“THE NYI CAN GROW AND BE CHAMPIONS AGAIN”
The Point Blank address before the ToH Board
James Mirtle on the fight to save the Islanders.
Mark Herrmann on yesterday’s First Stars: you.
3:15 pm - Stunningly, the public hearing for the Lighthouse Project ends not only two hours before its allotted time, but without any hint of formal, significant, organized opposition. That’s all, folks. Now we wait to hear from Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead board.
Quick recap. The Adams Playhouse was at 90% capacity from the 9:30 am start of today’s hearing. About 9 out of every 10 speakers were in favor of the Lighthouse Project, consistent with the crowd which was filled primarily with Islanders fans and union workers.
The Lighthouse Development Corporation did well, showing two effective videos and lining up the big guns from Bettman to Bossy to Bishop Murphy. They had a good day. While some members of the Town Board were on their Blackberrys or looking the other way while supporters and opponents spoke passionately, Lighthouse leaders Charles Wang, Scott Rechler and Michael Picker listened, took notes and were emotionally engaged.
After a one-hour break for lunch at 1:00 pm, the audience dwindled down to about 75.
Still, emotions ran deep. One senior citizen who spoke a few minutes ago got choked up talking about how the Islanders put Long Island on the map. One of the final speakers of the day asked for the dismissal of incompetent poilticans. Ouch. What a way to end.
The Lighthouse Live Blog and Lighthouse on Twitter covered it all day. Newsday had three writers here, the Islanders bloggers were out in full force and there were several local news crews around this morning.
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I requested the opportunity to speak and my name was called at noon. I was grateful to get to the podium before lunch, and especially appreciative of the people who gave me such kind encouragement as the nerves started to kick in.
The purpose of my speech was to encourage the board to listen to the proponents and opponents, but find a way to continue to work out a deal with Charles Wang and Scott Rechler. My feeling is, if this transformation of the Coliseum and surrounding property doesn’t work with Wang and Rechler, then who?
My speech:
“Supervisor Murray, members of the board, your staff, Mr. Ra, Mr. Deery…you have kept your word. You are here. We are here. For that, I salute your tireless stewardship of this project.”
(I then offered for me and my buddy to go out and get lunch for them).
“Today, you will hear from some opponents of the Lighthouse Project…many will make some very fair points, no doubt. We all must show them respect. My goal is simply to urge you to do whatever is in your power to make the Lighthouse Project work with Charles Wang and Scott Rechler. If this development doesn’t happen with a pair of dedicated, successful and generous Nassau County neighbors like these men, it’s not going to work with anyone else.
“I spent most of this decade inside the Islanders family and the last year outside it. My feelings have not changed: there is not an owner in the modern history of professional sports who has done more to keep a franchise afloat in his own backyard than Charles Wang.
“He returned the franchise to respectability, making the playoffs 4 of 5 years. But he knows that’s not enough. As Mike Bossy and Bob Nystrom showed us, there is only one champion at the end of the year. Everyone wishes for the team to win more – no one more than Mr. Wang. But ice hockey is a humbling sport. For 54 years, some really smart and successful people on 34th Street in Manhattan wished their hockey team had won more, too.
“Know this about Charles Wang: 1. He is the last New York Islanders owner standing. Count on it. And 2. Under his guidance, the Islanders can grow together and can be champions again.
“Not to be confused with Islanders tough guy Joel Rechlicz, Scott Rechler is not “The Wrecker,” but a builder – one of the most respected in the tri-state area. And like Mr. Wang, he gives back to the community in extraordinary ways. Just in this neighborhood alone, Mr. Rechler is co-chairman of the Long island Children’s Museum and serves on the Honors Advisory Committee right here at Hofstra.
“Supervisor Murray, listen to everything the advocates and the opponents have to say today. I know about the October 3 deadline, but take another week if you have to. Just find a way to make it work for these people and with Mr. Wang and Mr. Rechler. They may be best known as titans of industry, but above all else they are Long Island men of honor. Thank you for your time.”
Comments.
132 Responses to “THE NYI CAN GROW AND BE CHAMPIONS AGAIN”
The Point Blank address before the ToH Board
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CB,
Great job today. Your speech was phenomenal, and I can only hope that the Lighthouse passes, and you can continue with Point Blank. I wish the Islanders would see the passion and heart you put into a team that you have no personal security or interest in.
