HIGH TENSIONS AT LIGHTHOUSE HEARING
Spirit of cooperation not really in the air
When Councilman Anthony Santino – who has handled the ball today about as well as Ted Ginn - interrupted Wang, the Islanders owner pounded the table and said, “Would you let me finish”! Frustrated, Wang waved his hand, backed away from the table and decided to bite his tongue.
Town Supervisor Kate Murray pointed out that the afternoon session had run long and called for a dinner break. (Maybe everyone was just really hungry). The evening session will begin at 6:30 pm.
I caught up to Wang – after that outburt, I just had to say hello to the man – and asked if he was tempted to walk away for the rest of the night. He joked, “My staff wouldn’t let me.” Wang said his concern was not the questions, but the tone. “I don’t understand a lot of the questions they’re asking because they’ve been addressed time and time again and are in the reports we’ve delivered to them,” Wang said outside the Adams Theatre at Hofstra University. “But more than that, I’m a little discouraged by some of the contentiousness.”
Later on Wang said, “Sometimes it’s as if we never made a presentation.” Co-developer Scott Rechler told me, “The board is asking about a lot of things that are well-documented in the DGEIS. It’s also frustrating when the councilman (Santino) says his constituents think this is all about the arena and the Islanders when that’s not true. We’ve hosted 213 public meetings.”
On the bright side, Wang dismissed the notion that the Lighthouse has reached the Old Plainview stage. “Nah, it’s not like that,” he said. Rechler agreed. “We’re so much further along than that.”
*
6:35 - Final round begins with – tada! – Lighthouse traffic consultant Bob Eschbacher. The orchestra section of the Adams Theatre is about two-thirds empty.
6:50 - After Santino wise-asses to Eschbacher, Wang takes the mic and tells Santino, “We would appreciate it if you would stop badgering our consultant.” Later on Wang says to his traffic expert, “Bob, I know you say they (board members) are not intimidating you, but they are intimidating me.” Santino and Kate Murray laugh.
Yes, but it’s this blog that has been exaggerating the tension in this building all day. Riiiiiight.
6:55 - When Eschbacher is finally done, labor reps shout “Let the public talk”! Hearing only has two hours left and very few citizens have spoken.
7:00 - Wang asks Kate Murray if he can give another presentation because new people have joined the hearing for the night session. Murray says she was about to call on Long Island labor leader John Durso, effectively shutting down Wang’s request.
7:05 - Durso: The time has come. We need this built. We need these jobs. Enough is enough. What’s currently there is an embarrassment to you, to us, to all of Long Island.”
7:45 - Sorry for the lack of updates. The wireless keeps going on and off. I think everytime I write Clowncilman Santino, it falls off. Basically what’s happening now is one person speaks against the Lighthouse, gets booed a lot and gets to speak past the time limit. Then another person speaks, gets cheered a lot but gets ringed off after 90 seconds.
Tensions are high, though.
7:50 - Murray asks Wang to ask his suppporters to show some civility. Wang does, and then tells the audience his name is pronounced WONG, “like the Yankees pitcher.”
7:55 - Joe Conte, Islanders fan, finally gets his moment. “Supervisor Murray, I’m asking you and the entire board to save Long Island.” He says Murray could be Robert Moses or not. “The choice is yours.”
8:15 - Wicked moment as an elderly woman takes the microphone, says some bright, passionate things against the Lighthouse, and then starts in with some wild racist stuff. Wow.
8:20 - Gentleman from East Meadow compliments the minds of Wang and Rechler and, while looking at the Town board, says twice, “I vote in every election.” It was a good try, but it’s wrong to think Kate Murray is going anywhere.
8:30 - Hempstead resident bemoans “21st century development, 19th century infrastructure,” says the Lighthouse does not work. “We don’t want a golden city of lords surrounded by serfs.”
8:43 - Kansas City comes up small. Baumbach of Newsday reports that there are about 3,000 people at the Islanders-Kings game tonight. (REVISED: Since estimated at 8,000).
