LIGHTHOUSE LEASE TO BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK
County deal done, Lighthouse fate is up to ToH
12:25 pm - Point Blank has learned that Tom Suozzi plans to announce the execution of a lease between Nassau County and Charles Wang and Scott Rechler for the Lighthouse Project in the coming week.
A press conference with the Nassau County Executive and the developers of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property could take place as early as Tuesday. At the latest, it will be on Friday – the day before the Islanders open the 2009-10 season and the day before Wang’s deadline for answers from the Town of Hempstead.
With approvals from state and county agencies – such as the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works – and now an executed lease for the property from Nassau County, the fate of the Lighthouse Project (and the Islanders) would be completely in the hands of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town board.
77 Responses to LIGHTHOUSE LEASE TO BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK
County deal done, Lighthouse fate is up to ToH
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I don’t know whether to feel hope or doom…hope. These people need to do the right thing. Right on the eve of the season start…this is crazy.
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Judgment Day is coming for the TOH. Whenever they make that decision, they better say yes, and say it quickly.
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potvin rocks says:
feel doom. that is where the project has been heading all along. katie murray will be the only reason why the isles play in queens!
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Does the ToH really want to be viewed as the 1 thing that keeps this from happening? As excited as I am for the start of the season, I am as worried/frightened about this. It’s finally come down to the last week, a week that will be filled with mixed emotions. Let’s cross our fingers and remain optimistic! (does positive thinking really work!?)
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Brian h says:
When placed entirely in the hands of the TOH, they no longer can blame anyone else for stalling anymore. TOH will be a sinner or saint to one side or the other and have to realize they wont please everyone with whichever choice they make.
I pray it is in favor of the Lighthouse, but I am prepared for the eventuality that it wont be. I would hate to see the Islanders move, but Wang has lost so much money that I don’t think a simple renovation for the old barn will be enough for him to recoup even half of what he already lost. If push comes to shove and he has to move the team, I hope he keeps them local.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Your last line there CB was very comforting … LOL!
However … I’ll take what ever good news I can get about the LHP.
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Mario says:
CB I hope no one knows about the Lighthouse and they announce it during opening night before the Isles come out.
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StevieL says:
Does this mean that if Wang agrees to the lease and the TOH rejects the plan, Nassau is then in violation of the lease and Wang has his out to sell and move the team before 2015?
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doom is right. katie murray is going to be the reason the isles play in queens!
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mike says:
Until I’m sitting in a new arena I won’t get to happy.
You CAN’T trust any politicians in this country. -
Signit says:
the legislature has 90 days to approve the lease, should it not be approved, the current lease is NULL AND VOID, and the out clause starts then and not 2015… this is a simple trap to make the isles make money now opposed to 2015..
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StevieL: It will not work like that.
The lease is good news… it needs to get done, and it is getting done. Remember, the TOH wanted guarantees that the team would remain and that Wang wouldnt bail on them, this is one of the biggest things the town was asking for at the last meeting. -
iruber1337 says:
RE:8 I think collectively half of the arenas heads would explode if it was announced right before the Isles came out.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
What exactly happens if the ToH says ‘no’ to the project, regardless of perception? In reality, if Wang signs that lease, doesn’t he handcuff himself to the land and effectively empower the ToH to say no? Sure, it’s a bit inderhanded on the side of the ToH but it seems like a gamble for Wang too.
Maybe I’m missing something…
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nystrom23 says:
I have to agree with #8 and #14…that would be insane if wang came up on the scoreboard and announced it….even if the finished in last again next year…i would still be pumped about the future
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Staten Islander says:
Said it once and I’ll say it again, I hope cooler heads prevail in this game of chicken between Wang and Murray. And so nobody misconstrues, I’m on Wang’s side and I hope that the Lighthouse in some form gets built, it looks like it would be good for that area.
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doc says:
I’m sure there are clauses in the “Lease” agreement that if the TOH does not give the green light… that Wang is not tied to the “new” lease. He’s a very smart business man… he wouldn’t expose himself like that I’m sure.
DOC
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Matt says:
well I am not going to get excited until a shovel is in the ground. this is good news though.
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Isle4Ever says:
Now that Nassau has agreed to a lease, doesn’t it seem like the TOH just wanted to invoke some power and try to prove that the town is actually important in this matter. She has to say yes come Oct 3rd.
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TuxTax says:
Does the SMG contract change if a new arena is built?
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Blizzard says: …well alright Murray. Do you want your legacy to include:
…voting against the increased tax revenues for the public schools
…voting against all the jobs this project will create in a dire economic climate.
…voting against all the revenue the Islanders create for the TOH, Nassau County and NYS.
…voting off the only professional sports franchise on Long Island.