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avolp55turgeonfichaud says:
Well said. Let’s hope this hearing helps the project continue to gain traction. Let’s go islanders!
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JT says:
Great job Chris. Thanks for speaking on behalf of the vast majority of us in PB land. Let’s hope our message is well received and acted upon quickly (and that you find a way to keep PB going).
Justin
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isles 14 says:
nice speech.lets hope this gets done.nice dig on the rangers.
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art says:
You and the rest of the team have done your best and I really believe we will look back on this date [today] and say this was the day that victory was secured for Long Island: Its people, its institutions, its hockey team and its future. We all thank you for your efforts which I believe we will celebrate soon!
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Chris,
Was the turnout bigger than you expected? Smaller? About what you expected? Because Seth seemed to think no one would show. I wish I didn’t live in Westchester right now because I would have shown up with guns ablazing …
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kevin fitz says:
Thank you CB for being their to speak for all of us who could not.
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bossjones says:
Thanks CB, great speech. I hope all that support helps move this project forward.
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Mikey says:
CB – thanks for speaking and covering this event for us. I wish I could be there in person, but I sent my comment by email.
Also, thanks for the Rangers jab. After listening to Seth Everett last night, it is clear that many need to be reminded that the Islanders have had more success than most professional sports franchises in this market.
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It will take something colossal for this project not to get done in some shape or form at this point. The Islanders will be on Long Island for a very very long time.
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Figgy says:
CB –
There is no one who could have said it better! Your speech was wonderful.It seems now that we here on the island can see that far off light piercing through the air of uncertainty….and that light is the Lighthouse here in Nassau County.
Thank you for CB for everything you’ve done… with the islanders, with the blog and for the lighthouse.
You are a true steward.
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btw – nice little poke to those buggers on 34th st!!!
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Joe in Massapequa says:
CB, great job today. I have been following the live blog all day here at work and feel very optimistic about how things are proceeding.
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orngfan says:
i was there for the morning session, and my impressions were as followed. first, joe ra is a weasel. his body language and facial expressions during not only botta’s speech but from other speakers was completely disrespectful and he should be ashamed of himself. secondly, all the lighthouse supporters had FACTS to back up their claims and ideas. none of the opposition had any FACTS to back up their points and their statements were purely speculation and scare tactics.
lastly, i’m not so sure why there was such a large religious presence at the meeting. at my count there was 1 bishop and 2 priests who attended todays festivities, my only question is why?
botta, good work today! we can’t let the irrational fears of the few undermine the future of the rest of long island!!
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wish I could have stayed. But I had to get to work or I’d be on the same unemployment line as those who need the jobs the lighthouse will provide.
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CT Isles Fan says:
Poster number 1 stole what I was thinking! Botta’s own little Gettysburg Address.
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Jon Mac says:
Great job Chris. Thank you for being a voice for those who could not make it!
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mw147 says:
In a way I am sorry it ended so early- I was going to get there right after work.
Sounds like a mostly good day for the Lighthouse.
CB, do you think there is any chance of the TOH using the request from Garden City for more traffic studies to delay the project? I know how these things can work sometimes – Ms. Murray says she is still in favor but it has to be right and cannot be rushed. Don’t mean to throw cold water on what sounds like a positive day, but it is a concern.
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peter debenedetto says:
Outstanding job by all….but lest not forget that this is not possible with out the help and attention given by all those that blog on behalf of the Greatest Hockey Franchise South of Canada. Personally, I think the team should sport a Pointblank patch for at least one game!!!!
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Ann Aquarian says:
I liked it when Bettman made that crack about never getting a hand like that.
Overall, I thought it was positive step forward. I did not stay for the entire thing, but from what I gather, there is not a whole lot of opposition out there.
Just build it!
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goislesgo105 says:
I will be so happy when the Lighthouse is approved and we can get back to talking about hockey!! Good job all!!
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D-Money says:
Just to shed some insight: I work on these EISs for the federal government for a living, and I can tell you that these types of hearings are not intended for a show of support or opposition.
