BLAKE COMEAU: EATING BETTER, SHOOTING MORE
Also: Hempstead details “jump starting” of LHP
Chris Botta on TwitterThis is a one-post-per reader Comment thread, please.
Blake Comeau, who has six goals and seven assists in his last nine games, credits a surprising source for his improved all-around play this season: defenseman/nutritionist Freddy Meyer.
“Freddy and Andy Sutton have been major inspirations to me when it comes to fitness and nutrition,” said Comeau, who had an assist in last night’s 5-2 win in Vancouver. “Freddy, since the end of last season, has taught me so much about good eating habits. I knew coming ino this season that I wanted to play lighter so I can be quicker on my feet, but not lose any strength. By talking to Freddy about it so much, I’ve learned how.”
The result of Meyer’s wisdom was a loss for Comeau of ten pounds and a gain of a career-high 12 goals.
“The difference in my game, especially in the second half, has been noticeable,” said Comeau. “I have a lot more left late in games. I’m beating guys to the puck. I owe a lot to Freddy.”
“I can’t take credit for Blake’s success,” said the veteran defenseman. “He’s a very good player just coming into his own. He’s asked some questions over the year and I’ve given him some advice. My wife (Lindsey) and I have always been into nutrition. Now that we’ve started a family, we really try to stay on top of what we eat. If the advice has helped Blake in any way, I’m glad.”
Comeau said he has made a pair of adjustments to his game that have also made a difference.
Consistent competitiveness: “I was guilty of taking my foot off the peddle at times,” said Comeau, referring to an inability to play physically for 60 straight minutes or consecutive games. “I feel I’ve made a lot of strides in the way I compete.”
Scoring chances: “Something has clicked the last month or so. I’ve made it a personal goal to get least five good shots off a game – at least,” said Comeau. He grinned. “You have to figure I’m going to miss the net once or twice, maybe have another one blocked. This gives me the chance to get a few high quality scoring chances a game. It’s worked.”
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ToH Communicates: Town of Hempstead supervisor Kate Murray has mailed a letter to residents explaining the Town’s decision to “jump-start” the Lighthouse Project. Some highlights of the Murray missive:
“Reasonable development is coming to the hub of Nassau County.”
“The Lighthouse proposal’s process has ground to a halt. If the town did not act to get the process moving forward, development at the Lighthouse site would simply remain in limbo indefinitely.”
“The developers (Charles Wang and Scott Rechler) have withdrawn from participating in the environmental review and zoning process.”
“We have directed the (town) consultants to come up with a Planned Development District that would complement a refurbished Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and accomodate many of the priorities that have been included in the Lighthouse proposal…I believe the PDD should be harmonious with our region’s suburban character.”
“In my opinion, the Lighthouse plan, as it stands, would create a mini-city with numerous mid- and high-rise buildings (of the total 41 buildings proposed, 19 towers range from five to 40 stories), casting shadows over three zip codes.”
“The developers have indicated that their project would add 1,500 car trips per hour, while town consultants have calculated that the proposed development will result in 6,500 new car trips per hour (during peak travel periods).”
“We are hopeful that the Lighthouse Group will embrace a new zone and adjust its development proposal accordingly. I am proud that the town has “jump-started” the process and I am excited about the future of Nassau’s hub. We’re all Islanders, and reasonable development will promote a bright future for our region and help to keep our local hockey team where it belongs.”
Point Blank Take: No one can blame Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead for trying to explain their process, even if the whole “jump-start” stuff is pretty funny. Since the Lighthouse Development Corporation has basically gone dark since Oct. 1, the Town has every right to attempt to get its bullet points across to its residents. They did so in an effective, politically-smart manner.
A Nassau County source tells Point Blank that Hempstead has a lofty goal of presenting its vision for the Lighthouse property by Memorial Day. It will be fascinating to see what Murray and her Westchester-based donor/consultants come up with. By cutting the project drastically – and they will – the ToH board could back itself into a difficult corner. They could run the risk of push-back like, “Town scraps affordable housing” or “Town doesn’t want business development” or even “Town okay with less than state-of-the-art arena.”
Of course, the big question is, how much will the Town scale back? Count on it being a lot. If that wasn’t clear before, it should be from the letter. “Casting shadows over three zip codes” is a great, knife-twisting line by Hempstead PR guy Michael Deery.
If the town cuts the Lighthouse Project by more than half – the house Project? the Liferaft Project? – there won’t be enough room for Wang to negotiate. It’s difficult to envision, after all the years and dollars spent, Wang settling for less than 75% of what he proposed. If Murray scales down dramatically, Wang will have to turn to his options.
One thing is for certain: Paris has her tower, London has her bridge, but Nassau is not getting the “iconic destination point” Wang wanted for Long Island. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to go anywhere else, and Nassau and the Town of Hempstead could still give the Islanders owner his best deal.
This is a one-post-per reader Comment thread, please.
99 Responses to BLAKE COMEAU: EATING BETTER, SHOOTING MORE
Also: Hempstead details “jump starting” of LHP
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Hextall72 says:
TOH are small potatoes.. Wang knows this by now but may be too far deep to leave them to build another mall and Perkins while taking the team to bklyn or queens where real money is to be made!
