MEET ME AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CASINO
Nassau’s vision includes deal with Shinnecock tribe
Sure, let’s dismiss eight years of planning and millions spent. As reported in Newsday (subscription needed), Ed Mangano is talking to the Shinnecock tribe about a casino on the Coliseum site. A new arena would go next to it. Long Island is not getting the “iconic destination” Charles Wang insisted we and he needed, but what will Garden City think? What will the NHL think? Hey, whatever keeps the Islanders on Long Island, right? One Comment per, please.
127 Responses to MEET ME AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CASINO
Nassau’s vision includes deal with Shinnecock tribe
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felix says:
at this point, I echoe that senitment. Whatever keeps the islanders.
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Bri On LI says:
Man, you’re quick, CB! I was just cutting and pasting the following:
Asked about Charles Wang’s proposed Lighthouse project for developing the Coliseum property, Mangano said: “This is just another option that we’re considering as the application [Wang's application] goes through the process period.”
What is the “process period?” And how long does it last?!?
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rb says:
Pathetic. Casinos are for desperate suckers and do nothing but siphon off income from other productive sectors of an economy. This moron Mangano has seen what Atlantic City looks like right?
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Phil says:
Yeah OK they want to talk about traffic issues etc… you think a CASINO won’t bring out all the rif-raf from Hempstead etc… HOW IN THE WORLD can they think a Casino would be better than a park-like development destination with retail – Casino’s on top of everything else are packed with retail!
I’m all for the Isalnders staying here but if this ever gets done people will be begging for the Lighthouse! -
Joe says:
I just tried to go to the main lighthouse website and it just has a statement nothing else. Is this good or bad for the project?
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Staten Islander says:
Since I’m not paying for Newsday, I have only one thing to say…….wanna bet?
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TuxTax says:
Still confused and disturbed more then ever before…What will become of my beloved hockey team? That is my only care! The entire fan base wants answers! We are sick of political limbo!
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doublew says:
storied franchise deserves state of the art facility to play in. Lets get it done and move on… as only CB can say, next!
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With Bettman thinking Queens the best option, I’m just getting the feeling that secret negotiations are going on between Queens and the NHL.
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This town/government is becoming more and more of a joke with each week that passes. Mangano, please put down the peace pipe and think clearly about this….
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Dan says:
meet me at the nassau county/shinnecock nation/ny islanders reservation, gambling, and hockey complex. that has a nice ring to it.
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Ethan K says:
Get out of there ASAP. I’m embarrassed to be from Nassau County… move to Queens and get a nice arena.
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would love this. isles game to roulette and dinner and then just a 10 minute drive home. no more long trips to foxwoods and you get to see a game too. what is not to like.
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Zarley Z says:
You have to laugh at this when considering the Town of Hempstead/Republican warnings of “disturbing suburbia” with regards to the Lighthouse. But a casino?? Hey, no problem!
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dlk says:
A rhetorical question: How is it that a casino and resort suddenly and magically won’t create any of the “end-of-the-world” traffic and environmental problems the county keeps drumming along about?
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Stumpy32 says:
This is a very, very interesting proposal that warrants more than a scoff from us. We discuss the Lighthouse as a district with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, so as long as, like CB says, it doesn’t look like the one in Yonkers, but more like Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun, it might be close to what Wang wanted in the first place, minus the tower, the residences, sports tech center, and the minor-league stadium. And for us, it might be a nice place to hang before and after the games. Not a terrible compromise here. If the state allows Wang to be an equal partner with the Shinnecocks, or at least share in some revenue from his management of the new Coliseum, he could see a potentially better return than he could have from the Lighthouse.
Unusual, but interesting proposal. It just puts a huge hole in the TOH’s concern with traffic, though. Wonder how they’ll weasel out of that. Plus, does Garden City suddenly accept a casino as a neighbor?