They are actually supposed to be a forum for people to raise issues regarding the scope of the proposed action, or the analysis in the DGEIS. That is why the Sierra Club, the Hempstead Plains organization concerned about wildlife, and the reps from Garden City were there. To let everyone know that while they have been quiet, they have concerns. They–and many other organizations–will follow up with a letter detailing their concerns about the proposal or the analysis. And for the most part, the Lighthouse group will be able to take their concerns into consideration, and maybe make some tweaks where needed.
But when someone from Garden City says they think the EIS needs to take a better look at impacts to their community, that is a bit of foreshadowing in mind. To me, they are questioning the analysis, and potentiall looking to stall the process as a result.
So, while it is great to have folks stand up and support, CB is right–the ToH and Lighthouse folks need to listen to all sides, and most notably the opposition. If the opposition is savvy enough, they will find a lawyer who will try and poke holes throughout the DGEIS, because a lawsuit would slow movement to a final EIS, and ultimately project approval.
I am not saying that this is likley to happen, but bear in mind that regardless of how many people support this thing, it only takes one person or group to bring the process to a halt.
Personally, I think the ToH and Lighthouse folks will get this development approved evntually, it is just how much more time, effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears do they all have to put in to get there. The answer: that will be determined by the opposition.
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Strummer's Army says:
Hopefully one day soon I’ll be able to meet all of you at The Lighthouse!
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bear says:
orngfan- who cares if they are priests? besides, im sure they have a vested interest in the project too…if people leave an area they are leaving the diocese/parrishes etc…anyway, it sounds like everything went great…wish i could’ve been there
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VanVoorhees says:
Good job guys, whish I could have been there, instead, I’ll be out on the football field with my juniors trying to beat this heat in Williamsburg!
Go Isles, Go Lighthouse! -
Frank nyc says:
Sounds like everything went well for the proponents of the project. Hopefully we get an answer soon.
A shovel in the ground by next summer???
GO ISLES! -
Mike in Bohemia says:
To orngfan – No reason the clergy shouldn’t be there, we’re all Islanders. They get to root against the Devils, but it must be stressful refraining from cursing out the rags.
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Spinner9 says:
What a true Islanders fan, find a way to poke the Rangers…gotta love it. # 23, Thanks for the EIS tutorial, you make a lot of sense. However, even if this meeting was about the environmental impact pros and cons I still think the show of support does a lot of good for the project’s momentum. All the folks on the board can see the groundswell growing larger and more committed. At some point they will remember the scene today before the make key decisions on this project. Cinically, some will side with the masses in order to get re-elected and the others, hopefully, will vote on behalf of the best interests of their constituents (many who were present today or showed other forms of support). Call me niaive but I think some elected officials still care about their contituents and thier communities (not Kate Murray however).
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geduffer says:
I was there, but didn’t speak. CB did great and the crowd was behind him. I’m just worried that the opponents still have not fired their guns.
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mt275 says:
Your reference to Rechlicz was a little odd, otherwise, a good speech focusing on two men who are trying to do something good for the community.
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Coral Springs Isle Fan says:
Well said CB, a great speech and tribute to Mr. Wang & Mr. Rechler. Without their dedication and commitment lord only knows where this team would be playing hockey now.
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Does Kate Murray comment today?
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D-money brings up a good or bad point about potential law suits and the concern that they can hold up approval of a project. However in practice almost every major construction project including ground zero is involved in suits and often progrss goes on anyway. The lack of progress at ground zero is mostly unrelated to those suits. If approval with certain limitations in the scope of the project happens on Oct 4 then work could begin on the project while EIS concerns are worked out by the courts.
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Brooks Simpson says:
Chris, it would be interesting to have your frank assessment of the impact of the day’s events. After all, this was supposed to be a hearing on the environmental impact of the project, and yet it turned into a show of support for the project (which, of course, may encourage people to deal with environmental issues to accommodate growth rather than pit “the environment” versus “development.”
Yes, I understand it was a feel-good moment for many, and yes, it was a hearing, not a decision-making pivot point. But it would be nice to hear what you think was done and what was not done.
I sense there remains a lot of work to be done, and no one should be too confident yet.
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hollywood says:
Excellant speech, get the shovels boys. Let the construction begin!
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i can’t ask a question? i don’t know why they were there. thats all.
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isle5 says:
Chris, 90% to 10% in favor today. WE WIN! We took this HILL! Tell us where the next HILL is, SO WE CAN TAKE THAT ONE! Great job by Islanders fans,Charles Wang, Hempstead Town Residents,the unions,Nick from Let There Be Lighthouse,everyone,& even Gary Bettman. Thanks CB!
