LIGHTHOUSE PRIMER: POST-SUOZZI EDITION
Breaking the silence, providing answers
Tom Suozzi walked away gracefully today, deciding not to protest his election loss to Edward Mangano. I don’t know what’s in store for the now former Nassau County Executive, but I can guarantee you one thing. Should the Lighthouse Project ever be built, a major piece of it will be named after Suozzi. Charles Wang will see to it.
I joked about The Broker in this space from time to time - his redundant Kennedy-by-the-numbers speeches and proclamations made it easy - but if you have a vested interest in the future of the New York Islanders, you may never have a stronger politician on your side than Tom Suozzi. Because of Hempstead supervisor Kate Murray (the small s is on purpose), Suozzi could not close the deal. But he tried. Oh boy, did he try.
Lighthouse information the last two months has been as tightly sealed as the John Tavares pick. But the difference in this story is no one knows how it will end and there is so much more at stake. I have written few words about the project since the start of the hockey season, but I haven’t stopped listening to my connections who wanted to share.
I’ll stand by my batting average during the last 20 months on the subject of the Lighthouse over most - especially Long Island’s newspaper. My Newsday favorite so far was after I broke the news of Brooklyn as an option: “Brooklyn is not an option,” said a columnist at the daily. “The current plans don’t call for hockey facilities.” Oh, I’m sorry. Did we all miss a shovel hitting the Brooklyn ground or something? That one really cracked me up.
Then there was the Newsday cover story a week ago about alternative plans for the Coliseum site, like that was a shocker. You mean if 80 acres of asphalt in Central Nassau became available, developers would want a crack at developing them? Get outta Town! There goes another decade of RFPs and zoning meetings…all for another place to shop.
Here’s what I know:
1. Kate Murray recently told a writer for a chain of Hempstead community newspapers that her staff and the Lighthouse staff have been meeting almost every day to look at scaling down the project. Murray did not tell the truth. The Town and the Lighthouse Development Corporation have not had any meaningful discussions since the middle of October. Of course, Murray’s re-election campaign would take precedence over anything for a few weeks. What’s unclear is why she would say publicly there have been meetings when there have been none of any substance.
2. Sometime in the next week, incoming Nassau County Executive Mangano will re-assert his campaign pledge that he has been supportive of the Lighthouse Project and of major development in the Coliseum area. It is highly doubtful Mangano will give his blessing to the project 100% as is. That’s when the Republican County Executive and the Republican Town supervisor will have the chance to pave the way for a groundbreaking in the summer of 2010. They can have the legacy Suozzi was denied.
If Mangano and Murray ask Charles Wang and Scott Rechler to scale down the project by 10% or less, an agreement will be finalized. If they request significant overhauls after the developers spent most of this decade and untold millions on the project, a deal will fall through and the New York Islanders will leave Nassau County.
3. No one has approached the NHL or Wang and offered to purchase the Islanders with the goal of building a new arena only on the Coliseum property.
4. Although Wang is flattered by the interest from other communities, he has little desire to move the team away from Nassau County — so much so that he has yet to rigorously pursue his options.
And finally, know this:
Brooklyn is very much in play.
Queens is very much in play, although it’s a close second to Brooklyn now.
Suffolk is not a serious option.
The Islanders will not leave the New York metropolitan area during this generation or the next one.
Comments on the Lighthouse Project.
Your last few phrases made me very happy. Thanks for shining some light, Chris! Its been a whiel since we have heard anythign Lighthouse related.
this is comforting at least out of all of this.
The Islanders will not leave the metropolitan area during this generation or the next one.
Great commentary CB!…Somehow Suozzi losing makes the lighthouse more of a reality in my opinion. Here we thought beating Murray and having another democrat in office was the way to go..turns out Suozzi losing puts two republicans together who can then take all the credit. I could care less about the politics I just want my team to remain 10 minutes from home.
Hi Chris, in your opinion, is Brooklyn or Queens currently “more in play” than the Nassau county to attract the Islanders?
Great read CB, I pray that your final conclusions are correct
Great job CB put to bed some fears I had for now Suozzi deserves something for his effort and so does the new guy if he gets it done since he would have finally help defeat the largest obstacle to the project
You know, I just don’t have a problem with them moving to Queens or Brooklyn. Grew up 10 mins. from the Coliseum, but if they can get a good revenue stream from a new building and if it’s close to some restaurants, go for it. Leave decaying Nassau and its small-time politicos behind.