8:50 - Wrapping up the meeting, Murray asks those in favor of the Lighthouse Project to stand. 95% of the approximately 200 remaining visitors stand. Many shout out loud their digust that they didn’t get a chance to address the board.
8:52 - Wang is given the floor for final comments. Among them:
“We have followed this entire project without any shortcuts.”
“You have all the information in your hands.”
“Let’s get to the finish line. Let’s make the Lighthouse Project a reality.”
Comments. Good night.
86 Responses to HIGH TENSIONS AT LIGHTHOUSE HEARING
Spirit of cooperation not really in the air
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Concerned Citizen says:
Way to go Charles!!
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Bobby says:
If Mr. Wang’s level of frusturation has gotten to this point due to repeat questions which have been answered over time through presentations, then why doesn’t he, as politely as possible, point out that this information would have been digested by now HAD THE TOH BOARD NOT BEEN PLAYING ON THEIR BLACKBERRIES AND PAYING ATTENTION AT THE LAST PUBLIC HEARING!!!
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ken says:
isnt it as positive that the only opposition appears to be the board itself. it does not sound like the residents of garden city has amounted much of a fight today. Am I correct?
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Dominic DiDonna says:
I’m on my way down there now! Should I bring a few trash bags to scoop of the garbage being spewed out of Santino’s mouth?
Give me a break for that windbag to come out and make statement “wondering if he will be able to see the buildings from his backyard” is just assonine! What would you rather have Mr. Santino? A building in the backround or a deserted concrete tomb a few blocks away?Santino…..Every time I here that name today it reminds me of the scene on the Causeway in the Godfather! Jus sayin…..
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Matt says:
all i know is I hope this project gets done and they break ground next summer.
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isles93 says:
As a resident of Lynbrook I can not wait to see Santino at the train station in the morning asking for votes. I have never voted in a Lynbrook election before but guarantee I will be voting against him this year.
How could this man know so little about this project!!!
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AZS says:
CB,
Quick question. Is there going to be an actual vote tonight by the ToH board to determine whether this is going to happen or not – or is the vote going to be on another date and time?
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JayK says:
I had to leave the evening session after about 20 minutes, due to a prior commitment. But let me say that the traffic consultant, in those 20 minutes, seemed a lot more on his game.
But I can assure you that this issue of a new light on Hempstead Turnpike, which took up the better part of an hour, is going to come back again as an issue. It’s an easy sell for somebody like Santino: You don’t like your commute on Hempstead turnpike now? Wait until Wang puts a new light in.
Of course, the new light is part of what I thought was a well thought out plan to ease traffic on Meadowbrook Pkway, which is what Santino was screaming about in the a.m.
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miket57 says:
cant wait to see santino in east rockaway shaking hands. how is it possible that this clown knows less about this project than i do.
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Tony F. says:
What did they do to my hockey team? From four Stanley cups to a town that doesn’t even want us, and all the bull in between. I’ve had it, the state of this organization and the community that surrounds it is a laughing stock. Sell the team to Balsillie and move the team to Canada where people and politicians care about the game.
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roger says:
Charles should give that fat bastard Santino a kung fu kick in the chops
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TM says:
Now Wang knows how I feel about the league lowest payroll, no radio coverage or announcers, no sponsored blog, no enforcer. Not fun is it Wang?
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ME says:
This guy Santino has just put a bullseye on his chest.
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ItsGoodToBeRich says:
This meeting is turning out to be a big waste of time. Maybe Wang should consider just fixing up the coliseum, for now.
As far as being disrespectful to Wang, that’s unacceptable. Who is this guy Santino? I’ve never heard of him. He’s probably just some wannabe.
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drive45 says:
Forget Long Island already. Come to the Izod Center in NJ. It’s just waiting for a new team.
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StevieL says:
A Santino pissing off the Labor Unions?? Not good!!
