it civil and say it proud, good luck!!
    To whom it may concern,

    I’m writing a short letter to the Town of Hempstead because I am not able to attend the hearing on the Lighthouse project, which is tomorrow, August 4. I am not a Town of Hempstead resident, but I have lived on Long Island since 1978. I would like to attend the hearing because I would like to voice my approval and hopes that the Lighthouse project will be a done deal. But, considering it is in the middle of the work week, I am unable to take a personal day to do so.
    That being said….these are some of the most trying times in our Country’s great history. It’s a time where unemployment is at a long time high and overall confidence and esteem in our government and our ability to dig ourselves out of debt is at all-time low. I’m writing this in favor of the Lighthouse so people can regain employment and feed their children; so the County of Nassau and the Town of Hempstead can reap millions yearly in taxes; so the young people of the area do not get “out-priced” of the area they can proudly call home; so the area surrounding Hofstra University, Nassau Community College and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum doesn’t turn into a desolate area. It’s not too late to take matters into our hands, where taxpayer funds will not be utilized and to revamp and re-envigorate an area that can be one of the finest in the Tri-State area. And lastly, why let our only professional sports team walk away? The New York Islanders are a proud franchise that has brought Long Islanders many great memories in the past and is on the road to doing so again in the not-so-distant future. The teams that are in the city are just that: teams in the city; the Islanders are our team.
    This project is the right project on so many different levels and for so many various people. Like I previously stated, I am not a Town of Hempstead resident, but take it from a Town of Babylon resident, this just makes too much sense not to approve it. Everyone from the toddlers to the senior citizens prosper in this situation. I just hope you all do the right thing. This isn’t about saving a sports franchise; this is about saving the residents, the area and the Island. Please do what’s right in this very uncertain economy.

47. 47 CMB on Aug 3rd, 2009 22:57:14 said:

    To whom it may concern:

    I was born and raised in Smithtown. When I started college in upstate New York shortly before turning 18, I left Long Island, and I have not returned. While coming of age on Long Island, I had no desire to stay: I despised the suburban sprawl and the absence of anything resembling an urban core.

    The Lighthouse is the kind of infill land-development project that I wish had been undertaken three decades ago. For so long, Long Island has lacked a true center where many people gather for countless reasons. The multipurpose Lighthouse would provide a 21st century version of a town square, as well as a full panoply of commercial establishments. Even better, the people who live at the Lighthouse would be much less reliant on their cars than most of their fellow Long Islanders; they would have many places to go within walking distance. If built, there would be no place on Long Island where I would rather live.

    Lastly, if Long Island were to lose its lone major professional sports franchise, it would be devastating. For me, Long Island without the New York Islanders would be as painful to envision as Long Island without its South Shore beaches.

    Please set aside the red tape and let Charles Wang and Scott Rechler develop The Lighthouse.

    Sincerely,
    [CMB]

48. 48 bill on Aug 3rd, 2009 23:09:22 said:

    Will not happen. Wang is an egotistical fool who has hired morons to run this once proud franchise. 3.7 billion in this economy??????? Need an owner who is in reality not a crook.

49. 49 JT on Aug 3rd, 2009 23:31:16 said:

    Here is my letter to the TOH.

    I am writing to express my support for the proposed Lighthouse development. I resided in the Town of Hempstead from 1975 to 2005. My family moved to Fairfield County, Connecticut in large part because of its lower property taxes and affordable housing. We were a young family at that time, with a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son. Today, we return to the Town several times a month to visit family and friends, shop, visit Jones Beach, and attend hockey games and concerts at Nassau Coliseum. We would visit more often if the Lighthouse was built.

    This project will benefit the Town of Hempstead and Long Island, in the following ways:

    Greater Supply of Well-Paying Jobs
    In these uncertain economic times, entities are unwilling or unable to invest in large-scale projects such as the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse will create thousands of well-paying construction and permanent jobs.

    Increased Tax Base
    The new residences and commercial entities within the Lighthouse project, as well as the new Atlantic League baseball franchise, will increase the Town’s tax base and provide a new home on Long Island for industries such as sports technology.

    Lower Tax Burden
    Residents of the Town shoulder one of the heaviest tax burdens in the United States. That is one of the main reasons we were forced to move from the Town. The residential and commercial development from the Lighthouse will increase local tax revenue, and allow for a reduction of local property taxes. This is a good complement for the Town’s commitment to ease the tax burden on residents.