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2277 says:
At this point, I hope Charles and Scott compromise and make it happen for the good of everyone involved. This has dragged on for too long and I am sick of the finger pointing/name calling – JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN
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Tom says:
Thankfully, it appears Long Island will indeed be saved.
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Eric says:
Well, its ALL on Wang now. If this team ever leaves Nassau County, im sorry but my blame will not solely be with Kate Murray and TOH. With that said, You have to give Wang 60% of the project. Atleast 50% come on here. Even I was ready for a scale down, like eliminating the minor league baseball stadium that we do not need, but I still want a rec center and a new Islanders practice facility as well as other things!
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hyedray says:
Fantastic info on Comeau. It is showing in his game.
CB—Id love your take on Wang’s position. I have felt for quite some time that he has played this “wrong” from a PR/Negotiating standpoint—particularly if he plans on closing down the Queens/Brooklyn option.
My take—if he starts openly negotiating with Queens/Brooklyn it increases his leverage on the Hooples of Hempstead. Right now, he has created a vacuum which Cow Murray is filling with garbage.
Last point—Wang’s plan needs/needed a public transportation improvement to take the car trip argument away—plus its good business and good for the environment. That was a mistake.
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Steve says:
Either Wang is smarter than we give him credit for, or he is less intelligent than we hoped.
If he had such grand expectations, knowing well in advance it would be cut in half, he’s a genious. His ads and his deadlines may have turned out to be successful, in the sense that the ToH may let him build (even if it’s half of what he claims to have wanted, it’s still 10 times more than any other owner got out of them). I’m hoping this is the case. Wang builds his village and invests in the team we love. Happy ending.
Or…he may have screwed the pooch with all his fake interviews and hard deadlines. He may not have financing… He may move to Kansas if he doesn’t get what he wants… He’s a stubborn man after all… Nightmare scenario.
Either way, I just want the drama to end. There are some pieces to the Islanders’ puzzle and this team needs stability to turn the corner. Where ever it goes, I’ll support this team.
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Frank nyc says:
Blake Comeau has looked great in all facets of the game. I have been thoroughly impressed. He just looks very poised with the puck now, almost like a Doug Weight. I really hope the Isles bring him back next year. I think he is on the brink of finally breaking out. I would love to see what he will do over a full season.
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This pisses me off and yes that comment about it “casting shadows over 3 zip codes” made me furious.
What a joke. “Jump start” is indeed hysterical…its been bleeping years!I agree Charles should go for other areas, just not outside of NY. I’m dying to keep this team here on LI but TOH is just ridiculous.
I hope to hear something from our side soon.
On a more positive note I LOVE the way Freddy and Blake were using their body late in the 3rd last night. JB too…and these are not big guys, but they were banging around and closing off lanes, it couldn’t be more evident in the Canucks frustration. We need way more of that. And I personally need the Freddy the Warrior Nutrition plan. Badly.
Point Blank TV/webisodes of a FMIV nutrition plan would be a hit!
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Sounds like CW might be putting himself into a corner he won’t be able get out of. He wants to stay on LI, will have to accept Toh deal, move to Brooklyn (no room for LHP) or wait for Willets Point (years away). With Isles showing good improvement and new lease agreement he will accept TOH deal.
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joey says:
wang and rechler have had years to plan for this moment so hopefully they are ready. somewhere, tucked down deep in one of their file cabinets should be a plan with a reduced scale and investment figure that will still allow wang to get some of what he wants. every smart developer and negotiator has that ready, and in june there should be a definite answer on whats going to happen.
1,500 cars seems like a very small amount. that seems like the amount roosevelt field gets in an hour. you would hope that a project of that magnitude gets more than that in order to be succesful, so the TOH is probably right on that. with LDC being silent, the TOH realized a perfect opportunity to get the letter out, and it is a perfectly crafted letter from their viewpoint. i’m pro lighthouse, but you have to hope that wang is ready to sit at the table and negotiate.
kudos to blake comeau.
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Glen S says:
So I guess Memorial Day will be either be one to remember or forget (as islander fans). Now is time for Wang to come out and speak, stop the silence. I think TOH saying reasonable develpment is coming to the hub mean’s the LHP is scaled back at least 45%. Now is the time for an answer this has gone on for way to LONG.
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
I know this is government, but do they really have the right to re-zone the property after the LHD have spent millions after winning the RFP to design what they did? Isn’t that like changing the rules after you played half the game?
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Jack says:
They don’t own the building. They don’t own the land. And they don’t hold the lease. But the TOH owns everyone involved in the deal. Just doesn’t seem fair.
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Murray is a laugh riot. Nothing could move forward until she was safely seated again at Supervisor and now she is amped to get the project off the ground. I would imagine that Wang and Rechler have imagined what a scaled back “hub” would look like, so it’s time to wait some more!
Wang’s not moving the team to Kansas. Kansas will never be a hockey city, they are barely a football and baseball city and they couldn’t even fill a sell out (many FREE tickets) pre-season game. Less than half of the arena showed up. Kansas will never be a reality. It’s not as if they have a storied history with hockey. They had the Scouts for a few years.
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EdTurner says:
If Kate and I were standing on Jones Beach this past Saturday and she told me it was windy I would not believe her.