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Blizzard says: Encouraging. For now
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Battfist says:
The Gettysburg Address?! Comparing one of the greatest speeches in our country’s history to CB’s?! Give it break…Stop swinging from the mans nutz…
I hope for the best.
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Hey Chris, those people on 34th St. in Manhattan had to become the New York Oilers to win & have never built a team from within who could do it since 1940. They never have been smart enough! WE HAVE & WE WILL! LOL!
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Video of Chris speaking at hearing (2:33):
http://islandersesoteric.blogspot.com/2009/08/botta-speaks-at-hearing-233.html
Great job Chris!!!
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Blizzard says:
LOL @ #41
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mtrico says:
Chris, I was at the hearing, and thought you did a great job. I agree that there was not much formal opposition, but the folks from Garden City still worry me. There was that one group from Garden City that criticized the scope of the studies said that they will be supplementing the record with a formal letter. There was another business group that also expressed concerns. This should not be overlooked, but overall, I think this was a very good day for the Lighthouse, and I am convinced now more than ever that the go ahead will be given for something to be built. The question is, how much, and will it be enough?
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How about this. Today I spent the day with Scott Rechler and this evening I am going to see The Wrecker with the girls!!!
One of the best lines of the day Chros!!!!
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walter says:
The Fan base really came out today and today was a very good day for the team and project
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Pnut says:
Nice to finally meet you Chris, sorry about the wire.:(
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Ethan K says:
Unfortunately I couldn’t make it there, but I’m glad to hear that there was a good crowd and a lot of support.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Couldn’t wait to get done with my 6 hour drive to see if CB would quench my thirst with a report such as this. Thanks CB! Great speech too! Sounds like it went well! Great job by all! What would I have done without this blog today? Now that the hearing is over, I must say:
KEEP IPB ALIVE!
GOD BLESS! -
dirk says:
41 ha!
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CB, your speech was well written & it served all your flock well. However, since this was an environmental hearing, it did nothing to lead anyone from the TOH to go ahead & vote in favor of the LH based on todays’ topic.
That being said, hearing the passion from all of the people that got up & spoke today, I believe this will get done. And actually, if they really address congestion concerns (i.e.traffic, yes, I said it) with major roadways, it can be a catalyst for Long Island. Will it lower property taxes? OF COURSE NOT, local schools have a stranglehold on local communities that constitute 75% of all Nassau county homeowners’ Property taxes, but it will be a nice place to visit, if we have any money leftover! -
Darren says:
I want to thank everyone who showed up to support this. I was unable to attend but I’m VERY grateful that you all represented all of us, the Islander fan.
CB, that was awesome. Good stuff my man! -
19404ever says:
All in all a good turn out with positive vives, and yes, I cheered for Bettman, the things you have to do! LOL! I am optimistic this will get done, BUT, not going to yell for joy until the first shovel hits dirt.
CB, there are many reasons why you are so popular with us, and when you can take time to take a jab at the Rags during such an important speech, well, what can I/We say? Keep up the fine work pal!
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Viper says:
Thank you, Chris, for your continuous leadership and speaking so well on our behalf.
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leviticus says:
Hey NYI Fan #52..you already have too much traffic…have had it for years and no one has done anything about it…could you possibly allow into your head that this MIGHT lead to road improvements that MIGHT actually help?..Nah, didn’t think so. Small thinking has small solutions!
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#56, at least I have an opinion, I don’t blindly follow the crowd & attack anyone whose idea is different than theirs. I bet you never had an original idea in your life. Talking about traffic on long Island here is readily dismissed by all as a non-problem. Well have fun in it, hope you have a radio station to hear while sitting in it trying to get to the Lighthouse!! Ha, Ha, Ha!!!
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admin says:
It’s all good. friends. Please let NYI FAN have his say – although we can do without the flock talk. Make your points without insulting. Thanks…CB
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dose says:
strange how the turnout was apparently less than expected. not sure what to make of it.
probably some are still hesitant to trust this is really turning around. maybe it means many avid islander fans are older than 40 and less able or likely to make the event. i fall into that column myself. and maybe there’s a lack for whatever reason of engaged people in general. all of which is a good argument for why the whole thing is necessary and a really good idea. -
Boy, does anyone else wish we could get back to the business of discussing who Snow isn’t going to sign?
