HEMPSTEAD’S HANDSHAKE MEANS NOTHING
Wang must accept suitors on October 4
Nothing, of course.
Between Hands Across Mineola on June 5 and the environmental hearing on Aug. 4, optimism about the Lighthouse Project was professed by all sides. Behind the scenes, even some of the most cynical of insiders – including LDC leaders – were convinced a new spirit of cooperation had taken over. There were theories for Supervisor Kate Murray’s about-face, the most popular being the arrival (and quick disappearance) of Kristen McElroy, her opponent in the upcoming election.
In this view, the tone changed dramatically on Aug. 4. Soon after the three Bs – Bettman, Bossy and the Bishop – spoke on behalf of the Lighthouse, Hempstead leadership realized their hearing was turning into a pep rally. It dawned on them that 95% of the speakers were going to be proponents. The rest of the day became a dirge for the “community leaders.” Sitting in the press balcony at Hofstra after the lunch break, it was painful for me to watch them slumped at the dais and fiddling on their phones as citizens spoke passionately before them.
It was as if the Town of Hempstead board realized, “Uh oh…this Lighthouse thing isn’t pissin’ people off. When the heck is that parade of protesters going to show up”? It never happened.
(Murray drops another ball)
So Murray and her staff returned to back-room politics. They leaked a story about how most of the Lighthouse support notices they received came from citizens outside Hempstead or Nassau. They took their sweet time selecting a date for a re-zoning hearing (why not just do everything on August 4?). Playing cute, Murray & Co. eventually chose Sept. 22 – the same day the Islanders are playing in Kansas City.
Most pathetic of all, the Town of Hempstead invented a billing dispute between the Lighthouse Development Corp. and their planner, F.P. Clark & Associates. Yep, Charles Wang – out a few hundred million since buying the Islanders – is going to jeopardize Lighthouse progress by stiffing someone out of a few hundred grand. Know this: when the Town’s planning company took their ball and went home, it was because Kate Murray told them to.
The entire F.P. Clark fiasco is a humiliation to everyone with their hands in it.
The Town enjoyed a few good weeks when they had everyone convinced they were fast-tracking issues related to the Lighthouse. After I spoke at the Aug. 4 hearing and complimented the ToH on their work in the weeks leading to that day, town attorney Joseph Ra made a big show of telling me in front of the large crowd, “Mr. Botta, you should know this would not have been possible without the complete support of Supervisor Murray.” Thanks for listening, Joe.
(24 hours after it was placed with his personal assistant, Mr. Ra has not returned a call looking for comment for this story).
Since Aug. 4, nothing. Nothing, that is, except shameful politics. The State Department of Transportation, the Nassau County Department of Health, the Public Works department and all other state and county agencies did their jobs and made their deadlines. The best the ToH could do was invent a lame billing dispute. Shameful.
I suspect Wang will be an engaged participant in the re-zoning hearing on Sept. 22. Perhaps around 2:00 pm, he’ll decide whether it has been a productive and promising day or if he should get on a chartered aircraft to watch his Islanders play hockey in Kansas City. If nothing else, it will make for wonderful drama for Newsday to cover.
I don’t know what Wang will do if he doesn’t have his answers on Oct. 3. My opinion is that if he doesn’t authorize his staff to immediately begin preliminary discussions with leaders in Queens, Kansas City, Hamilton, Portland or anywhere else, he’s making a mistake. Wang has his deadlines, has his convictions. Islanders fans know the stories of Zdeno Chara and Brad Isbister, of the lost season of Sean Bergenheim.
Why would Wang ever believe anything Hempstead politicans say again? On the other hand, if Wang doesn’t accept invitations for alternative hockey homes on Oct. 4, the Town of Hempstead politicians will never take any of his deadlines seriously.
Wang should go to Queens and make the best deal he can. After that, it’s up to him if he wants to give Hempstead one last chance to wake up.
Comments.
97 Responses to HEMPSTEAD’S HANDSHAKE MEANS NOTHING
Wang must accept suitors on October 4
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Danbury Islander Fan says:
Mr. Botta you said all along that this would get ugly but that it would get done in the end. What I just read made me believe that you think Queens is the best chance for the Islanders staying in the New York area. So I am just wondering if you still believe in the last hour the lighthouse will get done, or we should all hope the move is to Queens instead of elsewhere.
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battfist says:
Murray will hear my voice.
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Steve says:
Wang should invite suitors from Queens on October 3, when the Islanders open the season against the Stanley Cup Champions, Penguins.