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dan says:
well lets see what happens on memorial day. It isn’t too much longer of a break, but I think TOH will cut back at the very least 25%. I hope wang just takes what they give him so this entire thing can be put to bed. PLEASE WANG!
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TM says:
Wang got it wrong. He hoped for something in the WRONG place with the WRONG people. Murray said she wants to keep the suburban character so that’s that. They don’t want to grow. A pro hockey team can’t be supported in the suburbs in 2010 as there’s no infrastructure, no mass transit and most importantly not enough revenue streams.
Wang should give it up and not be so stubborn and realize that it’s more than OK with many NYI fans if he moves them to Brooklyn or Queens to get what he wants and what we want!
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Lighthousemylasthope says:
Kate writes “In my Opinion”. Who cares about her “Opinion”. She didn’t go to College for ‘City Planning’ or Environomental Engineering’ or ‘Socitey Building’ or ‘Economoics’ or ‘Architecture’, she is a low class Suburbian Politician. Give me a Break…… The system is broke
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4theisles says:
The bottom line is always the bottom line. And it is MONEY. The TOH doesn’t have any and nobody except Wang knows how much he has and can raise for the project. So the poker game goes on. KM is saying “I’m showing you my hand, but she hasn’t anteed up, and CW is deciding whether to show his next card [if he has one] or fold, sell, or move to Bklyn. Fans place your bets here!
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Healy says:
I agree Steve, the one thing that really made me hesitant on the Lighthouse project was its disregard for public transportation. The LIRR is a mess, but there must be a way to bring it to the new arena. Shuttle buses don’t really cut it. Maybe I am missing something but seems like a great way to mitigate the traffic issue.
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Lorne Myers says:
We all knew Wang was crazy with his original proposal.He really needs to sit down and work on a scaled down project. It is obvious he wants to stay in Nassau County. This may not be all Kate Murray’s fault though.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
It’s a good thing Comeau spoke to Freddy Meyer, not Oscar Meyer!
Whatever he’s doing, it sure is working.
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C.J. says:
As much as I hate her, Murray and ToH have a point… what was being proposed in the LHP was RIDICULOUS in terms of size and degree.
A simple case of Wang/Rechler either: 1. getting greedy 2. truly identifying the bare minimum of what it would take to pad their pockets.
I’m not in a position to state which.
Either way, as a resident, I would not be a fan of a mini city being placed in the middle of an already traffic congested area.
This isn’t like rebuilding NVMC and adding another hotel. This is a significant voluminous proposal… look at the plans.
I’d love to see this scaled back to 50% and hopefully satisfy both parties and make it happen.
Otherwise, for personal benefit, and being a North Jersey resident, I’d much prefer a shorter trip out to Flushing.
Either way, they stay on the Island and in the NYC area.
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valentino says:
CB,
It is obvious TOH is going to scale back their plans considerably. What are the odds Wang rejects the TOH plans and simply says, build me a new arena. Its your building, its your land, do with it as you see fit but I want a new state of the art arena on your dime or we are out of here in 2015. -
battfist says:
Freddy Meyer is one tough leprechaun.
He appears to be playing better with more ice time…and he throws his body around.Wow-you bleed a process to death and then you take credit for “jump starting” it. Only a politician would take that kind of credit.
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CT Isles Fan says:
I seriously don’t care at this point. I live in CT and probably will only go out to long island for Islander Games and various other functions. Just GET SOMETHING built other than just new arena and a parking lot. Get some stores, bars, and make it a great destination for Islander Games. Does it really need to have a sports technology center and a minor league baseball field? No. Sorry Charlie, you are big thinker but you also have to be practical.
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Hammer says:
I have been a season ticket holder for over three decades and NMVC is like a second home. However, even I can admit that NMVC is an embarrassment. Simply put, the Islanders need a new stadium and not a refurbished NMVC as Murray suggests. Putting lipstick on a pig will not solve the problem that the Islanders need a new arena to become competitive (to get high end free agents; to make the current players feel like they play for an NHL team; to compete with the other NY area sports teams for a larger piece of the pie that people spend on sporting events; and to make coming to an Islanders game comfortable for the fans). We do not need a new score board (again). We need do not need more seats jammed in aisles and walkways. We simply need a new, state of the art stadium.
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goislesgo105 says:
Nice article about Blake Comeau and Freddy Meyer C.B. Shows the importance of having the right veterans on the team for the young guns to learn from. GO ISLES
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Mike from Oceanside says:
I’ve said it from the start…Mr. Wang will not relocate this team, so barking up the tree of “So he’ll move us to Brooklyn” is just a pipedream. He’ll sell the club to buyer who’ll relocate the team. Mr. Wang only purchased this club so he’d have the inside track as the developer of the Nassau Hub. As his prospects of not being the developer have increased, he’s steadily streamlined the Islanders to make them more appealing to a prospective buyer (ie – move the team office out of Plainview and back to the NVMC, outsorced certain aspects of Accounting and other departments, and setting up the trigger for the “out” clause of the old lease as Suozzi was leaving office and the signed the “new” lease, which still has not been approved by the Nassau Legislature (the trigger for the out clause). Get ready for the “For Sale” sign to be hung up.
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Bryan says:
Truth be told the Town of Hempstead is a joke. This to me sounds like a panic move. They have been hammered by everyone as the problem so now they are trying to save a little face. Bit late if you ask me.