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mtrico says:
You simply can’t make this stuff up. What a disgrace to the Town, the County, and the Islanders. The only thing at all humorous about this is that the Garden City residents will probably make out a lot worse if a casino is built as opposed to the Lighthouse. Hopefully Queens and Brooklyn step up because with leadership like this, neither the Town, nor the County deserve an NHL franchise.
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Meng1 says:
Does this plan include an entirely new arena, or just a refurbished coliseum?
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jpa says:
Oh I can’t wait to hear how the folks in Garden City feel about this one.
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Joe says:
The TOH and County administration is going to make sure other developers (read:campaign contributors) get a piece of the pie. Wang’s not getting this all to himself. Mangano said he planned to call Wang today. Wouldn’t you think he should have given Wang a heads-up before Charlie read Newsday this AM? They show him no respect. Nassau and TOH politics as usual…
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SCLI says:
This just mucks up the process even more and IMHO bringing a Casino into Nassau County is a disaster waiting to happen. Just OK a New Multi dimensional Arena, surround it with some new Hotels, Sports Clubs and Restaurants and lets call it a day. Wang can make a billion dollars instead of a trillion, jobs will be created and the Isles and their fans have a home to call their own for decades to come. To much B$ going on. I have to believe the not enough Palm Greasing is going on.
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TC says:
If this is a real full use Casino, the money that would pour in to place a Casino this close in Manhattan would be huge. A convention center, casino, and a new arena would really make this a destination place. I however cannot see this being done without some kind of rail system. This would create more traffic then the LH.
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felix potvin says:
what does the town have to gain by letting the islanders go ?
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Hockey1919 says:
So a casino doesn’t cause traffic problems with drunken gamblers, but Wang’s Lighthouseburg does?
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Josh says:
I’d rather see ‘em move to Queens . . .
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Eric Cup says:
It said in the article that Mangano would be calling CW today to discuss these plans. I’d love to know how that conversation goes.
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Nobody says:
Obviously, this is planning for a post -Islanders development. Hope queens is real and not a fans pipe-dream cause ToH ain’t happening. This Island is gonna be a dead zone in 10 years.
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Isles fan says:
I don’t think that this will ever happen but, what’s interesting to me is that Wang owns the Marriott. How would that effect the building of an “Entertainment Destination Center and Casino” by the Shinnecock tribe.
Would he be included as part of the building or excluded and another hotel built on the property by the Shinnecock tribe ?Would that be good for Wang or bad ?
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Jethro09 says:
So, building a community with affordable housing, retail space to compete with other retailers to keep product prices lower and commercial space at affordable prices to keep local businesses around is a bad idea, but building a casino is okay? So, traffic from the Lighthouse is not acceptable, but for a casino its okay?
I guess the opponents to the Lighthouse are okay with a casino because it won’t compete with their retail stores. While I think its hypocritical, I’m in favor of anything that will keep the Isles on Long Island and get them a new arena.
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Potvin5 says:
Alright full disclosure here: I did not vote for Mangano and my politics certainly lean more Demcrat than not, but a casino?!?!
What happened to all of the concern regarding traffic if this site was built out to our owners plan?! What happened to the concern about preserving the character of the suburban neighborhood?! Casinos are fine but is this where you would put one? In the middle of the Town of Hempstead?! It’s all BS. This group of politicians does not want this to happen. Even if this were a smoke screen to get Charles to bend, this is the best they can come up with? Holy S – - -!
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jimfromstjames says:
I’d read recently that NYC had opened the Iron Triangle for bidding last fall, I think the city keeps all bids confidential, so why wouldn’t Wang get a back-up plan going.
A city employee friend of mine had said that Dolan has been trying to get the City/State to re-build MSG & make it part of the “new” Penn Station re-build, a deal they bloomberg refused right after he got into office.
After, Shea, Yankee & arthur ash Stadiums, and a possible BILLION dollar re-build the Dolans are looking for, Why would any government NOT take Wang’s offer????