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Yep CB I agree with you on Wang’s next step. One of these TOH detours is going to push Wang over the limit and the Isles will be gone.
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Chris says:
Please move the team to Queens. I’m 5 min from citi field in Whitestone. I’d deff buy season tickets.
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BillyBC says:
I agree, move to Queens its still long island and will be a better fit. Im tired of all this hypocrisy. Its a waste of time, money and heart on the behalf of us fans. Put them right next to Citi Field so people can enjoy the mass transit, I dont think fans will mind traveling 10 more miles.
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billy says:
Done and done CB, this entire drama is played out, let’s start talking to people who ARE interested.
Queens would be option number one, it could even give our current team more character.
Option 2: the dream scenario occurs and Winnipeg (where i live) gets them. haha
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Jim Clark says: Move/sell the team to Ontario if TOH doesn’t want the Lighthouse
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Strummer's Army says:
At this point, I want the team to leave TOH. I want the NVMC to rot and the entire site to become a huge eye sore when it sits empty because it can no longer even draw Sesame Street Live because Charles Wang and his money isn’t around to renovate it again because the town and county cannot afford to. I want it to become a giant eye sore and monument to Kate Murray and TOH’s dirty politics. Where will the town be without all the revenue? then I want the Isles (hopefully) on LI to be in a fantastic new building bring in the revenue TOH has lost to another county.
Kate Murray and Joe Ra are disgusting. They are all dirty.
The only mistake Wang has made is being so patient and trusting with snakes. He should come out immediatley and say he has removed his Oct 3 deadline. That he is immediatley opening up negotiations with all interested parties.
Chris, any concept on why TOH is doing somethng that makes no sense for anyone?
Also, is there anything the State or county governments can do?
VOTE MURRAY OUT OF OFFICE!
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TM says:
Honestly I would like to see the Isles in Queens instead. It would be better for the viability of the franchise. We have a good fanbase but the reality is, the Isles would get better press and attendance in Queens. Nassau fans and politicians have had there chance and their time has passed.
Wang should go to Queens and make the best deal he can. After that, it’s up to him if he wants to give Hempstead one last chance to wake up – truer words were never spoken.
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Patrick says:
Maybe the idiots in Town Hall should realize that the reason so many displaced LIers wrote in is because it is very difficult for Joe sixpack to find quality affordable housing. Unless you want to live in somebody’s illegal basement apartment. The unions need to step up the rhetoric again. Too many jobs are at stake here.
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Doud F. says:
Forget LI and go to Queens…they’ll atract more fans and better free agents…
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thepolishprince says:
TOH is just horrible. I’m glad I’m a Suffolk resident now after growing up 5 minutes from the Masoleum. If the TOH can’t get this done I hope the team moves to Queens or maybe Hartford. At least I’ll still be able to get to games. It’ll beat following the KC or ONT version of the team on center ice.
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RussusDraco says:
I hope that the team would consider Belmont Park as a location. State owned land seeking development; sharing two counties, Queens and Nassau. Granted a lot of improvements need to be done for the roadways, but the same has to be done by the Meadowbrook. Or if development is too big in uniondale, just split it up between the two locations, they’re both within the ToH boundaries as well.
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Spencer says:
If Murray wants protests lets bring her one!!! Why caint we organize a rally right in front of that walrus’s office!!!
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cgs878 says:
Politics as usual… sounds like a Long Island thing. I hope that Mr. Wang finds a good home for the team in a place that bends over backwards for him and the organization, a place that actually works WITH him and not against him. It’s too bad that the Roosevelt Raceway area is developed. That would have been a good area in which to build a new facility. Ahhh well, a decade too late I guess.
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Jim says:
We should start a campaign against the Murray incumbent including Gary Hudes. If any one is good with setting up website we should get out the word to vote them out.
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ny711ot says:
Man if I was queens I would give charley the world. How perfect would a new arena and complex be replacing the blight next to citifield. I do think the challenge to that is wilpons desire to make their own landgrab…
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avolp55turgeonfichaud says:
** reaching for gin and tonic at 7 30 am **
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Pnut says:
There are plenty of fans/people who would take the Islanders with open arms, in Suffolk.
Something big needs to be done to het the point across that the ToH is going to be hurt if he Isles move away. That all the rich people in Garden City try to sell their homes in a few years when this recession is over and they will find no one is looking. Queens will be in good shape financially. Brooklyn will be in good shape. Suffolk will be in good shape.Nassau will be hurt, ToH especially. what does Nassau have other than the Colli? they have 3 malls……..and?