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wang_must_go says:
31 you hit it right on the head. This was never about the islanders. Now that his pipe dream is over (not that he could ever get the financing) look for him to cut and run.
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SCLI says:
Eating right, taking care of himself, playing better, now if only he can grow some hair! **** Freddy Meyer, the poor mans Darius Kasperitas.
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ed says:
How come the Islanders do not have a full time nutritionist to work with these young guys? This should be an automatic. They have them at the college level including D3. Maybe they do but Meyer is more convincing lol
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TuxTax says:
So let me get this straight, Wang/Rechler won the right to develop the land around the Coliseum. The land that who owns? Oh yeah the County owns. And the State and Nassau County have approved his plans and wanted him to “jumpstart” the process last summer. Ok so what’s the problem here? Why is a Town of Hempstead politician redesigning the Lighthouse Project? I did not know that Kate Murray won the right to develop the area? What right does she have to submit her own plan? This could not possibly be legal in any way for her to push the voted developers aside and push her own agenda. Mangano, if he gets off his behind and does something one of these days like pressure LIPA to turn the lights back on in peoples homes, needs to tell Murray the toll collector that she is overstepping her bounds.
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Time to cut the losses and take a deal Charles. Let’s start building something and making some money. Life’s too short.
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dose says:
if wang/rech still have interest in the deal – and still dealing with those people – in makes no sense to me that they would close themselves off as they have for so long. other than that howie rose “interview,” appearance, whatever that was, it’s total withdrawal. their whole posture seems like what someone would do who has decided to opt out. i know charles wang has a rep for the unconventional but he also is supposed to be shrewd. if he still wants this deal, his approach seems anything but that. but as my uncle morty said – “whad’u i know?”
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Eastonhockey says:
Cut n run? Good riddance. You give Wang his mini city he will still give us lowest paid coachs…lowest paid gm’s…lowest paid players. Il take my chances w any other owner even if it’s a 50% chance they move out of my altogether
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steve says:
casting a shadow over the meadowbrook parkway, the incinerator/generator, the park and lets not forget all that prime real estate around the rail line, bus depot and stewart ave. as for towers, if a five story building is a “tower”, whats across the street at reckson? aint breaking new ground here folks, there are towers casting shadows already. bahh, bahh- bleet the sheep.
you don’t invest hundreds of millions, to make hundreds of thousands. if the arena isn’t modified so that the team can make money when it makes the playoffs, then the team should move or fold. a money losing business, closes down.
the boys played well last nite. high picks in the draft are nice, and it might not help us long term, but i like winning. based on the tone of comments, so do most of the people posting.
i’d take care in wishing Mr Wang away. in a world of empty promises, the man has put his money where his mouth is funding this franchise. the BIG gripe is hes unwilling to lose more money then he is currently. -
Tim says:
“Suburban feel” i dont know what kate murray see in the ToH but that jumbled excuse of a suburban community is a joke of a town. I half expect to see tumble weeds blowing past me as i exit my car at Islander games…Long Island hasn’t been saved, its been condemned. Communities around the country are embracing new ways two bring in revenue to support local property tax problems, for example our neighbor Suffolk with the Heartland project. Please move the team to Suffolk where CW has had a good track record with development. If not there then please move to brooklyn or Queens. Public Transportation is a huge issue that will never be solved in Nassau. let’s be honest, we all dream of the day of getting on to the LIRR with a few beers before the game with a few buddies.
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isles71 says:
Reminded me of a story a friend of mine with the Thrashers told me about goalie Norm Maracle when he sign with them during the expansion year. Team trainer had to take Norm on a “field trip” to the grocery store to point out nutritional information like Twinkees’ and Miller Lite were not major food groups!!! Keep bangin’ out there Blake!!!
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The New Isles GM says:
For some reason, I have always been a firm believer in Blake. He reminds me of Detroit’s Dan Cleary. The perfect 3rd line winger that can jump up in the top 6 if he gets the call. I’m still waiting to see that in Berggy. I love his work ethic but his consistency needs to be there like Blake’s as of late. And as we’ve said about Tavares, you don’t need to be score every game to be a consistent player. I hope that Comeau is part of Garth’s long term plans…
By the way, traded for Ilya Kovulchuck in my NHL 10 game and might I say, he looks very nice wearing #17 in a retro Isles jersey….just throwing that out there.
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unfortunately ‘mike from oceanside’ seems to make sense. it’s kind of sobering.
sobering, on this particular day? -
JTonelli says:
I think that we all know that the only thing that puts fannies in the seats of the Coliseum(in any form), is performance. When the Isles do well, people come out. Yes, a new Coliseum would initially attract gawkers and people that have to see the place, it would only last for one season. When that attraction wears off, there is only one thing bringing fans back(especially in this economy), and that is winning hockey. It has been this way for all the years the Isles have existed, and will continue to be that way. Wang’s ambitions were bold, not realistic in this current economic times. He can only make money when he gains control over a new (or refurbished) Coliseum from SMG, and if he commits to spending on the product that he has. Islander fans have always flocked to see the team when they has been even a hint that they are on the upswing; we Islander fans are optimistic and supportive by nature. Scale down the project, get it done NOW, and make this a Cup contender now.