I really hope that Wang and his crew is putting the final touches for a bid at the Willets Point. The deadline is at 4 pm December 7,2009. Anywhere within NYC part of Long Island is better than outside.
Kate Murray conducts herself like a 6 year old…Fricken Ridiculous
Although I’m a Brooklynite, I just don’t see a sufficient fanbase here to support the team, especially in the Atlantic Yards area. I would much rather see them in Willets Point, teamed up with the Mets in the same area to attract a lot of people. I’d love to know if any other Brooklynites think the same.
great to hear that the club will probably stay put somewhere on long island. mangano seems supportive of the lighthouse project. hopefully he will get it done right away. if he doesn’t i hope the isles wind up in willets point.
I think the Isles should be able to draw very well in Brooklyn. Brooklyn would love another Pro sports team.
There is no way anyone could say that the team will not leave the metropolitan area. Nobody saw Pittsburgh leaving before Balsillie came in and the Coyotes were off playing golf when their owner declared bankrupcy.
I hope that there is no ’scare’ with the Isles but you never know. I wish that Mr. Wang was more pro-actively searching for a new home. I think that action speaks louder than words and if you want to make Kate Murray crumble than start shopping. She hasn’t been put in her place because she is not in jeperody of losing anything. Stand up to her!
this is good to know. if the lighthouse doesn’t work out, i’d like brooklyn personally, and sure, living 2 stops away from broadway junction does factor into this decision. it’d be sick to leave work at the normal time of 5, go home, change, twist an L, eat, and still get to the game early. that’s a far cry from now, where making a weekday home game on time is like the escape from the end of metroid.
i think BK would really support too. the hood will absolutely embrace and love hockey as long as it is marketed properly in a way that the people could relate and find interest in. mildly funny newsday banners wouldnt fill the seats out here though, that’s for sure!
aint nothing wrong with queens either, that would also be good. but LI needs the shot in the arm that the lighthouse will provide. and they should build that lightrail system and tell the residents of garden city to STFU and take it to work every day.
10% is fair. Anymore and let them all be known as the ones that finally killed Nassau, right after Suozzi almost saved it.
Queens or Brooklyn is a terrible option. Most of LI is made up of Suffolk County, and I deal with 45 minute drive to the Colisuem, which is not bad. What would be bad is driving further into a borough where there are rooted Ranger fans, or even worse a lack of interest in hockey. No franchise is going to establish themselves in an area that has a Ranger team in close proximity. At least in Nassau/Suffolk there is an identification with the ISLANDERS, thus the name and we associate with the organization. What will the team name be, “The Boroughers” or maybe “The Queens” that will go over well.
Please, I hope no one advocates for a move into Queens or Brooklyn, I am sure they are nice places to live but I am not going to travel over an hour to watch hockey.
As a Brooklynite who drives to the Coliseum 15 times a season, I’m cool with this.
That last phrase made me feel good but being a met, jet and Islander fan makes me question if everything bad always happens. I just need an answer. Pleaze let it be a glorious one.
Bluesaber - I have to disagree with you 110%, if the Islanders do leave Nassau County, Queens (or Brooklyn) will be their new home. You do not move pro sports teams further away from NYC. The Islanders struggle for coropote support and season ticket sales as is. There is no way they are going to Suffolk County if the LH falls through. Personally, I would much rather see them in Willets Point then Brooklyn for personal reasons mostly. I think a complex that have the Mets, Islanders, US Open, which would be surrouned by restuarants, bars, etc would be the newest hot destination for folks on LI and NYC. On the other hand beggers cannot be choosers and as C.B said, Lets keep the Islaners in the Metro area and give them a new home that will secure the team financially and put them in a position to win.
As an Isles fan who lives in Queens and works in Manhattan, either Willets Point or BK would be amazing.
The lighthouse will happen on long island two signs. 1 charles gave snow the go ahead to spend money 2 magano won and kate can say yes with a republican at the top.
I live in Manhattan and it is not possible for me to make a weeknight game in Nassau. The Brooklyn site is served by 11 subway lines and the LIRR. Sounds good to me.
I would love to see them stay in nassau but as long as they stay in new york I have no reason to worry. Thanks cb!
