MEET ME AT WANGWOODS: Islanders, Nassau Discuss NEW Arena and Entertainment Complex
9:30 pm: Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano wants to partner with Charles Wang on a development that would consist of a new Coliseum and training facility plus an entertainment and gambling center the quality of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, sources have told Point Blank.
Determined to keep the Islanders in Nassau and find solutions for his budget crisis, Mangano knows Wang is his ideal partner. As a result, the first-year Nassau County Executive has become an Islander fan’s best friend. While Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray did not even mention the hockey franchise in her Lighthouse push-back statements in Monday’s editions of Newsday, Mangano is all about keeping the Islanders in their original county and where they won four Stanley Cups.
“Whether it’s a new arena adjacent to a first-class casino complex or something else, the County Executive wants to explore every option in order to keep the Islanders in Nassau,” a source told Point Blank.
For starters, Mangano is proposing quite a gift: a brand new arena for the Islanders to be built on the available 77 acres of property and be completed two years after the start of construction. The Islanders would not have to wait until 2015 to move in.
A state-of-the-art NHL arena/concert venue combined with a Mohegan Sun-like entertainment and gambling complex makes sense on a lot of levels:
- By partnering with the Islanders on the arena and the Shinnecock tribe on the entertainment complex, Mangano would not need any approvals from the Town of Hempstead.
- After a decade of settling for a “transformed” arena and not the real thing at the insistence of politicians, the Islanders would have the genuine state-of-the-art facility they need to keep up in the NHL. If the team is competitive, free agents would have no more excuses not to sign on. (A new training facility, plus limited retail and office space, would be part of any new arena and also would not need ToH approval).
- If the entertainment complex can be fully realized in scope and profit margins on the level of the best in the East like Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, the revenue needs of the Islanders could be addressed without the Lighthouse battle over residential units. The new casino would include a hotel and would not fall under Kate Murray’s zoning jurisdiction.
In the wake of the Town of Hempstead’s 70% hack of Wang’s County-approved vision for the property surrounding the Coliseum - when Murray spent residents’ money to tell Wang how to spend his money – expect the Islanders owner to remain silent publicly.
However, be assured: there is plenty of discussion behind closed doors between Wang and Mangano. They both want to keep the Islanders in Nassau. Combining their efforts and resources on a new arena and glamorous entertainment center and casino for Long Island, they may have their solution.
Comments.
243 Responses to MEET ME AT WANGWOODS: Islanders, Nassau Discuss NEW Arena and Entertainment Complex
-
This is a FANTASTIC idea and I fully support it! Let’s get it done! What I don’t understand is how this idiot can tell Wang this is what we’re doing with the land-like it or not. Doesn’t he own some of this land?
-
JT says:
Wow. I hope they do whatever needs to be done to keep the Isles in Nassau County. I’d prefer the original LH propopsal to a casino, but it could be the only way to solve the Kate Murray problem. Funny, how Kate’s ridiculous counterproposal could result in bringing a casino to our backyard, and there’s nothing she can do about it.
-
As long as they stay on the Island I’m happy, but it seems to me that this would be a great way to get the project done and stick it to Kate Murray at the same time :p
-
Die4Isles says:
Hey Chris, Why wouldn’t they need approval from the TOH for this Casino project? I think it’s an amazing idea…Well, any idea to keep my NYI where they belong is a great idea, but I don’t fully understand it. Can you elaborate?
-
themass says:
I don’t get how CW makes money off this and not a scaled back LHP. Doesn’t he need those 1500 housing units, or will they be allowed? In my opinion, they could put the new building next to a trash refining plant and I won’t care as long as they’re in NY and I can go to games
-
valentino says:
After 10 years of BS – I just want to see results.
-
I just love how foolish this is going to make Kate Murray look. Wang and Rechler can just spit in her face and come out like bandits.
-
MT says:
Shocked that it wouldn’t need TOH approval while the Lighthouse does. But this sounds too good to be true.
And I lol’d at ‘Wangwoods’ good one CB
-
Marc says:
You can bet that Kate Murray will look like an arse if this comes to fruition. We, as Islanders’ fans NEED some good news — would be great if we hear something official as soon as possible. Chris, again, great work with your scoops. By the way, it was so “ESPN” when Newsday had last night’s Lighthouse news as “exclusive” when you broke the news a few days earlier!
-
JayK says:
A casino would be on “tribe” land, and the site already is zoned for an arena.