Hopefully these people will realize who screwed them, but i am not holding my breath.
WE AS FANS NEED TO COME TOGETHER NOW AND MAKE SURE SHE KNOWS OF US. As Spencer said protest outside her office. Uncover the truths about her. Also tell people her tactics of, being “an unbiased” leader. That the were waiting for the County. The lie that the enviromental study takes a while. Plaster her lies for all to see.
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25yearfan says:
1. Charles grew up in Queens, so it would be a prodigal son kinda moment if NYI move there; next to Citi Field would be fine….
2. He should have Picker attend the 9/22 meeting and go to Kansas City instead – send in a recorded video or prepared statement to be read (maybe printed out on a “Greetings from Kansas City” postcard)
3. He should bring Helen Marshall – Queens Borough President – as a special guest to KC
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mw147 says:
There is still a very good chance this will happen. But ONLY if Mr. Wang sticks to his word and starts talking to other interested parties after October 3. Ms. Murray and the TOH will need to see an uproar from Islanders fans, unions, and other intelligent citizens who want this to happen and will be very upset if it does not. This is Nassau County politics at its finest.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Is Queens really feasible? I ask this not from the perspective of the Islanders or the landowners but from the viewpoints of the NHL representing the Rangers and the Devils. Sure it’s maybe only 10 miles west as a bird flies, but I wonder if there are territorial restrictions.
I’d actually prefer if the Islanders went out east to Suffolk.
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Matt says:
This has become very frustrating for most of us but think about how Charles Wang must feel. The man has talked and wanted to go through with this project for I think seven years now. If the team does move, I hope it’s only to Queens where a majority of us will still go to games. As a Long Islander from day 1 of my life, I hope the team remains where it belongs.
Good job as always Chris.
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Eric says:
Whoever wants the team sold or moved just so you can make a point to a fat politician…well you should be ashamed! This team isn’t going anywhere #1. #2, if your such a big fan why would you want a place you visited countless times(I know I have) becoming an eye sour and the team sold to ontario or even queens for that matter. This is lOng islands team. CB is just trying to stir stuf up so we continue the support just in case.
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I will never cease to be amazed how so many people base their entire opinion of the process on the last article written for this site.
Yes, the Town of Hempstead has been painfully slow and tone-deaf throughout this whole process. However, things are moving. You don’t hear the same “bad things” about other options in the area because they’re not being negotiated, so of course the same level of heat wouldn’t come out.
The fact remains that the Lighthouse is the best option for the Islanders, and for all of us. It will not be easy, but if we keep doing what we’re doing this thing will happen.
Getting riled up is good – wanting to do something is good – immediately jumping ship for an option that hasn’t been proven to make any more sense is crazy.
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Geli says:
Quite frankly, Hempstead doesn’t deserve a team. The fans are great, obviously that comment doesn’t apply to them. But the municipality does not deserve a professional sports franchise, and when the Isles move, whether it be out of state or just down the LIE, I hope they never hear the end of how they let a franchise willing for its own new facilities leave. An absolute, disgusting joke.
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That was supposed to be “willing to pay for…”
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Scott W says:
http://www.fpclark.com/
Lets call them out and get them back to work. We really should flood them with calls today!! -
…and the pendulum of opinion swings wildly once again. Its not easy to keep balance while it happens, but I really hope that we can do it.
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KO21 says:
Just got off the phone with Joe Ra’s assistant and she was beligerant, cutting me off as I spoke. She said if you want your concerns on record, “I needed to write a letter or email”. I find it disturbing that the Supervisor doesn’t take phone calls from the people she is being paid by to represent. I loath Mr Murray, that beast.
The number is 15164895000 in case you guys feel compelled.
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Oh, Ra’s secretary also exclaimed that she personally read all of the “public comments” and it is indeed true that most of the LHP supporters lived outside of the ToH. I asked he what the %’s were but she didn’t answer, only cut me off again. The broad isn’t listening and I’m thinking Isles fans must be really getting under her skin. The sad part of it all is this project will create needed jobs and these selfish pigs couldn’t care less, they’re comfortable with their pay checks signed by us.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
its simple, if lighthouse not approved Murray does not get re-elected. Not settle for her word. it must be approved.
To my knowledge i hear its getting done.
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joe says:
Why not the new Barclay’s center in Brooklyn? It’s still technically Long Island and accessible from LI by road and rail. I satnd behind our owner and the team but the TOH is killing the team that we all love!