Bluesaber, if you really think that the Islanders will not establish themselves in Brooklyn or Queens, well, there is plenty of public transit to attract fans to the Islanders in Brooklyn or Queens. Why would fans in Brooklyn or Queens travel further to see the Rangers if the Islanders are closer to them? Besides, what have the Rangers done in their history? 4 Cups with more than twice the length of history of the Islanders. If the Islanders go into NYC, they can put Brooklyn and Queens to their current logo and DEFY the current predominant notion that Long Island is just Nassau and Suffolk because it is NOT.
i just hope this goes down already. scale it down by 10%? sounds good for both parties.
#22 I live in Manhattan also. It totally sucks that I cant ever go to weekday games because it is absolutly impossible to get to the Coliseum in time. Not only do I have to leave work early, but I have to battle traffic for over an hour and still miss 10 minutes of the first period. not to mention if we lose the ride home seems to take eons. If no Nassau, then please go to Queens! A quick ride on the 7 from Grand Central would certainly make me content!
I also hope that Charles puts a bid in for Willets Point by Dec.7th. Would love for them to have a serious backup plan so they can tell Murray to take a hike. As a lifelong Islanders fan, I used to play hockey at Racket & Rink in Farmingdale where the Islanders used to practice in the 80’s, I’d love them to stay where they are but after all the BS the Town of Hempstead has put them through they don’t deserve them.
I live just a mile or two east of the Queens/Nassau border right along the Port Washington branch of the LIRR. Brooklyn seems to be, in the language of my people, quite a schlep. It takes a long time to get there. Maybe it’s because I’ve been going to Met games my whole life, but I just don’t perceive Queens to be nearly as far.
how can Brooklyn be more in play than Queens?! That doesn’t make a lick of sense.
The Lighthouse will happen under Ed Mangano.He was highly instrumental in the development of the former Grumman property in Bethpage.If a compromise is to be reached,all the parties will claim that they were looking out for the best interests of their constituents.
A stonewalling government that kills a project may be bad, but is it any better than one that declares middle class homes and businesses blighted in order to seize the land and give to another private citizen to build an arena/office development as is taking place in Brooklyn? Those folks losing their land could be us.
As for the LH, however I’m torn. As an Islander fan, I know a new facilty is critical to signing free agents and developing additional revenue streams to be a top franchise.
On the other hand, as a season ticket holder, I also know that a new building almost certainly means worse seats at a much higher price. Just ask any longstanding Yankee ticket holder in the grandstand how they fared in the new stadium. Indeed, I was at the Devils game on Saturday and reminded that seats costing twice as much were twice as far (high) from the ice–if not more. I’d much rather have a great seat than a shorter line to bathroom and more choices for overpriced food.
Can’t see Queens happening if the Brooklyn arena is built for the Nets - that would mean 6 major indoor sports arenas in the area (Rock, Meadowlands, MSG, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Coliseum). There’s not enough non-sports business from concerts etc. to make them pay. There’s a reason the Brooklyn/Lighthouse projects are tied to larger real-estate deals - the arena itself is a money loser without the bigger deal - not sure there is that much additional development in Queens.
Nice post. There seems to be a little light at the end of the tunnel… and it’s nice to read 30 comments without one “Sim sucks”, or “why isn’t tambellini getting more minutes”.
IMHO, I’d like to see the Isles divorce themselves from the LH project. That area needs to be developed, NYers need the jobs, the county and town need the revenue… but the ISLANDERS would be better off in the Brooklyn or Queens where people can take mass transit to see them. They’ll sell more suites, more beer and become a profitable team, maybe for the first time in 30+ years. WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT CONDO SALES, or commercial property occupancy percentages.
If they don’t do something fast they can convert the coliseum into the nations largest unemployment office.
It looks like Ed Mangano is a hard working Long Island guy. Maybe he gets it done. Murray will have a much harder time saying no to Mangano than Suozzi.
I live 15 minutes from the Coliseum, but work in the city. If the team moves I am seriously(selfishly)hoping for Willets Point. A 15 minute subway ride from midtown to Flushing works for me. If it’s Brooklyn, it’s a little longer ride, but believe me, I’ll deal with it. As it is now (season ticket holder), I just barely make it to games before the puck drops on weeknights.