…your call Honey. Lets stop the insanity and get er done.
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islesfan999 says:
Sign the thing already. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
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slsangus says: The key person that no one is mentioning here is actually Rechler. The guy is one of the largest commercial real estate owners on LI and knows how to get things built, even here when you have to jump through approximately 5,409 hoops before anything can get done.
If the lease meets most of the TOH conditions (eliminating an excuse for the TOH to say no), then it will come down to these questions:
1. Does the Town board collectively want to be known as the group that killed 70,000 jobs and chased away the Islanders (I don’t know what the answer to this question is)?
2. Do a few self-centered whiners from Garden City hold enough power to screw the rest of the Island (again; don’t know the answer).
3. Will someone from the upper echelons of the NYS Republican Party (Skelos?) make the phone call to the Board to push them toward sanity (again; don’t know)?
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slsangus (24): Excellent point regarding Rechler. He was the calmest, coolest, most collected person at that meeting- no question. He has certainly seen this crap before.
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billy says:
SWEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!
Now there will only be 1 reason why this didn’t go through. With all of this pressure to complete what everyone else wants, i think it would be career suicide for Kate to back out now.
This is the best possible news, the TOH held it up and now if this doesnt happen they’re the ones who take all the blame.
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TimQ says:
There is absolutely no reason to believe that the Murray Santino Mob will even finish reading the proposal by Oct 3rd. They will try to delay the decision, and Charles will say see you later. The only way this gets done is if a political heavyweight steps in and forces the hand of the ToH board.
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LIMBAUGH2012 says:
#22
will these jobs being created put food on my table -
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Does it remind you the situation when they pull the goaley in the last minute and trying to score? The tention is rising. The only difference is Wang wants to win in regulation and doesn’n want the overtime. Good for him not letting TOH to even earn a single point.
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neologizer says:
If I was an evil politician with ambitions to take the world but only the means to wreck a town here’s what I would do: Cover my A$*
Gauge, gauge and gauge the opposition. Make it seem like I was fighting for the locals against the big bad traffic making developer. Instigate a few token changes to hold out that I did something in the process (I don’t know – force them to put in a bike lane with my name on it or somthing): Then approve it and take as much credit as politically possible
I think Murray’s going to take her sweet time (to cover her A*&) but ultimately approve it
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Mike from Oceanside says:
I’m just wondering which paragraph has the magic words, “Contingent upon”.
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gary says:
i think SMG has a contract that expires in a few years–Then im sure its not renewed or if it is, its completely in favor of the Isles getting all revenue–as it should be
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and the Oct 3 deadline thing is bs–look for some kind of announcement a couple of months later–Maybe toward the new year period–if at all that is
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Josh says:
Chris, please explain again why fate of Lighthouse Project = fate of Islanders. Why couldn’t a good team in a new rink make money on LI?
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If I’m not mistaken, I believe that the current lease has provisions regarding a new lease. I think if the new lease is not approved by the Nassau Legislature within a certain time frame (90 days?) then the current lease becomes null and void once that time goes by. This then gives the Islanders ownership the ability to relocate as they are no longer bound by the original agreement.
As Mr. Wang has stated numerous times, he will not move the team. However, that doesn’t mean he will not sell the team to a new owner who’ll then relocate the team.
I feel the new lease agreement between the Islanders and the County open the door for the “out” clause in the current lease. No prospective buyer of this franchise will purchase the team if they’re hamstrung by the current lease. If the “out” clause is invoked, then prospective buyers (who’ll then relocate) will look more favorably upon the Islanders.
Doesn’t seem like good news to me.
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Ron says:
Great… so in 90 days, when the TOH has approved nothing and the county legislature refuses to approve a lease for a property that isn’t properly zoned for, Jim Balsillie can jump right in and the Isles will be playing the 2010-11 season in Hamilton. Just (expletive deleted) wonderful.
On the other hand, so many of the points in Kate’s letter were to be answered by the lease with the County, so maybe this *will* push the Town to approve. But after this past week’s shenanigans with the Town council I can’t help but feel like Suozzi and Wang are playing Chicken against a brick wall with this lease.
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isles316 says:
I don’t think wang would put all this money and time into it and then just sell the team in 90 days.
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rob says:
I simply do not understand why Wang is fighting with these morons in the ToH. There is plenty of land in Queens and Suffolk that he could easily develop and move the team too. Why this site? There is a ton of room around the Pilgrim State Area and Queens as well. If Nassau County can’t get one of their towns in line with their plans, then perhaps the folks of Suffolk or Queens deserve an opportunity to have a Pro franchise. Wang should build an arena in Ronkonkoma area, if there is room. You have an airport and huge train station right there. Screw Kate Murray! There is absolutely no reason for this team to leave Long Island. If they have room to build all these shopping centers and Condos, they have room for an arena and complex. The economy needs the boost and people need the jobs. Charles and Scott, pick a site where your wanted. Its obvious you are not wanted in ToH. Stop wasting time with these chumps!