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James says:
There is room right next to Arther Ash for the Lighthouse. I’d love to see the Islanders in Queens.
BTW, CB when you post links for stories on nhl.fanhouse, they won’t work on mobile devices. I found if you put a m. before the link you can read the article on your mobile phone. -
Blizzard says: At this point I am with all those who want them to just move….of course somewhere in the area. I would love to stick it to TOH, let the NVMC rot and become an eyesore and a symbol of the dirty corruption, and inepetitude of those who stould in the way.
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art says:
This Queen’s talk is just talk. Anyone reading this, name an organized group with real money who will pay for this $400+ million. The city will not and then you get to the question how does the deveoper/owner make money? What goes on in the building the other 280 days that hockey isn’t played? Did someone suggest concerts or the circus? I think that MSG still has dibs on that stuff. No don’t dream of Queens instead beleive that Wang will win over this team the Garden City Murrays!!!
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Alex G says:
#11, what do you mean “Nassau fans had their chance?” I had my chance to do what? Go to the hearings? I did. Support my team? I do. So what exactly do you mean I had my chance? I’m a Mets fan also, but if they got into a dispute with their respective counties, they should move because fans in Flushing had their chance?
I forgot that fans in Nassau County should be punished for the TOH’s actions
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Nick says:
QUEENS IS A PIPE DREAM. Do you really think Wang is going to go through years and years of additional environmental studies and political intrigue? There arent even blueprints on the table for Queens.
If LH is not passed, overwhelmingly likely scenario is that Wang sells the team and it moves from New York. He wont move to KC to lose money out there. He’s HQ’d here and he likes to be involved with team ops, so don’t expect a Wang owned team out there.
Besides, doesnt anyone here really think that a large part of this whole thing has to do with Wang obtaining a real estate bonanza in Nassau? Open your eyes and take off the hockey jersey for a minute. I’m a big Isles fan but the LH really is kind of a dumb idea. What are we gonna do with hundreds of additional quarter million dollar condos in the NVMC parking lot?
There’s still no provision for mass transit, and there’s already a huge shopping mall at nearby roosevelt field. Plus, Wang has been strangely mute on what I thought would be his strongest selling point- that he’s not asking for public funds.
Are we gonna find out if this thing is passed that Wang expects us to kick in to help pay for his bonanza, even if it comes in the form of expanding the meadowbrook or hempstead tpke?
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pablo says:
Well, when are the Islander fans going to get it! The Islanders are just a pimple on the Animals back.
Here it is, after all is said and done with the Lighthouse by the October date dead line means Nothing!
Charles Wang although it may seem Has NO interest in moving the Islanders or basically staying as owner if the Lighthouse does not get approved.
Mr. Wang ONLY has interest in getting this project done. So although we hear of moving the Team here and there, FORGET IT Never Happen!
The Islanders are here for the next 5 years and in that time 2 things will happen,
1. Wang gets his approval for some of the project, which he will except.
or
2 Charles Wang will put the Club up for SALE.
Mr. Wang has NO interest in Keeping the Islanders long term.
You dont have to believe this but time will prove this right either way.
You have to look at the big picture, and the Islanders are just one of the little peices to it.
Mr.Wang has NO interest in Owning or running a Hockey Club relocated ANYWHERE he just wants this Lighthouse project to cap his career and Legacy.
That’s all folks this is busines, it is not about owning a Hockey Club for the future. It is about building a land mark and retiring and enjoying life. Mr. Wang is not getting any younger and his face shows it.
So for Mr. Wang it is Lighthouse or the sale of the Islanders org. Period! -
Randy Wood's Porche says:
KC makes the most sense because of the simple fact that a new stadium has already been built and is ready to be occupied. Plus the fact that KC actually wants the isles to play there.
Wang needs to fight fire with fire and start talking to KC officials at 12:00 midnight in October 3. No more BS from Nassau!
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Mario says:
Just put Queens in a luxury suite for Oct. 3rd and let them enjoy the game and show them how us true fans really are and they will welcome us into their town immediatly. FU Murray
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Steve says:
Good for Charles Wang – I love the Islanders – LOVE the Islanders but he should be as high handed as he wants to be at this point. He’s given the Islanders a 10-year stay of execution – if TOH is too short sighted to pull the trigger, Mr. Wang has certainly earned the right to strengthen his negotiating position, even if it means relocating the team.