AngryPete - I’m also a Brooklynite that thinks Queens is a far better option - 1) closer to the part of the island that Isles fans exist, but still close enough to the city to be a “city team,” 2) full of Met fans that usually double as Isles fans (not me, but I’m the rare Yanks/Isles combo). However, I agree with Tom @ #31 that if the Brooklyn arena is built, there’s no financial sense in building yet another large arena in the metro area. How many shows can Disney on Ice or Ringling Bros do?
That’s why CB is saying that Brooklyn is ahead of Queens…its only because BK is getting the arena, while Queens is just speculation and land to develop. Nothing wrong with Brooklyn, however. While images of 20-25 years ago flash in people’s heads, you’re talking about an increasingly wealthy area that, at Atlantic/Pacific, is at the nexus of the LIRR and 10 subway lines, many of them express from Manhattan that could make the ride from midtown 20 minutes or less.
And being within walking distance of the proposed arena, I’m not complaining. However, I still say, all things being equal, Queens is better geographically.
Either way…LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!…no matter where they “go” in the NY area.
#32 - Suozzi was a hard-working LI guy. Hard work won’t get it done, petty political maneuvering will.
No matter where the isles end up, there will be hurt feelings. BK, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk….really any of them are a lot more convenient than Kansas City. Might be a little more travel time, but for the extra enjoyment of a first class facility and well funded team, it will be worth it.
So are we to understand that Kate Murray’s diffidence on the Lighthouse was a stall tactic pending the outcome of the election? To see what combination of her and Suozzi survived it? Helluva strategy - given that it’s been win-win for her, now what?
CB… any chance that an approval for the lighthouse could be the isles fans christmas present this year?
Wang should send Okposo to talk to Kate Murray. Okposo could get this deal done. He’s unstoppable on AND off the ice.
For me personally, I would love the Lighthouse to be built, as I live in Suffolk. But honestly, anywhere in the metropolitan area is OK for me. I’m not sure if I’d follow this team anymore if they moved to KC. But of course I would if they moved to Brooklyn, for example. The only problem is it’s a pain in the neck to get into Brooklyn. I guess I could still see Isles Rangers games at MSG…
Alex (39): Zero percent of any approval by this Christmas.
(38) No way she could have predicted Suozzi losing. No way that was her strategy.
(4) Of course Nassau leads the way. Most of the work has already been done. There is property. There are plans. There is legislature approval.
I’d like to personally welcome the many ToH staffers on the site tonight! CB
Thanks for the update on the LH fiasco.. After you stated that murray did indeed lie about the meetings they supposedly had, i must say that i truly hope Wang is not sitting on his hands here and has some kind of discussion with queens or bklyn.. I know Wang is in a situation where he can read between the lines but he has too much invested to admit that this whole project is a dead end
I also live in brooklyn and think that willets point is better geographically, but I do not see queens happening any time soon. Junk yards are still there and who knows how bad the land is polluted there causing another big delay which Wang can’t afford to wait for.
I think Suozzi’s involvement was by the end hurtful to the project. Is there any doubt that a major part of Murray’s calculation was to deny Suozzi an election year victory on the LH issue? I think if the lighthouse has any chance it now has its best shot short of a Suozzi-McElroy victory which was highly unlikely (at least on the McElroy end of the ticket).
There is no way that Suozzi hurt this project by anything he did, the only thing that might have hurt is that he is not of the same party with the enduring stronghold on the Towen of Hempstead… and Im not even certain of that.
Mangano ran a pro-Lighthouse project and I hope he was sincere about it. Honestly, there is no reason to believe otherwise at this time.
I simply hope that something good comes out of this. I hope that one-party rule minimizes bureaucratic idiocy and that our representatives can do something that they themselves all know MUST be done for the benefit of Long Island.
I am pretty anti Suozzi, but I must admit he did push hard for the Lighthouse project. That being said, I have heard a lot from many political insiders that with him now out of the picture, things will really start to pick up. This may or not be true, but hopefully this thing can get approved.
I can certainly understand why Suffolk County is not a viable option. The game time traffic would be insane.
I am a life long Islander fan, and I would hate to see them ever relocate, enenthough I don’t live in the metro area anymore.
I think Mangano’s win is a positive for the Lighthouse. Better collaboration on all levels of this clusterf***y bureaucratic maze they call “government.” Kate Murray a.k.a. Murdawg will be much more inclined to walk hand-in-hand with someone on her side of the aisle.