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Stumpy32 says:
It is remarkable to me that the Town of Hempstead speaks out of both sides of their mouth regarding traffic. On one hand, they decry the increase in traffic due to the LHP, and say that they cannot support all these extra cars on the Meadowbrook, Hempstead Tpke, and the surrounding roads. Yes, no, we really can’t be sure how sound of an argument that is. But, on the other hand, the TOH continually refuses to consider any real public transportation options because of their benefactors in Garden City. So, exactly where do they stand? They hate traffic, but they perpetuate a car culture. I remember one hearing at Hofstra where one TOH board member said dismissively “are we really going to try to tell people to stop using their cars?” and the crowd yelled “YES!” But these are the same people who complain about the traffic their antiquated positions lead to. Must be nice to be an entrenched interest. Keeping the status quo is easy.
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Ron says:
#34 nailed it – how does a professional sports team not have a nutritionist (full or part time) on the payroll? It is 2010 – not 1975 – how does this happen?
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Okay armchair coaches, GMs, and business owners: Wang can’t use Brooklyn merely as a bargaining chip like everyone suggests — it has to be a good faith negotiation otherwise no one will take seriously AND it will potentially land him on the outs with two locations. Until he’s ready to seriously consider a move to Brooklyn, those discussions won’t happen.
As for ToH, they’re still talking about refurbishing the colliseum which boggles my mind. That has to be a non-negotiable cornerstone to the development of the land. Whatever happens, Charlie has to start talking…
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UIF says:
I hope Comeau is for real this time and doesn’t revert back to wildly inconsistent. If so, that’s one less player to worry about replacing.
I’m not rooting for losses. Did that last year. It’s nice to just enjoy some rare moments of good Islanders hockey, and honestly, I think it’s better for the kids if they make a push to the playoffs and fall just short…it’ll fuel the fire for next year. Garth can always make the Sutton trade worthwhile and use that pick to help the club trade up a spot or two at the draft if necessary.
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The thoughts that the project is too big in the eyes of the Town of Hempstead doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is that they allowed Mr. Wang and Mr. Rechler develop those plans and then sat on them for years only to now hire a NON Long Island company to develop plans. This thing could have been built already, scaled down or not. All Murray had to do was sit down with Wang and Rechler 6 years ago. As a under 30 Long Islander that has seen 70% of my friends leave, I’m disgusted.
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mets jets isles says:
Has anyone checked the round trip LIRR ticket price from thir local stop to flatbush aavenue bring the kids with you and now its getting pricey. Ten dollars for parking seems like alot but compared to other venues it is reasonable. Of course you should expect a quality product for your entertainment dollars. the nvmc is like anold girlfriend, shes great but when you get a new younger one you relize how inadequate the old one was. If you havent been to a new arena they are incredible. Does anyone think training camp being held in china is to try and find investors for the lighthouse project. just a thought.
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Jethro09 says:
“Jump start”? Is she serious? The TOH sat on their hands and did nothing with this project for five years before finally acting on the proposal.
The Lighthouse is dead. It, nor any scaled back version of it, will never be built. Kiss it good-bye. And while you’re at it, kiss the Islanders good-bye too. They’ll be in Willets Point or Brooklyn before we know it.
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Strummer's Army says:
1) You would think the Isles would have a staff nutrisionist working with all the players and the prospcts when they are around. That says a lot on why the Isles aren’t as competitive. I’ve long questioned their strength, conditioning and nutrition programs. I had no idea they left it to Freddy Meyer to run it.
On the Lighthouse, I still don’t know what any of it means. What I do know is TOH are idiots if they don’t get this done and done right. I’d actually prefer Wang move the team to Willets Point so the TOH can have a big empty parking lot.
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Tim F. says:
The required financing for the Lighthouse project – - even a scaled-down project – - simply does not exist right now. Look at the problems Larry Silverstein is having at the WTC; he’s *obligated* to build, but can’t get the financing to do it. The financial climate will only improve gradually, and my hunch is that at some point in the future (which could be several years out) there will be a convergence of the amount of money available and the amount of construction the TOH will permit. If Mr. Wang is willing to wait for that to happen (that’s a big “if,” but perhaps a little more likely due to the renegotiated lease terms with SMG), I would expect a smaller version of the Lighthouse to be built in the second half of the next decade.
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JSExpress says:
@ mets jets isles, you’re spot on re: parking prices. I’m going to see our boys play the Kings in LA this weekend, and I paid $22 for a parking pass at Staples.
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Staten Islander says:
I love what Comeu’s been doing lately, but like others here, I hope this isn’t just a flash, hope its for real. As far as Kate is concerned, too bad he post TOH career didn’t get a “jump start” last November.
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JerseyBoy says:
+ 1 Mike from Oceanside got it right. Remember the Milsteins? Real Estate moguls. Land Developers… just like the Wangster. Couldn’t get what they wanted, tore the team apart, and split. Wang will too. The Isles just happened to play in their sandbox. Too bad the Commack Arena land is gone.