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Nick #40, you are a clown if you think a lack of plans will stop anything. Plans can be drawn up relatively quickly. Environmental audits on the site next to CITI Field are unneccesary, as the entirety of the world knows of the contamination there, another non-issue. If you think this development is a dumb idea, you need your head examined, that property is an eyesore, a blight on the community it is located in and designed to serve. The future is now, the property must be developed, as it will put Uniondale back on the map. What purpose does a giant parking lot, that is predominately empty most days and nights for that matter, serve. Additionally, Pablo #41, If you think that Charlie Wang will move the team and retain ownership, you should go on and stick your head back in the sand, where it has clearly been for the last year or two. The movement options equate to sale options, knucklehead. And finally, if any of you think Joe Ra’s job dosent absolutely depend on Kate Murray you too are mistaken. Mr. Ra has taken the job of proffessional ass kisser. And, I might add, he is good at it.
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Bryan says:
Well I’m looking forward to election day that’s for sure.
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#13 (whoever you are), there’s no need for name calling and I can assure you that I am not, nor ever have I been, a clown.
Since I will not engage in name calling, on the merits of the issue are you saying that the NVMC should be redeveloped into million dollar condos that no one wants or can afford because its an eyesore? A new stadium alone and some gardens will do the same job for much, much less.
Secondly, I say you are mistaken about the necessity of environmental studies because they are mandated by law. There were environmental studies conducted before the World Trade Center site redevelopment began after the 2001 attacked even though there were two huge skyscrapers there beforehand (as we all know). A project in Queens would require years of additional planning as well as the buyout/ eminent domain seizure of whatever chop shops would need to be removed to make room.
Im as big of an Isles fan as anyone here and if the LH got passed I would be happy, but doesn’t anyone think Wang is being a bit unreasonable here by insisting on a full real estate redevelopment? If he pushed for a stadium we’d probably have it already.
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Big Van Vader says:
Wang SHOULD listen to all offers if he doesn’t have his “certainty” on Oct 4th.
It’s his money. If it was MY money, I would have ALREADY been listening to offers. This is a ploy, albeit a very serious one, to get Murray and Co. off their fat asses and get this done. Look for it to finally get approval either late October or early November.Common sense, people. As AWFUL as TOH and our local governmanet have PROVEN to be throughout all of this, they would be absolute FOOLS not to approve this when they are TRULY up against the wall. It would be akin to political suicide.
This is going to be a tough finish, no doubt. But ultimately, they SHOULD be getting a deal done.
“Don’t f this up Mitchell!!!!!”- Principal who just got decked, from Three O’Clock High
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Isles Fan in Ulster County says:
Shameful. Please don’t go farther west than Queens. I can’t wait for election day for TOH. I’m saddened that Garden City is such a strong Republican base though. My dad’s one vote against won’t do squat, unless other citizens are also dissatisfied with Murray’s “leadership”. I wish I was a TOH citizen. TOH CITIZENS: DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ON ELECTION DAY; this westchester/ulster Isles fan implores you! -
Unfortunately (and I am a conservative), Murray won her last election by a large margin and Obama’s/Democrat unpopularity in suburbia right now all but assures Murray’s re-election. We cant be rid of her, which is a disgrace.
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rob says:
Is Queens really feasable?
CB- do you still think the light house will get done?
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has nothing to do with being republican. You sound like a ignorant obama supporting dem.
Rockville Centre is most Republican and noone like Kate Murray there.
She should on my platform in morning, it old her why waste your time standing on platform. if you dont approve lighthouse you not getting my vote.
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sorry for all the typos-
Rockville centre is mostly republican and noone likes her there.She stood on my platform one morning and i told her “why waste your time standing here. If you dont approve the lighthouse, you are not getting my vote.”
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leviticus says:
PLEASE read the Nick (lettherebelight(house))web page…much more even tempered rationale presentation of where we are…PLEASE
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Gary says:
correct me if im wrong but i thought all the environmental studies have been done in queens already and its just a question of what they will build and who is going to pay
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Blizzard says:
Partisan Politics has no place here. If anyone thinks one party is more sleazy than the other I have a bridge I would like to sell you. Moving on I firmly believe that Wang will throw down the gauntlet come Oct 3. As well he should.
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StevieL says:
CB. This blog needs to be on the editorial page of Newsday or on News 12. The problem again is the lack of public outrage over the TOH political machine. TOH treats this matter like a wildfire . It flares up every once in awhile but is allowed to burn itself out. There is no constant public pressure or scrutiny. It gets hot and then gets quiet. Wang needs to turn up the heat. He should drop the Oct 3rd deadline and start entertaining offers immediately.Unfortunately I fear as many state, Wang loves the land more than the team. TOH knows this and are willing to call his bluff. If I was him, I would have all suitors at the Oct 3rd opening night, in very prominent seats!