If the TOH deal gets done, I’d bet we wind up paying for a lot of it.
Anyways, if the TOH was worried about traffic & overuse of town services, wait till 300 buses are lined up on Hempstead Tnpk! So funny you can’t make this stuff up.
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joey bagodonuts says:
in the long run, this may be better for the lighthouse group. there’s going to be significant nimby concern with a casino in the heart of nassau county. faced with two options, the casino and the lighthouse, opponents now have a reason to support the lighthouse.
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NY711ot says:
Anyone stop to think what the NHL will say when they consider the type of characters that will be around the team on a regular basis should a casino be built there?
Real strong quality of life improvement for Hempstead….Yay team…What a cast of clowns.
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hale78 says:
very interesting…i am a fan of casinos we have some great ones in ct..and a new arena and an awesome place to party afterwards is not a bad thing…however i have no idea how this will ever go through if it took 8 years on the lighthouse and we still have no answers
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Mike in Bohemia says:
How can Mangano talk about optional plans for the site while there is an ongoing design review in progress? It really seems out of line…..although it’s probably the political response to CW’s threat to “pursue other options”.
Just when I thought this process couldn’t get any more excruciating…..
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geduffer says:
As a FORMER season ticketholder, I’m at the point where I could not care less. Charles bungled this from the beginning. At this point, he could pack up and take the Isles anywhere he wants and it wouldn’t bother me.
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orngfan says:
this idea is a joke right? the toh looks so foolish right now no way the GARDEN CITY ELITE allow an indian casino in their backyard. kate murray is a real weasel putting tax payer money into drawing up a scheme, and thats what this is, a scheme. a freakin’ indian casino on the site of the nassau coliseum? she can’t POSSIBLY think this has a realistic chance of ever happening. ever. right?
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Teller says:
Will they approve sports gambling on long island. If so we can bet on the isles to lose. So if they win your happy and if you lose your happy also. Its a win win.
All kidding aside what are all the people who were against the lighthouse for all the traffic it was going to cause. Where are the people who said the lighthouse will cast a shaddow on three zip codes. If they thought the lighthouse which was a small town with some housing and shops was a big deal imagine how much a madhouse the roads around the coliseum will be with a huge that attracts thousands on a daily basis.
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Pedro says:
Somewhat hilarious because a casino would bring a much steadier flow of increased traffic, water usage, and overall crowding and a sharper change to the “suburban image” (i.e., all of the reasons cited by the TOH-driven opponents to the project) than CW’s plan would.
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Healy says:
Look I may be jumping the gun a bit but this is my gut reaction: What a load of BULL PLOP!! (excuse my french). Wasn’t one of the big things that Kate Murray was trying to defend was the “suburban way of life” in the concrete ocean? How is building a casino complex any different than what Wang proposed? Lets see if she speaks out against this option!
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Eric Nystrom says:
why do you say – “let’s hope it doesnt look like Yonkers” The Casino saved Yonkers Raceway.. All the big name riders are now racing in Yonkers. The purses are 5 times what they were and the crowds are huge. Yonkers raceway was a dump before the casino and re-modeling came.
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goteamgo says:
it would be a low level casino.. either all slots and video machines, or maybe mid level with some tables, but sports betting would be prohibited
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Joe says:
I really have no problem with this haha. Keeps the Islanders and a casino would be sweet.
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Mavnyc says:
How does get this get the islanders more revenue.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
lets hope they have a poker room (live dealers) with screens everywhere showing Isles games… then I know I’m in heaven………
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Ron says:
This is a bluff, we all know this will never happen.
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and by the way, how does an Indian casino help the ToH taxbase?
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Pete says:
I don’t care if they stage public executions next door…if it keeps the Isles in NY, I’ll take it.