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NickyL says:
Again, I think it turns out like the Penguins situation and a deal is struck at the 11th hour and Wang or maybe the captain of the team make an announcement on the ice before the game just like Mario did for the Penguins.
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I hope you’re right nicky. This is scary
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BR says:
TuxTax & Gary – SMG’s days are numbered. Under the site lease, the Lighthouse will become the sole operator of the Coliseum. Negotiations between the Lighthouse and SMG will kick-in to buy out SMG’s agreement. If they can’t reach a deal, then the County will be compelled to condemn the SMG agreement.
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Pnut says:
yee’s of little faith
I don’t think Kate doesnt want it. Her whole thing is (as with most politicians) is saving face for the few people that go out and vote for them. GC people need to be pandered to in her mind. They have money and when you have money like that little groups like the Homeowners alliances spring up. She wants to look good. She wants to please them.I really dont see the team moving to Suffolk or Queens or Nassau. Wang wont start over again even if it would take half the time this takes. He would have to sell it. And now there is this Russian guy that is going to buy the Nets.Who says that he WANTS to buy the Islanders? Who says now that he even wants to move them to Brooklyn? Who has heard this out of his mouth? No one
(Let alone he hasnt officially bought that team yet). He is your only hope and maybe it is in Brooklyn
oh and Rob @38 Queens does have a major sports franchis, but me as a Yankees fan wont mention their name!lol, -
its going to go through. murrays name would be dragged in mud if the isles leave therefore ending any chance of advancement in the political world
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IslesHostage says:
Wang’s creation – the out clause.
Welcome back, Mr. O’Malley….hope you stay longer this time around.
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metalcoconut says:
So, just so I’m clear, we are still sending support letters to Kate Murray and ToH…right?
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The first song to be played @ the Lighthouse should be “I Shot the Sherrif.”
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Booten326 says:
Baby steps I suppose but steps never the less. Also, I just wanna say thanks to CB for still updating this site with quality info when he could have just stopped. Just awesome.
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Tony F. says:
One of the reasons this team loses money is that the marketing of the Islanders is appalling. They don’t present the product in a positive and exciting way, nor do they intermingle the youth and amateur hockey leagues on Long Island in their promotions. Long Island has great youth hockey programs, even great amateur women’s teams and the Islanders should be promoting that aspect of the community, using that to get people in the seats. They need to hire better people.
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Better people ACROSS THE BOARD. Botta helped immensely but their judgement on “help” is spotty.
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I had season tickets since 1972 those were the day’s. They were left to me when my father past on. this situation is tuff..
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#48 – that’s not the whole picture. The SMG lease is strangling them; they could sell out every game and still lose money.
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beatlebailey says:
i hear you about the lease but honestly dont care..Wang knew about it when he bought the team. Couldn’t he have negotiated a better deal at the time of purchase?? Separate issue from the lighthouse which i fully support.
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@52, you make it sound like renegotiating with SMG is so easy it is not. Wang has been in hostile takeovers and the like and maybe he knew it would be harder than just “ok lets renegotiate this thing so you guys make less money and are happy with it?”
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Wang was under the impression when he bought the Isles that Nassau Cty was going to rebuild the NVMC then they backed out stating they couldn’t afford it. Then they came up with the idea to have the property developed and put it out to bid. Wang’s proposal won. I also believe that Wang wanted to renegotiate the lease and SMG told him to go scratch. I could be wrong.. Nick knows a great deal of the background.
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anthony c says:
beatlebailey, unless the isles were in the process of getting a new arena or being able to do the lighthouse years back when wang 1st bought the team then the current lease would be null invoid since wang would’ve been negotiating a new lease that wasn’t draining profit from the islanders. To my knowledge teams who are not building new arenas or stadiums can’t negotiate new better leases until the current one expires.
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pat says:
i just got this sick feeling in my stomach. i dont trust Long Island politicians for anything
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isles93 says:
I live in Lynbrook, saw Santino at the train station Friday morning and said I was not happy with the way the hearing went. In so many words he call the lighthouse a mini Rockafella center and said we don’t need it on long island.
I implore anyone in the Lynbrook East Rockaway area to vote against him
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#54 I never said that – I was responding to a poster who claimed that promoting youth and rec hockey on Long Island (which the team SHOULD be doing) would beef up attendance and help the team make money. I’ve never harbored any illusions that SMG will go away quietly – unless the County does something unilaterally they’re not going anywhere until 2015.