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ny711ot says:
What an absolute disgrace this board is. I really hope that wang considers queens …willets point is begging for this
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anthony c says:
drive45, you basically want the isles to move from one old building into another. Plus hardly anybody went to that building when the devils played there, and they just moved into a new building 2 years ago. That’s just dumb thinking on your part.
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IronIslander77 says:
Looking so forward to getting out of work and jumping on the subway to (Enter Queens or Brooklyn here) and going to an Islander game 41 times a year. Sittin in my season assigned seat and drinking a few with no fear of a DWI.
It’s sad. But when this BS is over and the Team settles into a new arena, we’ll all look back and say: Remember when they played in Nassau? Rememeber sharing 20 toilette with 15000 people? How did we ever manage. And then Tavares will raise the cup and skate around the rink in celebration.
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mike says:
Every politcian in this country is a USELESS piece of CRAP!
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post #23 no doubt about that. every politician has their own personal agenda, and could give a damn about the people who vote them into power. Politicians can be bought if the price is right $$
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battfist says:
No statesman/woman exist.
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anthony c (# 21) – my post about the Izod center was obviously a joke
Did anyone see that that Russian guy just put a huge bid in today to takeover the Nets? Brooklyn not looking like such a bad idea for us if this lighthouse falls through.
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isles316 says:
I’ve lived on long island my entire life and l love it. however this entire process makes me want to move. my girlfriend is from out of town and nothing this area does makes me feel confident ill be able to support myself or a family one day. it sucks.
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drive45, I didn’t see it as a joke since their have been posts about having the isles move to about 20 different locations. I apologize.
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TwistedWrister says:
CB-
8:15…. woah. What on earth happened there?!
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islestherapy says:
post the racist rant!!!
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JC Frank says:
That roof on Ashe is looking better and better every moment.
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admin says:
Basically, the lady said Wang’s master plan was to move thousands of “his people” to the Lighthouse…CB
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CB-
Wow… that’s pretty ridiculous. I guess there’s no screening process for this hearing.
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mrlbem says:
Nor is there a screening process to get on the Town Board, apparently.
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wow, don’t the elderly just say the darnedest things haha. She just made any opposition toward the lighthouse look really bad. Score one for us.
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CB – If on October 4th there was a letter of intent to buy the islanders from a group in KC do you think that would effect the elections?
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lords and serfs? really?
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Anthony says:
wonder how much this fat slob Santino is getting paid off… definite investigation should be in the works…
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rob76 says:
It sounds like This is a very discouraging day. After the August hearing i was optimistic but it seems that the town is getting what they want and it seems clear that this will not happen. Or is it just me?
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NYI Pole says:
what do these serfs plan to do with the empty lot that will remain there?
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Big Van Vader says:
October 4th is my birthday.
Please don’t mention it again…….
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dose says:
“We don’t want a golden city of lords surrounded by serfs.” ???
sheesh.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
The Hempstead resident apparently would like to live for today and not think about the future. Let’s keep our 19th century infrastructure and do nothing about it. Let’s not move into the future for our next generations. Cue the tumbleweed on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale.
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isle5 says:
First change to the state constitution ELIMINATE ALL VILLAGES! IE GARDEN CITY. Anthony Santino is everything that is wrong with America. Don’t read the bill or any info given to you & tie everything up with 1000 stupid questions that have been answered if he would just read or even listen to info given 1000 times. A true RINO (Republican In Name Only). Hey Santino there is no room for you in my party. Have a teabag & SHUTUP you arrogant jerk.
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CB, has anyone criticized the board for perceived a anti-Lighthouse agenda within this meeting itself? i.e. calling out Santino or addressing the issue of speaking time?
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misterpink says:
I can think of one Lord I’d like to see take residence in the Lighthouse … and his name rhymes with Schmanley.
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isles fan says:
Epic fail for KC!
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WM says:
Once tonight’s proceedings are through, is it just a matter of waiting till 10/3 for possible talk of destinations…or is it possible that another public meeting will take place beforehand?