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Nick, do you have $200 to $300 million dollars to lose? Thats an absurd question because clowns dont get paid that well. Concamitantly, go ahead look it up, i’ll wait! Charles Wang has already LOST $220,000,000.00 to date. If you know anything about REAL ESTATE, and I’m going out on a limb here, by guessing you dont, the entrepeneurial profit on the typical real estate development is between 10 and 15%. Considering the purchase at $195,000,000.00 added to the $220,000,000.00 loss, Mr. Wang is in a hole that is $415,000,000.00 deep. If he and Mr. Rechler clear the maximum 15% profit from the redevelopment of the property, thats $600,000,000.00 split two ways thats $300,000,000.00 each to Mr.s Wang and Rechler, respectively. That dosent even make him whole again, let alone profitable, so you see, you are in fact a clown. Get a clue, and if you cant afford one on your meager clown salary, rent a clue!
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Phil says:
If they move, please let it be Queens. I don’t think I can support a team outside of NY.
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King says:
Sorry to say folks but the Islanders are not going anywhere. This is bigger than that excuse for a politician Kate Murray.
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BD Hendo says:
Great conspiracy theory article, & good way to stir the pot, but as just about everyone that is involved with the LH project knows, it is a slow process. With a little bit shy of a month to go before CW’s self imposed deadline, this article was just uncalled for, unless KM & TOH bashing is now the status quo here.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
One Word…
Discouraging!!
CB – I agree … as much as I’d hate to see JT’s debut overshadowed in the news by a headline that Wang is seeking alternatives …. we all know that the Oct. 4th headline on the Isles will be a For Sale Sign … we knew that even before the Aug. 4th hearing because Oct 3rd was unrealistic at that point. You and Nick G. made that clear in your coverage… so as much as I’m disappointed to hear about the TOH foot dragging … it is nothing I didn’t expect.
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Potvin5 says:
Murray needs to go, period.
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Marc says:
The 10/3 deadline coming and going without certainty is anything but a surprise.
I agree with Chris that Wang needs to explore his options by 10/4 and make sure that word gets out to the public immediately. Murray and friends should be ashamed of themselves and should feel heat quickly. If Wang doesn’t keep to his word, he won’t be taken seriously. Tell Kate Murray to ask Sean Bergenheim if Wang can be serious.
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hyedray says:
No more chances—Murray and the GOP must be completely voted out of the TOH—or the Islanders will be history.
She did the “handshake” to buy time.
Problem is, her opponent McElroy does not seem to have much of a campaign up and running. Plus the TOH website for the Democrats is from 2007. Perhaps we can send a message to Nassau Dems to get some help to TOH in the way of funds and services to get a legit campaign up and running. McElroy is not a dummy candidate or shouldn’t be. She almost won her race for State Senate.
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beatlebailey says:
If I were the Isles owner I would forget about queens and having to deal with another long drawn out review process. I would just negotiate with KC to move them threre myself or sell them to someone who would. Would Basille be interested in buying the Isles and moving them there? Charles isnt getting any younger. I am sure he wants resolution asap.
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Tavares says:
@#62….Maybe Botta should submit all of his articles to you first, for approval.
Screw Hempstead, move em’ to Queens.
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jonsson3 says:
Move to Suffolk already! Screw the TOH!
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mt275 says:
I’m not sure I’m right on this, but Citifield, and the Tennis Center are built on park land which is city’s property. The Willets Point development is another matter that will involve rezoning, and using eminent domain to move existing “junk yard” businesses out of the area. It is possible that the city will pony up some tax incentive to build an arena near Citifield using Wang’s money, while giving him the right to build the Willets Point development when rezoning get passed.
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NYCIslanders says:
Other than a mention in the Daily News and Newsday earlier this year, is there any other hard evidence that Queens is actually interested in putting an arena in the Willets Point area. I mean, all we’ve heard is that the Queens Chamber of Commerce wants the Islanders. Fine. But I don’t believe they carry much clout. Nor does the Queens Borough President have much clout. It comes from the local community board. Has Mayor Bloomberg chimed in yet? The City of New York has been threatening to use eminent domain on the Iron Triangle for years but has yet to do so. I hope the arena in Queens becomes a reality (I live in Bayside). But considering the economic climate and the problems that have happened in Brooklyn with the Barclays Center, I’m not holding my breath for anything to happen in Queens.