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Peter Ruffner says:
This Mangano/Shinnecock Nation/Casino “proposal”, if you can call it that, is just further proof of how strong Wang’s original idea to develop the 77+ acres around the Coliseum is/was. For 35 years nobody had any real interest in developing this property {actually the Milsteins did), right in the middle of The Nassau Hub. Wang puts out a solid, Lighthouse proposal and everybody wants into the idea in one shape or another. BTW, how are the Town of Hempstead Republicans going to allow a casino to be built when there are all sorts of primary and secondary schools in a relatively close proximity to this area? Have the Shinnecocks hired Armand D’Amato or Park Strategies yet? That will tell you how serious this “proposal” is.
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Joey Bagadonuts #33 FTW
I’ve been totally anti-Mangano since the first time I spoke to him, but I’m wondering if this is some sort of ploy to make the Lighthouse more attractive to the Local Nimby’s. Hey GC, here are some options. A Casino would make a ton of money, but I don’t even like the idea of what may come with it.
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Brian says:
They don’t want to build housing, but they’ll build a casino? The crazies have taken over the asylum.
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Vas says:
All of that Old Garden City Money will be pissed away by the offspring!!! HAHAHA!!! What a bunh of pikers these people are!!!
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Scott VanVoorhees says:
inconceivable!
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isles71 says:
unless you make it a destination area like I am to understand Columbus is, What is the point. What is wrong with just renovating the Coliseum as it stands? The Panthers play at a rink next you a mall, Atlanta closes at 5pm, these are state of the art arenas that draw nice crowds. Arenas like Nashville which always draw great because it is in the middle of their downtown and on one of the most ROCKIN” streets in America, you are not ever going to be, so don’t even try. Once again this just proves it has always been about real estate deals, not hockey!
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
If this ever were to happen, I guarantee we’ll see an increase in “Hooking” penalties!
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Dan says:
I BET this has zero chance of happening. If this was April 1st I would have thought this was an April Fool’s joke. I’m surprised Mangano informed the media about this? I wonder if Queen Kate was informed?
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AngryPete says:
“Yeah, ummmmm…lemme get 2 hot dogs, a kinish, a large coke, one of those giant Islanders foam fingers …. and 15 cartons of Marlboro Lights”
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isles 71 #55 – the Panthers and Thrashers ‘draw nice crowds?’ Strong disagree.
As for the casino…I’m an avid craps player so I’d personally love it. HOWEVER, given all the concern over what the Lighthouse would do to the area environmentally i.e. traffic, quality of life, etc., it just doesn’t seem realistic.
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JKP on LI says:
It seems pretty clear that Hempstead doesn’t want to develop that property in earnest. I have no clue why they’d want to build a casino instead, but when has any of this really made sense?
As a hockey fan, I’d be fine with just renovating the arena, but I also believe Wang when he says that the team will never make much money on its own. While it’s easy for us to say that he should keep pouring money in as a labor of love, we can’t very well expect or demand him to.
The lighthouse project has obvious social benefits, while a casino would be just the opposite. I’m not a moralizing type–and personally I like to play poker and some other games from time to time–but casinos almost never help the area that they’re in. You can find story after story of cities and towns that thought they’d be made better off by building a casino, and it ended up the other way around.
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Terrance says:
This sounds like a great idea.
Wang gets his new arena and can stop whining about being unable to make money.
The Indians make money for their tribe.
The county receives huge tax revenues from the casino.
Everybody wins.
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isles316 says:
disgrace. complete joke. I can’t tell you how upset this makes me.
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Peter Mandzych says:
A logical site for a casino is the area surrounding Belmont Racetrack where there is plenty of land and infastructure to put a casino and a new arena which would drastically improve the Racetrack and community of Elmont and benefit the Islanders but to ask Ed Mangano or Kate Murray and the Twon of Hempstead to subject themselves to logic and common sense is maybe too much to ask ????
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beatlebailey says:
love the idea..let those Garden City snobs choke on a casino as a neighbor..stick their nose up a the Lighthouse?….okay then enjoy your big video lottery parlor right next to Hofstra. hahaha…Garden City=LOSE….