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Vas says:
Chris, I was sitting directly to the left of you. I must have just missed that women with the racist comments. Do you mind elaborating?
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Vas, he went over what she said earlier in the comments.
That bit at 8:50 is just crazy. I can’t believe that they ended the hearing without letting some people speak.
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Bossy22 says:
Well, that takes KC out of the mix….perfect.
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Marc says:
Chris, great job, as always, today.
I hate to say it, but don’t expect many more than 3,000 Isles’ fans at the Coliseum tomorrow. If it’s more it’s due to lots of freebies. Granted it’s a pre-season game, but it’s the first chance to see the #1 overall pick in action at the Coliseum.
Also, I am totally out of my mind to want to move back to Long Island (from Manhattan) to raise my kids? My family lives on LI and the hockey “family” might not be there for long.
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Thanks CB.
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GD says:
well who complained? the pro LH ppl or the anti LH ppl.. who was pissed?
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Blizzard says: I have been saying all along KC is not an option. They will never support Hockey there. Doesn’t mean the Islanders wont move away however. Apparently nice stadium, too bad we couldn’t move it and drop right on top of Garden City……..well Oct 3 here we come.
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Why would Kate Murray call for a “straw poll” that she knew would show overwhelming support for the Lighthouse, if she ultimately intends to vote against it?
And where she knew that some of the Garden City people there would need assistance to stand up in favor of their own position? (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that nasty aside).
The fact that she asked for that may be the most optimistic sign of the evening. Damn, I wish I could have stayed!
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looks like the meeting ended pretty positive.
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Jamerson says:
Well, one positive that came out of this meeting: we now have reason to refer to Hempstead as “Serftown”.
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Brian B says:
I really don’t know as much as many you do about this project…but I do have gut feelings…that for some reason are right most of the time. My gut feeling is the Lighthouse project will get done.
P.S. This project looks nothing but beneficial so I don’t understand why this isn’t happening yet.
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poor delusional Charlie. the lighthouse will never happen in that town.
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“We are all Serfs”!!!CB I can’t Thank You enough for this coverage! That was some Long Day!
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Bri on Li says:
CB, do you know if Kate Murray and the ToH have another suitor for the Lighthouse property, and this is why there is all this fussing about it? Once Wang and the Islanders move out, who does Kate have to replace him? I can’t help but feel this is all staged for a more long term plan, i.e. Kate’s cronies slipping her campaign funds for first dibs on the property after the Isles bolt for Brooklyn or other parts west.
Off topic, is the game on anywhere?
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Blizzard says:
…..yes absolutely. Your work is truly appreciated. Thanks CB.
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Thanks for carrying the flag Chris.
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Joanny says:
Don’t forget Isles are competing tomorrow night with a Giants Stadium sellout for U2. That’s 80,000 people who won’t be at the game tomorrow.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
CB, thanks so much for all of the coverage. The meetings didn’t sound promising, esp. if time was spent chasing their tails on issues covered and in the reports the Town commissioned…
As for the straw poll, that just gives Murray some more legitimacy in her eyes when she goes to slam the door on the LH for good.
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With the overwhelming support of the Labor Unions and clearly a majority of proponents at these hearings, if the TOH downs this project then each and every one of TOH Council should be called out and investigated for self serving interests. The TOH should be listening to what the majority wants,as should all governments, not what Anthony Santino or Kate Murray want.
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rob says:
Sounds like the meeting went well. I think everyone who wants the Lighthouse did everything they could. It’s just wait and see now. You have to applaud Charles and Scott for his determination.
The best news is that 3,000 people showed up in the 18,000 person arena for game. If they wanted a hockey team, they would fill the arena and rally for the team. Thank God they didn’t. I don’t think we are going anywhere but the next year is critical. JT needs to shine, Kyle needs to get well, we need another 1st overall, and a shovel needs to hit the ground.