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VanVoorhees says:
She’s a Witch! Made of wood you see…
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mt275, you bet your ass they would, in a heartbeat, they would display enormous fiscal irresponsibility if not
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On Edge says:
If this lighthouse deal does not get done, this team will not be in NY – mark my words – and I will not blame Wang one bit. He has taken a beating money wise and has continually tried to do the right thing by Long Island. It makes not sense to wait another 3-5 years for Suffolk County or Queens to start this whole process over again when you have a state of the art facility in KC. Murray is writing her own political obituary and damage to this area will be felt long after she is gone. The stupidity astounds me.
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admin says:
Folks: let’s lose the “you’re an ass,” “No, you’re a moron” stuff. Thank you
Ass/Moron
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isles316 says:
This is depressing
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EdTurner says:
Sorry, but anyone who believed Kate Murray had changed her mind, well, I have a bridge to sell you.
Want to hurt her. Every store you see that has a Kate Murray reelection sign in their window or on their property, walk in and tell them that you will not be shopping in their store.
Don’t just avoid the store, tell them. Tell them why. The signs will start to come down. People will talk. It’s up to all of us to save this team.
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The colisuem is a dungeon. Even while I have a business and finance background it does not take an expert to realize that the SMG lease is a dog for team ownership, there is no revenue from parking, operating costs probably well over 75 million dollars including roster payroll. Do the math. Ticket sales probably account for less than 30 million in revenue. From my understanding they do not get parking revenue and they share concession revenues. My estimation would be that even if they sold out every game during the season, the way revenues are structured, they still would not be operating profitably. If I was advising a client on the purchase of this team with the ways revenues are structured, I’d tell him to do something else. It is not sustainable.
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#39, Nassau fans stopped coming in good numbers as soon as the cups stopped. Attendance has been terrible for decades. They didn’t even sell out when Bossy and Potvin’s numbers were retired. They had their chance.
Pablo is correct. Wang doesn’t want to own NYI. He just wants the real estate.
Edge, Wang could’ve bought out the lease years ago but didn’t so he could cry poverty to get the real estate. Queens could be done in 5 years, the time that the SMG lease expires. Many environmental reviews have already been done at Willets Point.
Queens is the way to go. It has the infrastructure, the media, access for more fans and is close. TOH politicians don’t deserve NYI and many people there don’t either, present company excluded if they support.
Queens baby. Queens.
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In 5 years somthing will happen either way. The lease runs out, the SMG contract can been broken techically.and the cable contract is a very rich one.
lets not get into how the Islanders will survive, the new building is a go and another buyer might go with it.
The bottom line is Wang will not move the Team and the Islanders are not going anywhere. Wang will put the team up for sale if the Lighthouse project as a whole does not get approved or down sized.
Thanks for deleteing me CB I guess i can use the word Clown, is that better for you!LoL! And please cant we stick to Hockey here, the silence of the Islanders say’s alot to this upcoming season and your writing about the lighthouse.
Oh Ya and Forbes Magizine “Fact” came out and disclosed that Mr.Wang and the Islander Org Overstated Losses. Look it up yourself (google). No bad words here CB, are you going to delete me. LoL! -
Yo edge, brilliant point! Thats exactly why Chuck Wang is the ONLY reason the NYI exist. Without him thet would’ve been the Portland Piss-ants long ago!! Its the sole reason the project must get done. Somehow, the financial hemmorage must be stopped. The NYI is not a cash cow, its a dinero dumpster. Plus, long islanders in general, fair weather friends! Win and we’re in, lose and we snooze. Who in there right minds would pay a few hundred bucks to take your family out to see an all but guaranteed loss.
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Wang needs to tell Murray and the TOH board members to go scratch! I would like for them to stay in New York but could not fault Wang for moving the team to KC or anywhere else for that matter.
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lets go isles says:
Just vote Murray out already!!!! …..and be done with her!!!!
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people please read the lettherebelighhouse blog’s latest entry
and good work as always Chris B. -
miket239 says:
Our Islanders are just a game between ToH and SMG and Charles Wangs Lighthouse project. MOve the fn team to Queens…as close to the Nassau Co border as possible. F SMG and F ToH. MOVE THE ISLANDERS OUT OF NASSAU CO.!