-
Mike L says:
I like Mangano’s idea. Not so much the casino, but he’s essentially giving the TOH and NIMBY’s an ultimatum. Either go with Wang’s idea or his. I would fully support any option that would keep the team where it is.
-
Potvin5 says:
I am a big supporter of this team and want nothing more than having my Isles stay in Nassau, but I think it’s absolutley ludicrous to envision a casino complex in Uniondale. I’m a ToH resident. I did not vote for Murray. But I do live just a few miles away from the coliseum property in Levittown and I don’t think I want a casino in this area.
It’s also not clear to me how the casino option would work without ToH approval. Wouldn’t the land need to be designated as Native American. I’m lost at this point. We’ve had to bend to Murray’s every whim up to this point, but somehow Mangano and local Native American tribes will ride in like the calvalry (excuse the analogy people) and save the day without Kate’s input. How’s that working?
CB please hlp this confused fan out. Thanks for your work on this and the Isles in general.
-
Pete says:
Hey Die4Isles, from what I’ve gathered, they would not need TOH approval because any Shinnecock project off the tribe’s reservation would require special status as federal “land-in-trust” to move forward, it wouldn’t be subject to local zoning codes
-
So, CB, or any other business-inclined posters–
How does Wang make money off this deal? Wouldn’t the Shinnecock’s make profits off the casino/entertainment venue? I get the taxable income for the state, but where does Wang make a profit in this?
-
Bigmike92 says:
How about Wangano Sun?
-
Jeremy says:
How does Wang make money in this deal?
Also, isn’t this deal contingent on the Shinnecock tribe bargaining with the state so that they get a casino with table games?
-
Ben says:
By combining the project with a Shinnecock Casino, the Town of Hempstead loses its jurisdiction over the land. The town does not have the legal power to have jurisdiction over the tribe’s land. Brilliant political strategy by Mangano.
-
Danbury Islanders Fan says:
I am not crazy about this plan, but whatever keeps us in New York
-
Shoeless Joe Jackson says:
Sure. Wake me up when it actually happens.
-
brogers says:
Just to echo what JayK wrote – essentially, the coliseum land would be declared an indian reservation. Thus, the TOH would no longer have jurisdiction, only the federal government. TOH could still launch a legal challenge, if it got that far.
Am not a resident, so hard to comment on what impact the casino would have. However, it’s the only way to get around the obstructionist TOH, and it would give Wang & the Isles more revenue than under the TOH’s zoning restrictions. I think he should go for it.
-
Potvin5, I agree with you I dont want a casino either, but if that what it takes to get back at Murray I’ll suffer just to spite her and her “yes Kate Gary Hudes”
-
Devon, I would prefer Shinnecock Wang LOL. But seriously-what are the chances this gets done?
-
AOH says:
LOL, I called it this morning (post 40). Let’s make it happen!!!!
-
IsleFan73 says:
CB, again you are getting great scoops!! I am not so thrilled about a casino between to colleges, but for the sake of Nassau residents, Islander fans, and sticking it to Kate, I am in. Can you please explain how they get around the TOH? I would guess it has something to do with Federal laws and the Shinnecock tribe being a sovereign nation, which are exempt from zoning laws. How can Islander fans help the cause? Wow, this could work!!
-
mmhk says:
Don’t hold your breth with this idea, the romance of this plan Is getting gambling passed, with all the red tapw that goes along with we will be rooting for the KC islanders before you know it wang need. To move the team or sell it,the islanders need to be a Sports franchise not an after thought to real estate development. What a joke
-
D. says:
I was skeptical upon hearing that Mangano was on “our” side, but I have to admit, this sounds very appealing. If it satisfies Wang’s financial needs and gets the team a new arena, I support it. Sounds like a win all around – we get what we want, Wang gets what he wants, Mangano gets what he wants, and Kate Murray still looks like an idiot.
-
mtrico says:
It would be nice to see Garden City and Kate Murray eat crow, but I get the feeling this will never happen.
-
Mike from Philly says:
So bascially we are starting all over again and will have to really deal with all the NIMBY’s when it comes to a casino? This is ridiculous, either go to Queens or just must us out of our misery once and for all.
-
As much as I love the Islanders and want them to stay here, wouldn’t that be a giant clusterbleep trying to get in to that place? I don’t know, trying to keep an open mind. It WOULD create a sick amount of tax revenue and jobs
-
niteislander says:
How do you think all the residents who were complaining about traffic, environment issues, and a shuttle train going through garden city (God forbid..) are going to react to this plan. Wang gave them the most green, traffic friendly, and family friendly plan. They will end up with a giant casino and all the negatives that go with it.. enjoy it.. morons!!