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Bman says:
YEA-OKAY, as if the NIMBY residents would go for that. You thought getting a hockey arena built was becoming a hassle? I’m 28 and will be retired living in another state before that (or the lighthouse) gets approved
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JPinVA says:
Casinos would be great for Nassau County.
1. They’d finally get the hookers out of the Hempstead Bus Terminal.
2. Now the local government can wash their money in their own backyard.
3. With every Islander ticket purchased, you get a $10 chip voucher.
4. Campbell can move his WHEEL OF JUSTICE to the main casino, and hockey fans can bet on it.
5. Bettman, “If you can’t bring Mohamed to the casino, bring the casino to Nassau County”
6. Nice opportunity for the expanded Marriot to host junkets from China.
7. TOPLESS ICE GIRLS.
8. HUGE NEON SIGNS READING… “TRY OUR $7 HOT DOGS… THE BESAT IN THE COUNTY”
9. Slot machines in the colly rest rooms.
10. The good folks of Long Beach won’t have to worry about their condo prices anymore. -
I’ve given up. I really want the team to stay on LI, but forget it. A lot of the way this whole thing has gone down is sickening.
Queens it is! -
WM says:
From Yahoo’s Puck daddy : David Shoalts reports that the “Dallas Stars, Atlanta Thrashers, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders and (maybe) the Tampa Bay Lightning” all needed advances on their revenue sharing money to pay the bills, and that the Islanders could be in the most trouble of the group.
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(Sim)ple says:
Agree Beatle. if Garden City hated the idea of the Lighthouse Project they will LOATH this casino/arena idea. Maybe now they will be Lighthouse supporters?!?!?!?!?!
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jimisles says:
Honestly at this point who cares. I have never been to either casino in Ct, but have heard these are 1st class resorts. Could they build a 1st class resort at this site and be able to keep the low lifes off the property? Again…….. Who knows.
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JD says:
Who wouldn’t want a sports arena next to a casino. Forget about season tickets. Just show up on game day and I am sure you will find plenty of deginerate gamblers looking to swipe their Isle tickets for any cash they can lay their hands on.
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James says:
In a word: pathetic.
**
Also, has anyone noticed the big realty sign out in front of the Isles’ offices on Old Country Road in Plainview?
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Tim F. says:
Ugh. This is the last refuge of politicians looking for ways to raise revenue so that they can continue their profligate spending of other people’s money. The County will undoubtedly try to make a deal like Connecticut did, to get a cut of the slot machine revenues (and whatever else they can skim off the top). I am thoroughly disgusted. Goodbye Bedford Falls; welcome to Pottersville.
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Gabe says:
The TOH and craps. Couldn’t think of a better combination.
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This is more politics. The same thing from day one. Garden City will probably love the casino since the oldies there won’t have to bus it to AC to spend their retirement money.
Let’s just hope the Isles stay in NY at the end of all of this garbage.
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#76
The federal government would have to approve this- Again this has zero chance of happening. I think Mangano likes to see his name in the paper & online.
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OJK says:
Great. But let’s make it Sexy Vegas Style and not Lame Foxwoods Style
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El Exigente says:
This is just political brinksmanship… no more, no less. The county is just letting Charles know that they are exploring other options, much as Charles, via Bettman, is dropping hints about Queens.
At the end of the day, a scaled down version of the Lighthouse will be presented by the TOH and Charles will either stay or move.
The space there will not be wasted. Hofstra’s new medical school opens 2011 (on their existing campus) and the school president has let everyone know that he wants to build three new graduate schools (business, engineering and life sciences). Nassau Community College has already filed papers to expand their campus as well.
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Steve says:
This is going to get ugly.
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James #73…….. Islanders front office is at NVMC now.