Islander fans need to get their asses to the NVMC and fill the arena to show the ToH we really want our team right here. Staying home doesn’t cut it. Get there! You wanted JT! Now he is here. Are you?
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beatlebailey says:
CB:
What’s the verdict? Was it a push? Did the good guys win? What’s next? -
K-Mac says:
First, thank you for the updates Chris. In her own twisted way, I do think that Kate Murray is doing what she thinks is right. What bothers me most, is that she seems to be more of a bean counter than a visionary. I am a Ranger fan, have been since I was a kid in the 60′s and early 70′s, before the Islanders existed. There was a time I hated them, but no longer. I long for the days when I can have that disdain that burns for them, with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns. In order for that to happen, Kate Murray and the other opponents of this need to get their heads out of where they currently are, and see the sun. How do you get to her position, and not see the civic pride that would come along with development of the Lighthouse project, and a first class facility for the Islanders? And not just the Islanders, for the whole community. I really do feel for Mr. Wang. He’s also trying to do what he thinks is best, but the difference between he and Kate Murray is that he is backing it with his own money. Why he is willing to go through this, after 213 meetings and all the crap the oversized political egos can dish out is beyond me. I hope we as a region don’t lose the Islanders because of their stupidity and lack of vision. It would be a shame.
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mw147 says:
JayK #57 – I was at the meeting tonight. I thought that Murray asking supporters to stand up was the most telling and encouraging part of the night. As for the rest – people expressing their opinions, some valid, some not so much (in both directions). The crowd was overwhelmingly in favor. The union guy gave a great speech. He told the board that they have 70,000 voters in the TOH. To me that was a very thinly veiled threat. GOOD!
CB – met you for a minute afterwards (I was standing with Nick from Lettherebe). Must have been a long day, but I was following you all morning and appreciate it very much.
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Les Beaver says:
Thanks, Chris. Appreciate the updates.
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Numbers65 in OHIO says:
Thanks again for the great coverage. Don’t forget to check out http://www.arenadistrict.com ! The future is now! GO ISLES! GO LIGHTHOUSE!
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BillyBC says:
Its a little disconcerning that half the place emptied out after one of the breaks. Even though there is not a lot of opposition to this project, I dont sense a lot of enthusiasm besides on the is board. I get the sense that is just not meant to be. I pray that this team ends up in Queens or Brooklyn.
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SIR WILLIAM says:
It seems to me that MS Murray and friends are only echoing what the people that elected them want. Before jumping up and down hear me out.
The Lighthouse is too important NOT to get done. For me, that is a given. And not because of the Islanders. As passionate a fan as I am, if they move then goodbye. Life will go on.
The project needs to be built so that the land around the Coliseum does not go to waste. This is a once in a lifetime chance
to take advantage of a responsible man with a vision and the money to get it done.However, the project is too big. It needs a significant reduction in shops, rinks and apartments. Yes, I have listened to the people who cry that Nassau County has approved the plan. But they don’t have the final say now, do they? The TOH does.
What is good for the County is not necessarily the same as what’s good for the Town. And the TOH is holding all the cards.Compromise must be reached. Wang has to scale back and the TOH has to realize that this will be good for everyone concerned.
Many times here I have stated my opposition to the Project as it stands. But that does not mean that it should not get built.
Reason must prevail and both sides have to give. Wang has to back off his grand plan and accept that he cannot get everything he wants. Half a loaf is better than none, as they say.
Murray and the TOH have to realize that a chance like this only comes once in a lifetime. And that they should stop stonewalling and get down to brass tacks.
Meet with Wang and Rechler and come to a compromise that everyone can live with.
Stop the posturing and do the job you were elected to do.As a resident of the TOH I feel that many people feel as I do. Most could care less about our hockey team. Thye would like to see the land developed, but do not want another Lefrak City in their midst.