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brian says:
Its so easy driving to Coyotes games, parking is free
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Brian G says:
Both sides are just wasting each others time…why can’t Wang just get into a room with TOH and agree on some sort of scale down..instead of TOH & Murray going to develop what they would like then wait a few months for another rebuttal from Wang….both sides are just stupid with this whole situation. If TOH told Wang he could have between 50% – 60% of the project, he should jump all over that and get started…cut down on some of the Luxury residences, do they really need 4 practice ices surfaces?….Do they really need a Sports Tech Center – why is that needed? NO trolleys are needed – people know how to walk…and I don’t think they need a laser tag area in the sports complex….More parking is needed…Wang needs to step up and go to TOH with a Downgrade/Revisions right away, Just make it happen – no more delays…take the high road Wang, be the bigger person and show that you will cut back on the project to get this started right away !!!
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Isles fan says:
mets jets isles: I agree with you that a main reason that the team will be going to China is to try to get financing from China for the Lighthouse project.
As for the car issue with the Lighthouse project: How about if their was bus service from other locations that are close to the Coliseum, like Eisenhower park or Hofstra or Nassau Community this would lessen the traffic problem right around the coliseum and make them go to a larger area. They have done this at the US Open golf tournaments that have been in the NYC area over the past 8 years and it has always worked very well.
As for Hockey: The only difference (actually a BIG difference) with the last week of Isles hockey and the prior 15 games is that they have continuied to play good hockey in the 3rd period. -
Harold C says:
I have been an Islander fan since I was in 4th grade, and that was 1974. I have also lived in Nassau county all my lift and have never lived anywhere else. I know all too well about the political nightmare NC/TOH has been and will always be, and it makes things difficult to say the least.
My gut says they find middle ground and work it out. The Islanders aren’t going anywhere, Wang is NOT selling the team because he will take a huge loss financially, and while hockey is not his forte’, making money is. That said, the only way for him to recoup monies is to be involved in a development deal, and I firmly believe it will come to pass.
That’s my opinion.
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Jisles says:
Wang will take the TOH and Murrays deal with what amounts to be about what he expected. Wang knows how to negotiate and understood the county and town pols that you gotta reach for everything and then get what you want. Wang will keep the team in Nassau get a refurbished arena and get the team to profitabiltiy. Once that happens he will sell the team. The islanders are not going anywhere. Murray and the town understood that. In this economy no one is buying a franchise and if they did it would be at a rock bottom price and wang would never sell at a bargain. Secondly once the KC thing was a dud Murry and the town knew the team was going nowhere. Wang will take this deal because he has spent too much money for him to leave the table. This in a wierd way is a good day for the Islanders and isnt that what this was all about!
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jimisles says:
I have asked this before and I’ll ask again……
Why does the NVMC have to get renovated? Why can’t a new arena be constructed? Every major sports team has built a “NEW” building, so why not the Islanders? It has never made sense to me.
As for transportation:
Build a light rail system from Freeport and run it along the western side of the Meadowbrook Pkwy and I’m sure something can be constructed to serve the northern part as well.
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Bill says:
Freddy Meyer is making a strong case to stay on the team next year everyday lately. I’ve been a fan of his for awhile and if you ever bump into him off the ice, he is a very down to earth guy.
As for the LHP, am I the only one who would be fine with the cutback? I’m a diehard Isles fan, but living nearby the Coliseum, I can tell you that the traffic already is that bad there and that adding to it will be a nightmare. If the TOH wants to scale it back, add maybe a few shops and renovate the Coliseum still, I’m all for it. The new building was the most important part to me. I always felt like Wang was just using the team as a prop to gain support.
Ask yourself this…if you all weren’t Islanders fans or knew nothing about hockey, would you still be supporting the LHP, or would you view it just as what the TOH has been calling it, a mini city in the heart of Suburbia? Wang just used the Isles fan base to gain support. He really just wants the real estate and the $$$$
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JayK says:
JMIsles #63 — I think this is all semantics. So they gut the place, put all new facing on it outside so it doesn’t even look like what it was, etc. Inside, it isn’t even remotely recognizable from what it was before. All that happens is that they didn’t build a new foundation and do it from scratch. I don’t know why that matters.
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And Bill — #65 — if it wasn’t for the Islanders, I would still be in favor of the LHP. I don’t view it as a mini-city, I view it as a relatively dense development in the middle of suburbia, the type of development that has seen mid-sized cities in suburbia get revived — think White Plains or New Brunswick — or the construction of a dense area that houses people, businesses and retail (think Tyson’s Corner outside of DC).
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Cyph718 says:
A refurbished Coliseum? This whole thing is a joke. There is too much postuing and not enough action. If this team moved to Brooklyn it would be easier to get to for Lomg Islanders than it is now. LIRR right there. New facilities to lure potential free agents. I’m not so sure Ryan Smith wouldve cried if he was traded to Brooklyn.
MSG gets tons of Ranger fans via the LIrR I do not see why Brooklyn wouldn’t. The Barn needs to be torn down. Too bad that Noreaster wasn’t strong enough .
Let’s go Matt Coulson!!! -
Metalcoconut says:
Meyer seems to have found his niche. Bruno cooks and FMIV seems to tell people to stay away from his cooking. Just kidding, I’m sure it is great stuff. However whatever Comeau is eating please make sure he continues and shares with the rest of the team.
A scaled back version of the plan is not the end of the world but let’s see what they scale back. It really would be nice to see a practice rink in Nassau so that we don’t have to get blurps from a newspaper that charges for minimal coverage of a team that we are trying to recharge and attract new fans too. Sometimes I feel like the common sense factor is simply missing with the people around the team.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Here’s the logic… Shadow over 3 Zip Codes??? are you kidding me?!?!?!?!