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Otter says:
So wait, abandoned the lighthouse and start from scratch with a casino plan? What does the always pleasant and ever lovely Kate Murray think about this? No matter, I’ll be long dead before any of this happens.
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Bill Elvis says:
Really at this point I just want a new arena, so whatever gets that done is fine with me. However, I don’t see Kate Murray and the TOH being on board with this and all the people that have money in Nassau County will definitely have something to say about this and the excess traffic it will cause. On the other hand, it would create jobs.
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Wang needs to pick a path and walk it already. I understand he did in good faith try to get things done, but that doesn’t seem to be an option anymore. Get it done in Queens.
If Kevin Costner had hit this much red tape the Field of Dreams move would of really sucked (more).
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hyedray says:
Anyone who thought for a moment this was not about Kate Murry (R) against Tom Suozzi (D) is—forgive me—naive.
I lived in Southampton Township, and know the Shinnecock issue pretty well. In fact, my home at the time was around the block from desired Hampton Bays property The Nation sought for their casino. Republicans/Conservatives went through the roof.
Today, we see those very same Conservative Republican views welcoming with open arms the idea of a casino in Nassau. Amazing how Charles Wang’s vision for the Hub was all about a suburban oasis—even though it included tall buildings. The republican answer—a Casino. Because we all know the kind of “high handed morality” gambeling, drugs, and prostitution bring to a community.
Please note—I am not anti-casino or gaming. I am simply pointing out the hypocricy of the so-called ‘moral’ right wing.
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Michael says:
Normally this is the point where I would remind you that where there is gambling there is excessive crime. In this case there was already excessive crime in the way the Islanders treat their fan base so perhaps we’re in the clear on this one.
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Steve says:
Wang should go to Queens ASAP. The Nassau County and TOH really have no interest in the Islanders. I think in many ways the sublease that Suozzi brokered between the Islanders and SMG left the Republicans in Nassau County bitter taste in their mouths and entertained offers elsewhere. However, I do not blame Wang one bit for getting that sublease because he deserved those revenues rather pissing them away as bribe money to the Nassau County Republicans.
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Anthony says:
No pun intented, but Mangano is just playing “poker” here. There’s no way in hell that Nassau would approve a casino. Garden City is already laughing right now, and next to the two of the biggest colleges on Long Island, you really think that’s a great idea. Any parent sending their kid to school there will have to worry about the dregs of society robbing their kids blind – let alone the kids who’ll be wasting their college funds… no way is this happening! All the planning that has gone on forever, and this is in the news? That Mangano is a real a$$hole, huh… The guy has nerve…
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Vrinqueens says:
Just another Red Herring to discuss for the next two years, Mr. Wang get a clue and split to Brooklyn!!!!, you were duped into buying the team with the false promise of getting the land around the Coliseum but don’t worry you still own most of the North Shore of Long Island.
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Nyles says:
I love the idea. perfect place to pre-game, post-game, and miss the game trying to win your money back
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miket239 says:
and the BS train barrels along…
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Pnut says:
DISGRACE that this won’t bring more garbage to the area and traffic problems and such. But a twin tower of office buildings would? Those people in GC that oppose the LH project deserve this garbage. Those repubs in the TOH not only think Islander fans are idiots, but they must think that the constituants that voted them in GC and the rest of the TOH also are idiots.
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Seth says:
not happening.
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cjzimm says:
Hempstead. The Atlantic City of Long Island. Except without the beach and more traffic. Great idea!!!!
IMO the best solution would be to play in the new arena at the Atlantic Yards.
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Steve K. says:
…and we’ve got a winna!
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steve says:
i think its all nonsense until the lease is broken/expires. ToH had a chance to do a privately funded, major rebuild of an area that EVERYBODY agrees needs redevelopment. folks get to stare at a rundown arena surrounded by asphalt, while a contributor to republican politics gets to do a master plan. and when NO developer wants to follow the plan? politics, the art of the impossible.