The time is growing short and the opportunity is slipping away. It is time for all concerned to roll up their sleeves
and do what is everone’s best interest…..SIR WILLIAM -
Isles be damned says:
It was nice knowing ya Islanders…Just want to point out that when the Nordiques moved to Colorado..they won a Stanley cup…North Stars move to Dallas..they won a Cup…..Whalers move to Carolina…they won a Stanley Cup..and then there was the Jets who moved to Phoenix…oh well…maybe it was the football karma.. Lets go Islanders
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BillyIsle says:
SIR WILLIAM- great comment.
CB-thanks for sticking it out all day and sharing. -
Mikeo says:
Thanks, CB for the blow by blow all day. For the first time I truly feel Mr Wang should just say forget it! Mr Wang take whatever offers you get for the team. As a fan of the Islanders for 31 years, I have finally reached a point where seeing them somewhere else that gives them a fighting chance to be a real franchise again is welcome. I am soo frustrated with the TOH jokers, that following my team in another city and watching them on the NHL package is more desirable than to have to deal with this crap any longer. My only hope is that they stay within the conference and division so I could at least see them live a few times a year when they play in NJ and Manhattan. I’m sorry fellow fans that this post is soo negative, but this fan has had enough!
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Gutty34 says:
I did not realize who Santino was until someone pointed out the east rockaway train station. I net him and asked about the lighthouse. He was such a dic- about it. No wonder. I can not wait to see that pudgy waste of a politician. Just wait until we go to shake hands. Psyche. This guy is done. I am gonna tell every friend, family member neighbor etc. what an ahole this guy is. I will personally use every tactic learned working for politicians and volunteering back in the day. I knew it would come in handy one day. Your done Santino. You picked the wrong side. I am sure GC will find a nice cushy public job at the local sewer for you after all this is over.
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Mike L says:
Sir William- You seem to be a man of logic and reason. Unfortunately, I do not get this impression from those members on the board and those residents who echo resentment towards the project. Those who believe this is a ploy for a billionaire to take advantage of LI’ers and those who believe Wang is doing this to get “his people” to move here look crazy. The officials and those who pick out small “errors” in the reports don’t seem to do these things to compromise, but to stall any progress. I really do wish the two sides could come together and compromise, but it just doesn’t seem like it’s going to be that simple.
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Um, not that K.C. is a real option (except for Anschutz), but if there were only 3,000 people at the Sprint Center tonight, then every single one of them brought two crash-test dummies.
That’s absurd. I was there. For a Tuesday night with two teams that mean nothing to a town that is an eternal pawn in pro sports poker, the crowd (nearly full lower bowl, plus randoms in the upper deck) was about right.
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Shoogah says:
CB, thank you so much for the updates. I was disappointed that I couldn’t make it. I felt like I WAS there! Thank you to the PB commentators that did make it to the meeting to show there support.
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Jim Clark says: My friends and relatives who moved out of the Island and the state are the smart ones. I’ll be joining you guys soon when I retire. Better the doofus politician you don’t know than the one you do.
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IsleofNJ says:
Question to the locals out there…. HAs there been any Kristen McElroy sightings out there in regards to the Lighthouse issue or is she just sitting back and waiting for the current politicians against the Lighthouse to self-destruct?
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Al L says:
Sir William! Charles has already implied he was flexible with any changes or reductions of size of The Project. How many times must he say;”talk to me!”???? The time has come for TOH to s–t or get off the pot altogether. All the man wants is an answer in the form of YES,YES with alterations or NO! It certainly looks as though these maggots strategy is to allow The LHD Group to twist in the wind with the hope Wang will simply go away without committing themselves to a NO! How disgusting of Murray and that greasy ball of crud to meanspiritedly chuckle at Charle’s frustration(You–consultant–may not be intimidated,but I am). The State Of NY should demand a SHOW CAUSE why this Project shouldn’t go foward and demand resolution within the next month. How an ignorant and corrupt group of self interest pleasing TOH committee members can control the potential destiny of a multi county Island larger than many states is beyond me and incomprehensible!!
i hate this island. if the islanders don’t leave, i might anyway.