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jim says:
because this is a family website and out of consideration for CB there are so many naughty words I want to call KM.;)
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KO21 says:
Lets do this!!!
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i understand it is a rock solid lease but Wang ASSUMED something would get done and didnt. His bad on the lease. Sometimes in business you are SOL….no tears for Wang on the lease. TOH approve the Lighthouse..otherwise our new russian owner may bring back Yashin and the pile of Kvasha to Brooklym
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I think the only way this gets approved is if Wang and Rechler agree to make concessions with the TOH on the large office towers and scale back the project considerably in order to get it approved. If the TOH calls a meeting on 10/3/09 with Wang and Rechler and they reach an agreement over the concessions by the TOH, this will get approved, however if Wang and Rechler believe the TOH is being too difficult on the revisions to the plan, they would them tell the TOH to Go scratch and say goodbye!
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Tony F is spot on..The advertisement the Isles do have are corny and they give me douche chills…
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Dom D. says:
Isles93,
Hopefully the next time you see “Santino”….it’s at the toll plaza(Godfather reference) instead of the train station. -
miket239 says:
Amidst all this horse crap, I would just like to say that once the Islanders are disconnected with SMG, I would hope and pray that SMG will collapse, fold and cease to exist under the current recession. Thank you.
Lets go Islanders!
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@#57 – You should have dropped the gloves and taken the 5 minute major and instigator when you had the chance!
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@#66 – I would have gotten the game misconduct for 3rd man in!
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Anthony says:
#62 is right on…
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joey bagodonuts says:
this will get done. scaled down to a certain extent, but it will get done.
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Kevin says:
LOL #66
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orngfan says:
i think we shoudl ALL CALL the town of hempstead offices this week, let the KNOW that we are still full-throttle supporting this project and flood their rink-a-dink office with calls non-stop all week. whos with me?? 516 489 5000
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Big Van Vader says:
#57- If Santino did indeed tell you this, then why should any of us expect this to pass? If he’s TELLING you that “we don’t need this on Long Island,(and MAN, is this Santino a bought off, jackass or what?!?!) Then why should we believe that we will get anything OTHER than a no from that POS TOH? Nassau County wants this. New York State (Senator Schumer) wants this. The lead consulting agencies have all signed off and approved this. The public has overwelmingly said yes.
Get the message, TOH?
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Big Van Vader- I watched Santino literally stand up in support of this project with my own eyes. I watched him because he is my own rep. He has never said or behaved the way he did at this last meeting, before that he has always been either outright positive or objective and noncommittal. The fact is that he has come out on BOTH sides of this issue. IMO, Murray has him playing bad cop/jerk right now… and is he good at it.
4Tony F. (48): on I dont think its that they need to hire better people, I think they just need to hire PEOPLE. I have inquired regarding the Islanders marketing staff, and sorces tell me that it can barely even be called a ‘staff’- a couple of people, thats that. Unfortunately, it shows. Like you said… so many good things, not enough people that hear about them!
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IslesJT27 says:
This is beginning to smell like the same kind of situation that closed down the Roosevelt Raceway. Anyone remember the crooked Nassau County politicians that facilitated that whole deal? It was closed down and redeveloped witin a couple of years because they said they were losing too much money.
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I grew up in Nassau a lifelong Isles fan. If the Lighthouse doesn’t happen, (and I hope it does) they should definately move the team to Queens (better access from other parts of NY, near the subways & LIRR, more exposure throughout the five boroughs who are starving for an option to the abortion of a franchise that plays at MSG).
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If Kate Murray or whoever else drops the ball on the Lighthouse and the Isles leave, it will ensure that me and my family never move back to Nassau County.
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Drive4Five says:
Republican cronyism and obstruction is alive and well in ToH. Those who want to live in the past are killing this area’s future.
Nassau is not Levittown 1951 anymore. There’s close to 1.5M people who live in this county now, close 800K in ToH alone. Things aren’t going back to the way things were and the older generation needs to get over it.
Those who think that killing this project will lead to less congestion (and less people) are mistaken. Only those with money are going to leave as the local economy flatlines. Small business, retailers (remember Fortunoffs?), and developers will see that Nassau doesn’t mean “Buisness” anymore.
Anyone eles have have a suspicion that Murray’s plan is to drive off the Islanders, demolish the Colisuem and bring in a fresh crop of “retirment villages”? I do!
Say goodbye to the next generation, goodbye to the tax base and goodbye to the quality of life for those who want hang around, as families with less money to spend flood in.
Wang is no dummy, the timing on this is perfect. Too bad there isn’t a quality opponent running against Murray. Maybe she’d actually do something. But at least everyone will know that the ball is in her court.