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Mike says:
Wang should keep quiet and dig into his wallet for the PRODUCT ON THE ICE. When the team starts selling out tuesday nite games because they are dominating the league – then Wang will get to put his arena wherever he damn well pleases – Even on Jones Beach next to Trumps place.
Personally i cant wait for the some playoff games at the ole barn. -
4theisles says:
Let’s suppose all this was fast tracked and everybody, the indian tribe, Wang, toh, Garden City, no objections from nearby colleges, environmental studies etc. and nobody objected – it would still take 5 years for the shovels to start digging because sombody ALWAYS objects its called nimby.
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And who exactly is going to build this new arena? Not Wang, nothing in it for him to pour mega-millions into a new arena… The Indian tribe?not likely. Silly plan unless CW becomes partners with the tribe…rediculous plan. Gonna be queens or bye bye…
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The new slogin if this gets approved! “Meet me at the Crackhouse” HAHA!
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And dont forget your pipe!!!!
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Wow,
So we go from family friendly environment, to leave the kids (UNDER21!!!) at home while we get trashed, hope to remember the game, and go out for more. Really? At least you can bet on visitor…HEY OOOOO!
Move them out, this is an embarrassment to the original proposal. They didn’t want to become a borough, and then are looking into this????????
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TimQ says:
Maybe the Islanders can recruit Clarence “Screaming Buffalo” Swamptown for a special night
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Boss15 says:
Yeah Right. That will happen the same year that the Islanders are hindered by the salary cap.
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Mike says:
So, let me get this straight. The people of nearby Garden City are ok with a full time Casino bringing all of the extra traffic and other issues EVERY DAY, but they aren’t ok with a new Arena, and a Hub for the Long Island that will contribute to the tax base.. Hmmmm..
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Jim Clark says: As good an idea as signing a sumo wrestler to play goalie.
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tom says:
I thought this was project was going to bring up the quality of life in the area, not bring it down with a casino…
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albatros says:
Quebec City time …
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garden city resident says:
As a resident of Garden City I know there is no way this is going to happen. No way in hell people would rather have a casino in their backyard than the the lighthouse project. This idea might actually push people toward the lighthouse project, because it is a hell of a lot better than this dumb idea of a casino.
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va says:
Casino will bring lots of buses and people from all over the east coast. It sends the wrong message to place a refurbished coliseum next to it. These people want to see shows from after their prime performers, not hockey!
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Islebethere says:
I am totally ashamed. I used to be a republican at one time. I have never seen such a demented bunch running a county! Why does Garden City have such a huge say, last I checked, the barn is between Uniondale and levitown. Move to queens, we will be there rooting for the Isles and so will many more new fans!
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Blizzard says: ….this is just about the most ridiculous thing I have heard regarding this never ending catastrophe. A Casino!? Weren’t they worried about traffic? Weren’t they worried about ruining suburbia? This whole thing is bordering on the bizarre.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I once thought a Casino / Spa Hotel, Sports Athletic Center and Coliseum combo would be a great idea for the site … I figured a casino / spa could offset the revenue derived from residences, and require less infrastructure … I mentioned that on Greg Logan’s blog about 2 or 3 years ago … But I was rightly talked out of the idea as one that will draw way more traffic (especially at night) … and attract varying unsavory clientele… Not that all gamblers are unsavory … LOL!
I think Wang and us Isles fans have been dangling over this issue for way too long. For God’s sake … we built a country in the 1700s in less time already.
Besides … I’m not so sure the State would allow Nassau County to have a tribe put up such a facility on Gov’t owned land. Could be wrong though. I don’t know the statute.
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mrlbem says:
If the Islanders cease to exist in the near future, and someone were to go to Hollywood and pitch the idea of a movie that chronicles the team’s descent from the NHL’s model franchise to what we’ve been through since 1993, no producer would ever buy the rights because it’s just not believable.
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Kevin says:
The leaders of Nassau County are at again. Let’s try to bring gambling and all of the problems it causes. What do they care it’s only Uniondale and Hempstead around there?