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DLR says:
Wouldnt it be more productive to admit the negatives of the LightHouse rather than ignore them? Look, the “create jobs” idea is nice–but you are creating them on borrowed funds that may or may not be made back. Traffic on LI sucks; we all know that. Is the concern not legitamate that it will suck more? cmon. Supporters must be more reasonable; otherwise, they sound like school age ra ra types . I think CB’s approach has been respectful.
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Dyingfour#5 says:
It’s going to be a beautiful site come Oct3rd when Tavares puts one where momma hides the cookies, we beat the Penguins, and all 16,234 fans join in the cheers & and chants of “Build the Lighthouse clap clap clap clap clap…” ITS OUR TIME ISLES FANS!
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No place like the NVMC when it gets loud. Don’t get me wrong, I am all in favor of this lighthouse project, but, I will absolutely miss the volume that the building creates.
Well done today CB, you made us all proud.
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TuxTax says:
Great Job CB! Also, theres some video of the speakers on IslandersTV.
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Tavares #1 says:
#63….I have a feeling that Tavares is going to light them lamp in game one as well!
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Daniel says:
It was really great to be there and listen to everybody speak and give their opinion. I really cannot see how this does not get passed, but this is Long Island so anything is possible.
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To answer the question about the priests – one of them was the president of Kellenberg High School (my alma mater), which is right down the street from where the Lighthouse will be built. Makes total sense that someone who runs an organization based next door would want to show up…and since he’s very connected the bishop showed his support as well. Simple as that.
It’s been a long day and I’m writing up my thoughts on the blog tomorrow rather than wasting everyone’s time here.
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Weez says:
So let me understand this – if the LH gets approved, every Islander draft pick will be a hit and we can be champs again… I didn’t realize it was that simple.
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jonsson3 says:
#42… I always called them the Edmonton Rangers
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John Crozier says:
Nick-Let there be Light(house),
Fr. Phillip was there?
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Oh come on Weez, who the heck has said that? Honestly- I dont see the purpose of trying SO hard to grasp at imaginary straws and be negative. Today was a great day, and people are ALLOWED to be happy about it. Sheesh.
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Another reason to have clergy there is because they are respected members of the community. For most, real estate moguls are viewed as greedy capitalists. Everyone else can “dismissed” as merely an Islander fan wanting a new arena. The clergy members show that there’s people from the community who stand to gain in a more virtuous manner than financially or from sports.
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Staten Islander says:
great speach chris. hopefully yesterdays events continue to move things in the right direction, and the dig at the rangers was priceless
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Alex says:
CB, did you have a good feeling after you left the hearing yesterday?
unfortunately i had to get back to work before i could hear you speak but that ovation that Wang got was amazing.
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You can’t make an omlette without breaking eggs. And you can’t build new roads and buildings and infrastructure with out creating congestion etc. Its like pregnancy Its a ruff period for a while but thenyou get a new baby!
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Nick, I currently attend Kellenberg, and I was speaking with Fr. Thomas Cardone, he said the entire school supports the project. That’s great news.
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#69….No one said that. Try some support.
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Blizzard says:
It would appear that support far outways dissenters here. If this project doesnt get approved the fall out will be huge. Having the worst arena in professional sports is a disgrace for this storied franchise. Enough is enough. I also like that the current coliseum will be renovated. There is history on that ice.
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robby d says:
Great Job, CB! All sounds encouraging but we still need a positive vote from the board. As far as Im concerned, traffic is a BS excuse. Traffic is something we ALL have to deal with on Long Island, no matter where we live. You don’t want traffic, move to Wyoming.
Hey CB, can you give a little explanation about the next phase of this Project? When does the board meet? When can we expect a decision? What will Logan be writing about? If it gets approved when will the project start? Thanks.
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IslanderNation says:
Nice speech CB. The Lighthouse live blog abbreviated all speeches and cut yours to about 3-4 sentences. It was nice to hear the whole speech for those of us who couldn’t make it.