Has anyone in Kate’s world ever driven on Old Country Rd and see nothing but shopping for the longest stretch. Talk about an eye sore. I call that “Shopper’s Row”
You mean having a place to compliment Shopper’s Row and Eisenhower Park is a bad thing??? You mean having a decent place to see a concert or a game. A place where there are more restaurants than you can shake a stick at, a place to work that actually looks like it was built after the 1970′s?
The F&(%#$ idiots are so full of sh!t.
Here’s why we don’t have a new arena already
1) The republicans didn’t like Suozzi and dont like Wang.
2) No one was paid off
3) No one was paid offthe way out of this mess is to make the republicans seem like the hero’s. Partner with them, make them the people who saved the day. Kiss butt and Lick babies (or something like that). Do hatever you have to do before it’s too late.
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IslesRock says:
Post 69 has it right. I have said the same thing before. Wang does not know how to play ball in the TOH. He needed to play both sides of the fence from day one. At this point, I would offer to build the new Kate Muarry Rotonda as part of the new LHP. Just kidding, but that’s how the game is played in Nassau and the TOH.
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Matt says:
There is alot I don’t like about the Wang era thus far — and even some of the thoughts in the Lighthouse project — but I am going to be a Wang defender on this for a minute.
Maybe I am missing something. The 2010 economy is in the toilet. Jobs are hard to come by…and Long Island has been taking a monetary beating. This project is privately funded; will bring JOBS, $$$, TAX REVENUE and PRIDE to the community.
Yes, I understand that it is bigger than the town would like and traffic could be an issue (though ultimately solve-able) — but all-in-all, in today’s market shouldn’t the town be thrilled that someone wants to make this kind of investment in them.
Think of the alternative…the Isles move to Brooklyn, the arena is rendered useless and the restaurants, businesses, and home values plummet.
Seems like Ms. Murray is risking becoming the woman who destroyed the economic viability of the area. But, maybe I am missing something.
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1972 means I'm Old says:
Murray’s flatuent ego casts a shadow over three zip codes.
I’d like the Islanders to stay true for their roots and remain in Nassau County, but I think it’s time to zip-code off to Brooklyn for 2015.
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if the LHP does fail and the Islanders do move I guarantee that a new project will be publicly supported and it will be another retail area.
If this happens, I am moving off the Island (im only 20 and still in college)
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# 47,I agree, but how does a team not have a radio brodcast team in 2010 ?.Answer Charles Wang.
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“Seeing is Believing” for me from here on in and “Talk is Cheap”
Both Kate Murray & Charles Wong have been “fixing” to do big things in Nassau-
But actually nothing gets done.
Do Work- And then we can write and read all about the actual- this hypothetical nonsense is so played out and frustrating
Maybe what we need is for a local paper (preferably one without a “paywall”) to rip her publically and misprint her name, to light a spark, “Matt Coulson” style.
Imagine this Quote:
“62yr old Kate Furray to finally build Lighthouse Project, after years of doing practically nothing of substance while holding public office of Town Supervisor”
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Steve M says: Last night’s game was just a sign that this team is getting better, it’s clear. give it some time. as for the LHP, it needs to come through, if wang doesn’t make it happen now, it’ll never happen. on long island for that matter.
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geduffer says:
If I was in Charles’ shoes, I would be having lunch with Jim Balsillie and publicly. The next day, I would be back touring the Sprint Center in Kansas City. Then I would prepare to file bankruptcy and break the lease. Remember how the Baltimore Colts wound up in Indianapolis.
Charles won’t do that, but I would have and flipped the bird at Ms. Murray on my way out of town. -
Dr. Drew says:
Nutritionist? I once was at Wendy’s across from Republic Airport and saw practically half the team there, filling up before a road game flight. I don’t remember them eating salads.
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when kate murray is begging for change on tumbleweed turnpike, i’ll offer her some shelter for a nominal fee. i always did like the big ones…
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Steve says:
Wang should pursue Brooklyn and Queens and FORGET about Nassau county, period.
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Shoogah says:
I’m convinced. Kate is flipping mad. I hate politics but I loooooove Blakey Comeau! Keep it up, kid!!
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It boggles the mind as to why Wang refuses to up the ante and meet with other cities, in and out of NY. And if he is doing just that, why not publicly. I just don’t get it. I’ve said for months now that he and the TOH must have something going if Wang isn’t talking. Well…what is that exactly? Even if he’s full of it, just show that you’re not sitting like a schoolboy waiting for Big Bad Murray to let you out of detention. It looks ridiculous.
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Isles81 says:
What a ride – by going silent Mr Wang has amde the TOH look like the “good guys” Amazing – I wonder if this is part of the behind the scenes negotiating, let the TOH look like the hero’s in exchange for keeping more of the project in scope?
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boss15 says:
I cannot take this TOH/Lighthouse stuff anymore. Hockey is what I watch so I don’t have to think about political garbage.
I’m happy for Comeau he has really upped his game. Having really solid second and third lines is critical in Gordon’s system and it is looking like the Isles are really getting that together. Now the first line still needs some help…and the defense.