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#79 it would not make sense to buy out the lease five years ago unless his ultimate plan was to move the team. I’d bet the buyout cost was prohibitive. Anyone who would bank on getting rich on the surrounding real estate would have to have their heads examined given the multiple hoops the TOH have you go through. There are reasons why that land has not ever been developed. These are the same reasons why Wang might just not have a choice anymore.
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Paul says:
I think Wang is working for MSG and the Dolans and this was all an evil plot to get rid of the Islanders. Knowing TOH would never buckle and forcing an impass of a situtation. That’s my x-files theory.
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Paul :) says:
All I have to say is;
“LET’S GO ISLANDERS”
As long as Islanders are here, i am going to games and supporting my team!!!
“LET’S GO ISLANDERS”
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Mike from Philly says:
The Islanders in Queens would be ideal for the long term viability of the franchise. Those reasons have been beaten to death on this website, I think we all agree the team staying in the general area is what is important. For those bringing up Suffolk, it just won’t work because you are way to far removed from NYC. You think we have it bad playing in Uniondale, imagine the lack of sponsorship/corperate support we would get.
- Also for those claiming a move to Willets Point will requirt a new environmental study, it actually was completed this summer and 75% of the land has been regained by the city and borough. If you go into google and type in DERS Willets Point you will find all this info.
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Dominic DiDonna says:
Folks….This not about whether the TOH deserves the Islanders and not ALL about the Islanders. For those of you saying that you hope the Isles move to Queens and want the NVMC to rot you are all very shallow. This project needs to move forward and happen in some way shape or form for development of Long Island and bring some very needed jobs and attraction to this area.Don’t get me wrong it is not the “cure all” but is absolutely the Key Block in the foundation of the LI future. The Isles are the main ingredient to that block.
To have a silly “I’ll take my puck and leave” attitude is ridiculous and cowardous!
Kate Murray may want us out……why give her what she wants so easily? Fight for what we believe in……and what I believe is that this team belongs in NVMC…….it is our history….it is our home!!!!!!ENOUGH BS…..23 Days Till The Puck….Good Season…Bad Season…..Don’t Matter….It’s Islanders Hockey at the Barn!!!!!!!!!!Bring it on!!!
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Jeff says:
We will have to wait for the Sept 22 zoning hearing. I would still vote Murray out, but I am not a TOH voter. We need to give Kristen McElroy some publicity.
I am from North FLushing which is in between Whitestone and Citi FIeld, which is about 5 minutes away and convenient by public transportation for me. The WIllets Point project will be built on. The environmental studies are done. They do not know when it will be comnplete. But from what I gather, the plans are to build entertainment there as I was at a political forum recently, as well as affordable housing, etc. Whether Wang can get in on this, I really do knot know. This area makes the most sense from a sports and location point of view if Lighthouse does not work out. I asgree. Invite Queens Reps to the Oct. 3 Home Opener. Once they start talking to others, I think TOH will move quickly. But it will be politics as usual, blaming others. Voters in the TOH please wake up and smell the coffee (I have always been a Democrat my whole life and now I know why), VOTE DEMOCRAT and vote Murray out of office regardless of outcome.
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Glen S says:
9/22 is a very big day for us ISLANDER FAN’S let’s see if something positive come’s out of this hearing and not more OK we going to look at this a little while longer. Why doesn’t the town/county/state and Wang/REC sit down and reach say some sort of middle ground to get this project in the express lane so that they can get a shovel in the ground next spring!!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS -
Tom says:
CB, your last paragraph says it all. Charles B. Wang’s #1 job as owner is to protect AND advance NYI hockey. He can do that. Just call Queens.
You can only be taken advantage of if you allow it. He’s got to walk away from Nassau. HAS to.
Even Charles B. Wang knows nothing’s gonna happen on 9/22. Move the deadline up to 9/23 & call Queens.
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Michael says:
I have kind of dumb question. I live in the Bronx and I go to a number Islander games a season. Why does it matter that most of the Lighthouse support notices the TOH received came from citizens outside Hempstead or Nassau? Aren’t we all spending money and supporting the economy in Nassau Country when we come out here ?
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post #94 you hit it in the HEAD, your money from the BX my money from suffolk county translate’s into one thing TAX REVENUE for Nassau county and TOH…..
That’s why when you get politicion’s involved thing’s just seem to come to a halt. -
MikeD says:
Wow Eric #26 got burned on this one
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Andy L. says:
We should all support Ms. Murrays opponent in the next election both financially,and physically. Kate must Go!!!
This is shameful. Just get it done already.