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Willis says:
Well even though this was supposed to be more about issues in the DGEIS than a for/against forum, I thought it was great that so many important citizens who’s organizations would be directly affected by this project took the time to come out and voice their strong support for the project. I knew enough (by reading) that GC would try to put some opposition in there but I didn’t know what to expect from the rest of the area. All in all, most expressed hope and optimism that this will benefit all and urged the council to forge ahead.
And even GC only came up with the argument of “please take some extra time to look at how this will affect OUR water” (basically), which IMO is the only thing they COULD have done because the project makes so much sense to do.I expected boring – but found it fascinating, and am glad I went. I know its far from over and we’ll all have to wait and see what Ms. Murray says and does next. Still, it was nice to see that the support was so vocal and came from big names.
Incidentally, when I first got there the meeting had just started and we were not allowed into the building. You could hear everything happening inside from the speakers outside so this was not a problem. We were told that the theater was full but we could go to either of two adjacent buildings and watch it on simulcast. I finally went to one and sat with 47 (I counted) other people and watched the first hour in there. When they had the 10 minute break I snuck into the meeting and had no problem getting a seat. Just a little trivia for y’all.
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pointblank rocks says:
hey cb just curious i here the renovated coliseum is to have a capacity of 17,500 i hope they have lots of luxury boxes then cause most of the new buildings hold upwards of 18 thousand to 20 thousand people.my point is after the renovation i hope Mr wang doesn’t say he can’t make enough money on the islanders cause the building is to small
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where is CB?
i want his day after reaction to the events. -
Vukota says:
#84 That number is just for hockey. Concerts will hold up to 20,000 etc etc
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Willy Shea says:
Nothing to do know but wait. I applaud all you fans that went to the meeting. Good stuff. Although I do not trust, nor like Wanger, I am rooting for him
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based on nick’s comments on LTBLH it seems the turnout yesterday was stronger than i’d realized. that makes the whole day even more encouraging.
and it seems CB has a meeting regarding a new position tomorrow. positive news for him also. is this site literally in its last hours? that is anything but positive. if it’s going to happen, i want it over and done with. -
cgs878 says:
Hey, why is it that I don’t see any of the 2000 free Lighthouse T-shirts in any of the photos from yesterday’s pep rally event?? Please point me in the general direction of these photos. Thx.
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mike says:
ok just built i get it can we talk about something else this is getting old now lets move on please hey cb are u working on something i hope please let topic go
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Hockey1919 says:
Hey CB, I thought one of the Rules of Islanderspointblank was only discussing the Islanders, but you’re free to take a shot at that Square where PT Barnum parks his elephants come the playoffs any time you choose.
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mLem says:
1) His blog, his rules…he can do as he pleases
2) That wasn’t a pointblank column. It wasn’t written in the comments on this site, it was a public address so I don’t see how it applies anyway
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dose – where did you hear about CB having a meeting?
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beatlebailey says:
hopefully that is SNY looking to sign CB as the face of the islanders. I mean come on SNY you already have the jets and mets you need to add the last dysfunctional franchise to the land of misfit toys…:-)
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NO mention as far as I could tell of yesterdays events in the nyc editions of the Daily News, Post, or the NYT. Can’t blame that on CB but someone didn’t get the PR job done.
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LouD says:
Hey hockey1919, don’t you have rules in your house for guests that YOU don’t always have to follow? This is CBs site and he can do whatever he wants. If you don’t like the rules or don’t like this site guess what, you don’t actually have to read the blogs. As a matter of fact you can pretend it’s not even here and you can get all of your Islander info from the Islander website or Newsday. Makes sense right? Yes it’s that simple.
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Willis on Aug 5th, 2009 12:23:17 said:
Well even though this was supposed to be …this is a really good account of the event.
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kevin fitz :
on another site
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Hockey1919 on Aug 5th, 2009 14:00:18 said: Hey CB, … a shot at that Square where PT Barnum parks his elephants come the playoffs any time you choose.
i trust and hope this is only a wild guess.
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Blizzard says:
Wait a minute…………We have Tavares!
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Have they traded Martinke and Geravis yet?
Where does CB have his interview? -
Brett says:
We don’t know who CB is meeting with but if it’s in the city it is not with the Islanders. Time to put our focus on saving Point Blank until the Lighthouse needs us again.
Dear Mr. Dey…..