If you ask me, with the economy’s second trough looming in the mid-term future and nowhere else to go for an infusion of funds into a decrepit tax domain that could use the money, this thing is all but done. I don’t really care for the fact that there haven’t been talks. Too much money, too important, too far down the road, too many negative consequences if it falls through.
Wang and Rechler will scale it down, probably by cutting out some of the housing that would shelter a demographic that leans Democratic in the voting booth. Everybody wins, and we all have a party.
You guys ever go to Pittsburgh? It’s the size of mineola alone. Nassau county alone has more money the. Pittsburgh. Isles don’t need a poor area like Brooklyn Ro make it work. They needs legit owner who is young full of energy n money n connirmentst to long island….another words not Charles Wang.
Wang has had some missteps over the years, but if it wasn’t for him there might not be a New York Islanders today. The Lighthouse probably wouldn’t even be an issue because the team would already be gone.
I’ve been a fan of this team since 1972. Through Roy Boe’s mismanagement, Pickett’s neglect, the dreaded Gang of Four who were undercapitalized and gave us the Gorton’s fisherman, and Spano’s shell game.
Wang stepped in, has absorbed significant losses, and has never done it with “drama.” And yet some fans hate the guy. I just don’t get it.
Thanks CB. Let’s hope the TOH does the right thing. It would inexcusable if this doesn’t go through because of changes that need to be made. These changes would have been made a long time ago if Murray stepped in and met with Wang when this all started. I hope it works out.
We need the jobs, we need the tax revenue, and we need the team right where it is…Nassau is dying a slow suburban death by making it too expensive for young people to even try staying here, therefore no way Kate won’t work with Mangano now to be the “heroes.”
The only scary part is Mangano says he will start with the Suozzi lease, but get appraisals on the “real value” of the land. If they squeeze Wang/Rechler to hard, Wang will tell them to shove it. Chris nailed it…
Just out of spite, I would like to see the Team move to Brooklyn.
Nassau County doesn’t deserve the Team. Let Kate try and build another Mall along the Meadowbrook.
I’ve never been sold on Brooklyn but after watching a news report on all the scum (like Acorn) involved with the developer I’d prefer Wang and the Isles steer way clear of the guy and project.
rb #51 i couldn’t agree more. I think Charles Wang is the best thing to happen to this franchise in the last 20 years. But as is often the case no matter what you do no matter how hard you try people will always complain about something. The man loses 20 million a year and all I read about is complaints about not spending money on year 2 of the rebuild -that probably should have happened year one of his ownership- the man has tried and I give him a lot of credit for absorbing a financial dead weight around his neck, political in fighting, trying to build a state of the art facility and the topper of fans bitching at everything he does. good or bad.
NYI belongs in Queens or Bklyn. More attention by fans and media there plus more corporate support. TOH is right and LI should stay the small suburbs not a 6th borough. LI (fans and politicians) haven’t supported NYI enough for a pro team to be on LI.
Wang’s loyalty to Nassau is admirable but misguided. He should aggressively pursue Queens or Bklyn or look to sell.
Even if the LH happened, there would still be no mass transit for a mini city and the weeknight crowds for NYI would still be small in a congested traffic area. A cup parade would still be on Hempstead Turnpike attended by 20K fans and ignored by most of NY. NYI was fine on LI in the 70s and 80s but NHL is big business now and has outgrown LI.
Thanks Botta, good update.
I’d prefer NYI in Queens. A little ditty -
Sung to the tune of “Meet The Mets”
Meet the Isles
Meet the Isles
We moved away
But just a couple of miles
Come on fellas
Come on skirts
Watch as we beat
The Friggin Blueshirts
Because the Isles now play in downtown Queens
Goodbye Hempstead
Enjoy your Asphalt Scenes
By Railroad By Highway
Many ways to come on down
And see the rebirth of our team
In New York Town
In Neeeew Yooork Tooown
As a brooklynite born and raised, nothing was more frustrating than feeling as if I was ignored by my Isles during the glory years…the organization missed a golden opportunity to expand the fan base by being so nassau county centric. For those who feel brooklyn will not support a team I think you are lying to yourself. Largest immigrant community, russians love hockey. I just got back from a hockey tournament with my 8 year old and the team from brooklyn won the 16 team comp….hockey has always been big in brooklyn and now with the aviator facility and the changing demos it has tremendous potential.