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neologizer says:
My Goodness. Are there any LI politicians with a vision. Can’t build this ….to much traffic can’t build that ……to much traffic. Long Island is an obsolete first generation concept of Suburbia (levitown and strip malls) Meanwhile around the country suburban development use advanced concepts of community to produce pleasant place to live without needing to drive 45mins through 25 traffic lights to pick up a roll of toilet paper.
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MickeyBoy7 says:
These phony politicians are gonna leave Mr. Wang no choice but to back up the trucks like the old Baltimore Colts. Then they will all cry that it wasn’t their fault. I wouldn’t blame Mr. Wang one bit if he’s had enough of this crapola.
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jisles says:
I dont know what to say at this point. I mean the hits just keep coming. For all this talk about well “whatever, keeps the islanders here” is nonsense. Almost like our new health care system “never mind my liberty or freedom, as long as I got healthcare just give up my power as a citizen to the government.” We are living in bizarro world i have no idea what is in the water in Nassau county but something is not right. This is so disrepsectful to Wang. Look, I was not all on board for the LH and you can look at my past posts. But Wang has negotiated in good faith, followed the rules put in place and got Zip. Mr. Wang tell Nassau County to go spit and move. Suffolk or Queens. This is a joke. Mangano has absolutely no honor or integrity. Once again it is the islanders fans who suffer. The reason all of this is wrong is because it was never about the team that made nassau coumty and the coliseum. This is all about politics and money. Lets go Islanders! SHAME!
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drive45 says:
This is the most ridiculous proposal yet. This means one of three things. 1) Wang is close to deal in Queens and is done with Lighthouse and now Mangano is scrambling to find something to do with the site. 2) Lighthouse is probably going to be built and Mangano is trying to show a much worse proposal that will get the Garden City folks thinking the Lighthouse isn’t so bad after all. Or 3)Mangano is a complete moron (most likely its 3).
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Haha, I can’t wait till the first drunk with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth rings the doorbell of a rich Garden City resident at 2am in the morning asking:|”Where the hell’s the casino!”
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anthony c says:
So the idiots in the TOH would prefer to have a casino that would increase traffic permanently, the the LHP that would have traffic slightly increased for a couple of years until construction is complete. Does this make anyone?
Mangano, Murray and the rest of their republican cronies are so far moved from the realm of reality is just mind boggling. They are just a bunch of greedy politicans who only want to stuff their own pockets. The only good that could come out of this is the people in garden city actually wake up and come to their senses, and speak out loudly against this and in turn side with the LHP. But I doubt that would happen since the citizens of garden city are just as delusional and moronic as the republican machine that is the TOH.
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Obs says:
A casino? Pros: Bright lights, pretty fountains, great shows.
Cons:
run down neighborhoods, Prostitutes, Drug addicts, High crime area.What a joke.
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Mike N. says:
Long Vegas! Maybe Hempstead will realize what will come of the coliseum “hub” area if the Islanders move out!
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ars9x says:
Hmmm It may have potential. There would be a lot to do before and after games, as long as they keep it “klassy”.
Also about traffic…don’t most casinos have buses and shuttle services?. Perhaps something like that could be implemented?
That would also add many full-time jobs locally. Hey it could work.
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marc says:
If there was a concern about traffic on Hempstead Turnpike with the Lighhouse, what will the NIMBYs say about a 24/7 operating casino, likely with a bigger hotel? Won’t happen.
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dan says:
Its never gana happen. If the lighthouse can’t get passed, there is no way a casino can.
If this does get built, it goes against everything the opposition was saing against the LHP.
Hey guys lets put a casino in suburbia instead of housing, office space, retail space, ect. Hey guys instead of outsiders paying for redevelopment, we will. BUNCH OF IDIOTS
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admin says:
Thread closed.
yay for degenerate gamblers…?