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Big Van Vader says:
Did any of you actually listen to the audio (or watch it on youtube) of the lady from Garden City who was representing the Homeowners Association? I may be one or two off, but i believe she suggested that they conduct 6, yes 6!, additional studies b4 anyone considers moving this project forward.
People in the crowd around me, while wanting to show respect, were all whispering how full of it she was and how THIS was to be Garden City’s way of slowing and/or trying to put up a roadblock. Very transparent. You could almost see Wang and Rechler saying to one another, “Isn’t this womans’ time up?” She went on for over 5 minutes!With all due respect to the supporters from Garden City……
Garden City #$#@!’s!
Apologies, C.B.
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Mike L says:
Big Van Vader- I saw the GC woman talk and yeah I was wondering why her youtube video was over 7 minutes long while Botta’s, Nick G’s and the others were less than 3 minutes long. While I did thing a bit of the complaints were excessive (i.e. the Speed limit on Stewart Ave in GC is 30 mph, while the rest of Stewart is 40 mph) Wang, and Rex should listen to some of thee complaints. If you can compromise enough to meet some of the GC demands (i.e. no light rail system, making sure water is clean) then I would think the residents would give in a bit. As stated at the meeting, not all GC residents are against the project.
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cgs878 (89): People were wearing them all over the place. They are plain dark navy blue shirts in front with the LH logo on the top left corner, and on the back they say JUST BUILD IT. Im wearing mine right now
They look a lot like plain Isles shirts, maybe thats what you think many of them are in the pics.Big Van Vader (103): I listened and when she was done I wished that someone could present an immediate rebuttal informing her that those studies were done at those times to get county approval and move things along to GET to this point. It was so obvious that she just looked for any road that the study didnt address and made it out to be the utmost in importance. If they had included the roads she mantioned, then she simply would have mentioned different roads.
Honestly, Garden City will be very sorry in more ways than one if they keep emphasizing the traffic issues. Thats why they are wavering back and forth regarding whether to even make an isssue over it- because some of them realize that it could backfire on them and their selfish desires. First off, theres like fifty million dollars in this development to address the pre-existing traffic problems… not to mention tens of millions earmarked by the state to help as well once the project is approved. Otherwise, theres- nothing. And if they think the traffic is not solvable in that way, the answer to that will eventually be (GASP!) mass transit… which they have made clear that they do NOT want.
But not everything coming from Garden City is going to be negative. Numerous Garden City residents spoke up to emphasize their support at the meeting. As for me, my mother lived in Garden City. I went to school in Garden City. My very first job was in Garden City. Believe me, all of Garden City is not going to be opposed to this project. The main negativity will be brought up by complainers with too little information and too much time on their hands. The developers know all about that type, and Im sure they are doing everything they can to be ready for them and their tactics.
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Mike L- That’s kind of the issue. On one hand, Garden City has blocked a light rail system from becoming a reality for years and they actually discontinued part of a spur of LIRR that ran through their “gold coast”. Soooo, i’m not QUITE sure what she means when she says she doesn’t want traffic to get worse and wants them to deal with the issue yet the people of her “association” have been and ARE against mass transit solutions. But, again, I think it’s a smokescreen to drag this process until it halts permanently.
And as for the water issue, if they can’t all get together, Wang+Rechler, Suozzi, Murray and whatever top people in the field they hire to come up with a solution, then we”ll TRULY never see the Lighthouse come to fruition.
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Blizzard says:
Ummm…..is Point blank alive?
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DominicD says:
I need my PB fix!!!! I am about to curl up in the fetal position in the corner!!
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Relax people, my comment was to encourage any shots he wants to take at the team on 34th street regardless of the rules. Please don’t be so touchy, CB does a fine job of moderating if he thought I was taking a shot.
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FourCupsin4yearsnot60 says:
Ok, I realize PB has spoiled me. A month of no Islanders’ news in August used to be the norm. Now, 48 hours of nothing and I am jonesing for a fix. CB where are you? Don’t you have something on our 4th round pick from 2004′s uncle’s, brother’s lacrosse match, or an update on Wrecker’s newest power skating coach? We need something here. Please at least tell us what Tavaras had for lunch today.
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Beef says:
I agree. I NEED my updates!!!!! Chris Dey – please help us. We’re begging you!!!!