Chris:
No offense to Brooklyn and Queens, both part of Long Island, but a move to either takes the “island” out of the islanders. People veiw Nassau and Suffolk as the Island. Why is Suffolk - specifically the old Pilgrim State site off the LIE - mot an option?
Sorry Chris as much as you deny that Murray was waiting for this, it was in her best interest to wait and see what happened…..she waited till Summer why not wait till November 09 and the election. (how was she to know it would drag out like that)
She can now say something to Isles fans like:
“I did this for you guys so your beloved Islanders stayed here”
and to bad people in Garden City:
“I did this for you guys, we got a scaled down version so it would not be an eyesore for you guys my dark overlords of ignorance in Garden City….. Oh and **** Democrats and anyone who is not you god fearing people” and stuff like “We are taking back this country for real americans!!!! (the ones with money)”
or something like that…….
….Suffolk county FTW!!!!! But Brooklyn or Queens would be fine. As long as they are in the area I am fine. Of course staying put would be optimal but losing the Islanders to politics would be a sweet legacy for the ineptitude of Nassau county and the TOH. Thanks for the insight CB.
Suozzi done!! no more tax payer bail outs..To Bad !!! CB can you please pay my mortgage?
Think about it like this…
I live out in Eastern Suffolk, It take me 45 min to get to the Coli & about 10 Mins to get into the lot & park. After the game it’s 15 mins to get back on the Meadowbrook & 45 home.
OR
I can catch a train, be there in maybe less time & no driving home??
This has to be one of the reasons MSG is always full, It is much easier to get to.
Imagine all the fans in NJ or upstate, who all live close to a train station.
Nassau has the history & that old barn has the best sightlines, but if it’s a pain in the A** to get there, no one will.
Oh and CB, if you keep giving us stories like this & the Okposo article, we can wait to find out of DP made it through a practice.
Sorry Chris. I did not read the comment guidelines. Ist time I was leaving a comment here. Did not mean to go overboard in length on my thoughts. Respect!
Thanks for the update CB. At least you can give us some actual/truthful updates regarding the team. It would be nice if the team gave some information.
It would be even better if Kate Murray could wake up and tell the truth for a change. Can’t she undergo something like what happened in Liar Liar where she is forced to tell the truth for a day?
My first preference would be a modernized Nassau Coliseum. It would be very difficult to imagine a wrecking ball going up against the hallowed arena where I enjoyed watching the Islanders make history lo so many years ago.
Having said that, Brooklyn would be fine by me, as well. So would Queens. What would NOT have been ok by me would have been a combination of a new arena AND four (or eight) more years of Suozzi property tax increases. Losing the Isles is a small price to pay for being able to afford to live in my home.
Losing Suozzi is what I call a “good start,” no matter how you look at it.
As an upstate fan who commutes downstate by train anyway, Queens would be great. But honestly, I just want them to stay in the area. I find ways to get to games now, and I’ll find ways even if they end up in Suffolk.
I saw Kate Murray on Sunday at BJ’s in Levittown. I wanted to go up to her & ask her about the lighthouse. I had my 3 year old with me & didn’t want to start anything. I know she is full of crap. She can’t blame Suozzi anymore. Everyone should be careful about Mangano. Will he be his own man or run by the GOP machine? We will find out soon.
#58 awesome. Put it on a t-shirt. I’ll buy 10!
“The Islanders will not leave the New York metropolitan area during this generation or the next one.”
Greatest thing I’ve read since Phish announced Hampton.
tm #58
If you are going use my stuff I would appreciate the writing credit. LORWOOD.
From strictly a team perspective moving to Willets point would put this team over the top. Think about the promotion between the Mets and Islanders. The merchandise revenue would increase greatly. The proximity to mass transit and the major roadways makes a weekday game much easier. And Willets point is going to happen much faster than most realize. Before a shovel of dirt was moved for Citifield the Wilpons made sure of it.
I dont know what I would do without this site! This is where we get news on the Isles, not from Newsday.
CB You are not one to write in declarative sentences unless you are reasonably sure about the content. Therefore the future or the Isles is not only GREAT news but much more than speculation. Thank you for the big lift!
Thanks for the ray of hope CB. Your track record is good so I’ll allow myself to become mildly optimistic.