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Double W says:
James Earl Jones taught us that if you build it they will come…. He didn’t mention what would happen if they build half of it.
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kbulger22 says:
Double W… if you build half of it, half will come… oh, wait, that’s how it is now
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4195mary says:
How about Mrs. Meyer IV as the team’s new trainer. Hey Freddy, why not ask Tavares and Okposo to move into the spare bedrooms, just like Sydney Crosby at Mario’s.
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five hole says:
For those of you that dont know, Chuck Wang has numerous developments in the works for Long Island, lets not forget the 100 or so acres of vacant land he owns in Plainview, or the fact that he owns 1/2 of Oyster Bay…Chuck Wang is not going anywhere, nor are the Islanders…He loves this god forsaken sandbar far too much, and has far to much to lose. He will get his development deal for the Hempstead Plains, not all he asked for, but it will be done and done right, of that you can rest assured. The NYI will live and die on LI, mark my words….
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mavnyc says:
So Memorial day huh????? What exactly is being presented?????
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nutrition.. everybody posting realizes that these guys take a fitness test at the start of camp that would leave 99% of the people posting here puking and crying for mama, right? that there are few, if any, “out of shape” hockey players. this aint baseball fellas. its a fast, aerobic sport with VIOLENT collision possible on every play. being a bit older, i have met many of the old 1990′s islanders in their playing days, and seen a few of them skating during the off season. the worst hockey player you will ever meet, is also the best athelete you will ever meet. making molehills into mountains on this topic.
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miket239 says:
Just move the franchise already…to Queens or Brooklyn. I’ll even relocate from FL to Queens or Brooklyn and become a season ticket holder. F the ToH, Nassau County and last but certainly not least…SMG. This whole thing STINKS.
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50 in 50 says:
I am sick and tired of the Lighthouse, The TOH and Charles Wang not saying anything. I am at the point where I really could care less about the whole situation. Nothing that occurs is going to put food on my table, clothes on my kids back or a roof over my head. Charles Wang doesn’t care about me or you so why should we care about him and his multi-million dollar project… Call me a fool
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
So who’s next to begin the FM IV diet plan? The side effects seem very desirable.
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CB … regarding the LHP … as far as I’m concerned … any development progress is good progress … but as you questioned … just how much is KM & TOH going to cut? Wang can only accept so much scaling down or it will not be revenue positive… and we all know … that is the point of any business. -
IslesinOside says:
My Opinion…..Wang and Reckler are smart businessman. Shoot for the stars but get the moon. He new darn well that the TOH would absolutely never approve that MiniCity and left a ton of negotiating room on the table. At this stage of the game he is playing with house money and basically has the TOH negotiating with themselves. That project was at least twice the size of what they figured would be their walkaway scenario.
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Mad Pete says:
Apparantly LI will never change, the politicians are making sure of it. That being said, a sports franchise cannot thrive in the present environment. Yea you can build a new arena, but its still in the middle of a place going nowhere fast. At the end of the day, it may be better to leave uniondale and go to a place with better transportation options and a local economy that the team can have a symbiotic relationship with.
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Anthony says:
#94, you are DEAN-ON! He’ll get the retail center/resteraunts and the canal (that’s Long Islandie), a rec. centre, sa little housing housing… he’ll get a smaller business building or two, similar to the EAB Plaza… down the line, another hotel perhaps. And of course, a refurbished Coliseum.
I’m confident that with Murray running the planning, she’ll get “something” done pretty quickley; she’s NOT rejecting her own plan, that’s for sure!! LOL
Bottom line: THE ISLANDERS ARE STAYING PUT!
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Matt S. says:
“a refurbished Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum” sounds like a fixer upper and not a BRAND NEW ARENA. the arena is all we need.
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What is she thinking? Even though, I am a die hard Islanders fan, I hope Charles Wang calls her bluff and moves the team to Brooklyn (so at least I can go to a few games from Manhattan). I hope Charles doesn’t get so pissed that he moves the team to Kansas City.
Maybe then, the voters will relaize that Kate Murray screwed Nassau County’s last chance to be relevant especially in this economic recession. With all the young people moving out because of limited job opportunities and unbearable taxes, where is the future for Nassau? Could kate Murray and her pea-brained associates, please explain that to the voters. Or is Asssited Living (don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that) the new growth industry for Nassau County?
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I hope that Mr. Wang just accepts whatever is offered and we can all breathe easy. Re-Post: (by five hole) For those of you that dont know, Chuck Wang has numerous developments in the works for Long Island, lets not forget the 100 or so acres of vacant land he owns in Plainview, or the fact that he owns 1/2 of Oyster Bay…Chuck Wang is not going anywhere, nor are the Islanders…He loves this god forsaken sandbar far too much, and has far to much to lose. He will get his development deal for the Hempstead Plains, not all he asked for, but it will be done and done right, of that you can rest assured. The NYI will live and die on LI, mark my words….
My favorite was lifting the team’s “We’re all Islanders” tagline.
This new plan is simply an outline for the new owner. Make no mistake about it. Wang is finished and as fans we can just hope there is enough meat in this plan to provide a revenue opportunity for a future owner(s) of the team.
I’d be surprised if Wang sticks it out. Expect more doom and gloom from Wang, but ultimately I think he sells.