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Hud says:
I agree, this is getting boring. I think us Islander fans need to set up a business with one employee, Chris. Maybe we can get him a nice salary, some good benefits, 401k, etc. I find myself working more without any updates, it was more fun being a slacker reading about the Isles.
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Unfortunately, I dont see things changing here unless the Isles decide to make that change. I wrote to Chris Dey (chris.dey@newyorkislanders.com) asking the Islanders to continue to support this site just like they did for the last year, I hope everyone else does the same, the only way it is going to happen is if we get it through to them how important it is to all of us.
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It’s funny, like the rest of you guys, I’m checking every hour or so for a new article. This sucks. CB Tweeted last night that he’s got something going on in the city today. Let’s hope it’s for one of the big names, MSG,SNY,NHL, Daily News, someone, offering to continue IPB.
I’ve got my fingers crossed. -
Doug F. says:
The Hockey News has a good article on the Islanders and Tavares. I put the link in an earlier post but they took it off.
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Giaco says:
This does suck but CB has to go out and get his.
Missing the updates on an August afternoon at work. And with the Mets stinking up the joint, I’m yearning for football to start.
ps Nice job with the Hockey News article.. anything else from anyone?
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Pablo says:
Islepointblank fans should keep the emails flowing to Dey and the Islander Org. We still need to get CBs Back!
This is not over yet! And if CB can’t find a home this place is done.
We all need to keep the pressure on the islander Org to Help Save IslandersPointBlank! -
upstatenyifan says:
(116) Thanks for the THN article heads up, Doug. I also noticed that they started their regular season predictions today. If things go as they see them, I guess we may be headed for the Taylor Hall sweepstakes.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
From the better late then never department …
Good job CB!!
I have been without internet & cable for the last 2+ days. Those boneheads at Inablevision misdiagnosed a problem at the tap (after I told the help desk it probably was at the tap). So this is the first opportunity since Tuesday that I’ve had to get caught up with Tuesday’s rally and hearings.
I think I’m going to write another email to ToH more Enviromentally centric.
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Uncle Jr says:
CB who are these meetings with?? (from IPB on Twitter) … are they all with the same person, people? Or 3 seperate meetings with 3 differnt people? We are dying to know what is going on with you. Can we help???
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Hey read the THN article. I believe our goaltending depth is probably the best in franchise history.
I’ll agree there is not enough toughness anywhere on the roster.
I’ll disagree the bashing of the forwards corps. There is talent there but it is young and growing. That’s fine it’s a rebuild and the plan must be stuck to.
The defense and the lack of toughness (some what the same issue) are the two that could and should be addressed because other wise the team just is not ready to start the season.Hey, guys remember the great ol’ days when we used to get 4 or 5 updates a day on the best website on the planet? Why would anyone get rid of that?
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Joe says:
#123, I know I miss the lack of posts, CB COME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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i’m getting ready for the battle in the bronx and even that isn’t keeping me from checking every little while for any news or development here. this slow death business rots. the whole thing is starting to get to me. now i’m sipping freakin absinthe and i don’t like the stuff. CB has another meeting ‘up north.’ boston?
yikes. -
Danielle says:
I don’t know where else to talk about this without there being a PB article! But I just read that the Lightning may be close to signing a deal with Tanguay – I really thought with him still available that the islanders might make a move for him
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Jim says:
#124
Didn’t cha read, PB is no more? -
if this is where it ends, CB will forever be recognized as our bridge between extinction and resurgence for this team.
a pretty lofty place in islander lore. -
Where on Earth are you guys finding the info on CB’s meetings?
I’d prefer no Tanquay. Really there are no FA’s worth having at this point. If Snow’s going to improve the team it will be via trade now.
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Strummer’s Army :
CB ‘tweets’
i’m not into it much myself, but at this particular time i’m checking it. -
Quietman says:
(gasp)Im goin into withdrawal(gasp)need islander updates fix(gasp)is this how it all ends(gasp)darkness closing in (gasp)not goin to that crappy islanders site(gasp)goodbye cruel charles(gasp)(wheeze)(rattle)
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Dont forget waivers, Strummer- the Isles have gotten quality guys off waivers before like Cairns and Osgood, so its not without precedent and is another way the Isles might improve the team- especially in times when teams may have to waive players they really like because of cap issues.
That may have been the most eloquent, succinct piece of oration since the Gettysburg Address!
Perfect.