Move them to Coney Island next to the Cyclones …. BOOM! We still keep our ‘Islanders’ moniker. Yes, there are a LOT of hockey fans here, but like someone previously said, the Rangers are rooted here. I live in Dyker Heights/Bay Ridge and I can’t even listen to them on the radio! I just don’t see the Long Islanders making the LIRR trek on weeknights to fill the remainder of the arena. ***** Most Long Islanders I know are very reluctant to travel any further WEST of JFK without seriously complaining about it ***** It’s not a jab, I’m just stating my opinion and I hope I’m wrong if they do end up in Brooklyn.
Easton - and for that matter anyone else who has bashed Wang. You obviously have no clue. Do you honestly believe that without him this team would still be here. You need to quickly change your tune and sing his praise. Has he done some quirky things - absolutely. Make no bones about it - Wang is the Isles - period - plain and simple - end of story. Yes he has a master plan called the LH and real estate. He needs this revenue stream to support our beloved team and his beloved team. Charles could have easily walked away from all this several years back as our wonderful government picked their fat ass-s (Murray/Santino). He didnt! He has stuck by this team - invested - cleaned up the coliseum - all on his own dime to the tune of 20 mil in loses. Start supporting him instead of coming here and bashing. Didnt your mommy teach you to not bite the hand that feeds you. I hope something gets done with Nassau and I believe Suozzi leaving is going to be the spark that gets this all done. Like it or not Nassau is as corrupt as they come with personal agenda’s everywhere. Now Murray and her buddies can finally take all the credit which is all they really wanted. In the end we all know who made this happen - Suozzi - if Murray/Santino want the false credit let them get it. Heck I will even shake his hand and congratulate him at the Center Ave station when he reappears for his next election drive - while watching that big meatheads head get bigger (had to get my final dig in - really dislike the guy). Back to hockey talk and how will Garth improve this team with a green light to spend. CB would love to hear your opinion on what we should do/whois possibly available. Would be a fun story and would provide some fun commenting.
Murray just announced that she is petitioning the State to rename Long Island Long Garden City.
Islanders will not be leaving the New York metropolitan area? Good thing I didn’t buy that Kansas City Scouts jersey. Is Wang going to repeat that stunt at Hartford, Wnnipeg or Quebec City?
While my preference for Wangs Lighthouse would be ideal IMHO (since it falls on the same land as the original ‘72 Isles), a Brooklyn/Queens alternative has great attraction- most notably in public transportation.
But my question is, if the Isles moved they are technically moving into NYC (1 of the 5 boroghs). Would Cablevision/Rangers fight to block this? Demand payment? How much?
Personally I think it would make the rivalry that much better, but logic and common sense never seem to go hand in hand when it comes to Big Busines.
I had always thought that the political machinery in place in Nassau would find it distasteful to cooperate with the other side in developing the LH. Now one side and one side alone can fully bask in getting this done. That will make me happy (if it ever happens), but be sure I’ll never forget this when I’m at the voting booth.
BTW Chris, what’s up with the shout out to TOH employees? Could it be they’re checking out this site to gauge the reaction of the Isles fanbase to Suozzi? Looks like IPB is a real player! ; )
Thanks amillion CB, I’ll be happy as long as they stay the New York Islanders! You put my mind at ease.(I Think?!)
Atari8bit, Cablevision/Rags demanding payment is a myth. Isles paid them a territory fee upon entering the league, so it doesn’t matter if they play in Uniondale, Queens, or across the street from MSG… Rags are owed nothing.
Limbaugh2012, thanks for commenting! It’s heartwarming to see support for pill-popping hypocrite blowhards out there.
Thanks for the update CB, what is the time frame we wil actually know? this continues to drag out like a bad dream. If I was Wang I would leave for Queens, mass transit is a big plus!
Bravo CB … A pretty comprehensive summary of the issue regarding the light house.
The only thing I will add is that in my heart of hearts I believe that “we” all allowed Suozzi … and this includes Charles and company too … to hijack this project as a political pawn … This project became a nice center piece of Suozzi’s political capital that he infact misplayed … I’ll never forget that it is he who made Charles Wang have to come up with an RFP in order to develop the site in the first place, and it was he that encourages such a mega project that he knew would ruffle the feathers of Republicans.
The sword was turned back on himself in the end… I think Charles lost much more money the last few years, then he would of had he produced an RFP that was much easier to be accepted by the TOH … but then he wouldn’t of gotten the nod from Nassau County as the winning bid … would he?