    Vastly Improved Home for the New York Islanders
    Nassau Coliseum was an out-dated facility shortly after its dedication, and it has grown more obsolete with the passing years. A state-of-the-art facility will help restore the Islanders to prominence, provide a solid foundation for its long-term competitiveness, and allow families to continue to root for a professional sports that is a souce of local pride. Independent studies suggest that the Islanders contribute $250 million to region.

    Increased Event Revenue
    With Madison Square Garden in the immediate vicinity, and the new state-of-the-art Prudential Center in Newark, many groups bypass the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. A renovated Coliseum will benefit families and businesses by attracting new conventions and events to Long Island, and bringing increased revenue from both ticket sales and ancillary spending (e.g., restaurants, hotels, etc.). In addition, the Lighthouse Project will provide multiple world-class facilities that Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead could use to attract such events as the NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments, the NHL All-Star Game, or even a Presidential nominating convention. These events will generate revenue and increase visibility for our local communities.

    More Residential Choices
    The residences in the Lighthouse will help to satisfy the need for new housing and allow younger Long Islanders to remain in the area where they grew up as they begin to work and raise families.

    More Business Choices
    The recent departure of OSI Pharmaceuticals is the latest example of Long Island losing its competitive business advantage. Westchester, Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey have built the type of office space and implemented policies that attract companies and jobs. Long Island needs a shot in the arm to begin competing again, and the Lighthouse is a great place to start.

    The Town of Hempstead led the way in the development of suburban America after World War II. Now, it is again time for the Town to lead the way in sustainable suburban development. I urge you to quickly approve the innovative and exciting Lighthouse Project. Your constituents and visitors deserve a brighter future.

50. 50 Section 320 rocks!!!!!! on Aug 3rd, 2009 23:40:27 said:

    I will be going to the rally in the mourning and then attending the hearing for a few hours. I am trying to get a few relatives/friends to go. But I don’t know if they will.

    To #48

    Do you honestly think he would be all this time and money into the project if he didn’t think he could get financing. Do you know how ridiculous he would look? He may have a couple issues getting it but he will. And Bill it will happen, maybe not 100% of it but it will happen!

51. 51 a REAL hockey fan on Aug 3rd, 2009 23:44:40 said:

    ***** Its 11:40 and im tired but i just wrote a quickie RE: the lighthouse and Islanders, i hope i made some sense lol…

    _ _ __ __ _ _ _

    I am writing to give my thoughts on the Lighthouse project and its importance to Long Island and its future as well as the citizens and taxpayers who live in the area..
    _ _ _
    I am a Long Island resident who has moved to the Syosset area some 10 yrs ago, long story short i just feel like this project would be a beneficial huge shot in the arm for the community as a whole. The new property would create jobs and MUCH NEEDED tax revenue for the community, as well as being a important piece for the Islanders/Long Island future. The Islanders have drafter the most ‘coveted and anticipated prospect” in recent years (John Tavares) and a new building would be a great addition the excitment and anticipation would go to “11″..

    _ _ _ _ _ _
    It just seems like theres 2 much negative, looking back and looking down type thinking instead of looking ahead for this area and Long Island in general. It has gone on for years and its bogged down the area and absolutley hampered and burdened the tax payers with a very high tax rate (among highest in country) I understand there can be some “reservation” with a big project (its human nature and expected) but with some bright minded people and hard work this can be a WIN/WIN for the community, it really can!

    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    I really hope a quick email like this can maybe just maybe open some eyes and make local officals realize there are plenty of tax paying and voting Long Islanders who would like to see this project go through, i think the community needs it, i think that Nassua county needs it, i think Long Island needs it, i think that New York State needs it and i think the NY Islanders FRANCHISE needs it. I really hope that my email as well as showing up for the project on tuesday will help this project in some small way

    Thank you for listening and your time

52. 52 Nick on Aug 4th, 2009 02:15:28 said:

    CB…If I didn’t live in Seattle I’d be there…I’ll flip off a letter to the Town of BS tomorrow…win, lose or draw thanks for all that you’ve done regarding the Lighthouse!

53. 53 John G. on Aug 4th, 2009 02:19:13 said:

    I’ll be there, I gotta walk there and back, but I’ll be there.

54. 54 Joe on Aug 4th, 2009 02:23:27 said:

    Sent an email since I will not be able to attend.

55. 55 robby d on Aug 4th, 2009 10:32:22 said:

    I sent an email. Will there be a huge party when the Project gets approved?

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