-
Jacque Toutight says:
Damn #19! I was proposing Wang Sun. Whatever…..as long as it leaves ToH out in the woods.
-
Blizzard says: ….WHAT!!!? Are you freaking kidding me? The outrage will embroil this project in perpetual flux for ever. This is just not ever going to get off the ground. How the hell do the Shinnecocks get use of that land? A freakin Casino!? CB I love ya man but this is just too outlandish.
-
JD says:
I would have preferred the original LH plan but if this is what it takes to keep our Isles here just do it already. Potvin5 #16, go to newsday’s website and search shinnecock casino and you will find some info about the tribe and their plans to go forward now that they have been recognized by the Feds and what their future plans are. Thanks CB for some positive info.
-
Dan W. says:
Is it a super key point here that Mangano is offering a “Brand New Arena” as a “Gift?” as opposed to a refurbished coliseum non tax payer funded?
-
CharlieMJNJ says:
A Casino in walking distance to a college … yeah that could be a problem.
-
Richard Christy says:
I have reached the point that I do not care what they put on that site as long as it keeps the team here. I admit, at first I was against the thought of a casino right near Hofstra and Nassau, but if it was done right (Mohegan/Foxwoods) and the Islanders could get a new arena, it would be fantastic. Imagine a night at the game and then some cards and drinks at a beautiful casino? Sounds good to me
-
Mikey says:
Great reporting Chris, but I think you forgot the most important part: Al D’Amato is a vocal proponent of the casino. The Shinnecocks are probably greasing D’Amato’s pockets, so this is the perfect play for Wang. On Long Island, uncle Al always gets what uncle Al wants.
-
mike says:
Sounds like a card ManWang were holding in their back pocket. Looks like Kate and crew have crapped out! I’ll take the casino in my backyard as it will generate jobs, and a place to go after the game to celebrate all the wins! Hey, maybe if I gamble enough they will comp Islander tickets and I can go to games for free! Check Mate Kate!
-
MR says:
Shinnecocks will not build where the are not welcomed. Those are their words.
The TOH claims there is opposition to the LH from the surrounding communities (My edit: TOH GOP doners in those surrounding communities oppose this), wait till you hear the opposition concerning a casino. NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!
Being from North Bellmore, I hope this is a GOP ploy to let the TOH off the hook with GC and anyone else that currently opposes the LH. If not I’ll be looking for a new zip code.
-
rb says:
If I’m not mistaken, there would be substantial legal obstacles to this.
Since the casino would not be built on ancestral lands (out in the Hamptons), you would have to do a land swap to get the Coliseum site, no? And I think that requires U.S. Senate approval, which will be opposed by New Jersey’s senators protecting Atlantic City.
Also, I’m all for anything that’ll keep the Isles here, but doing so with gambling money stinks. All gambling does is drain off money from productive economic sectors. And the social costs are always under-estimated.
-
It wouldn’t need ToH approval because Nassau County will be selling or giving the land to the Shinnecocks indian tribe, and since they are nationally recognized, it will be tribal land, free from local regulations. It is a catch 22, and often involves high risk long term. My thing with the casino there is this. The Coliseum, and the land itself is dedicated to the Veterans of Nassau County, i see it as a horrible way to pay homage to our veterans. But times are changing and some form of development is needed, and I hope a happy middle ground can be found.
-
Bob says:
The scaled down version of the Lighthouse Project should come as no surprise to Wang. If he’s telling the truth, then he’s been exploring other options for almost a year now. Wang’s not going to go for the casino thing because the Indians will make money and he won’t. Most of us know that that the only reason Wang bought the Islanders was for the rights to develop the surrounding land, thus making himself even more rich. Move to Queens or Brooklyn, or sell the team and let the new owner decide where they play.
-
Lorne says:
Finally some good news.
-
Yashin for President says:
Im from westchester, isnt this a lot further than Nassau?
-
Isles99 says:
I give this about as much chance as another parade down Hempstead Turnpike. I would assume that there would be an even longer and more litigious posturing to prevent the land from being suddenly awarded to the Shinnecocks.
Just move and get the SoundTigers to play in the beat up Coliseum. I liked paying ten dollars a ticket to see an AHL tems. -
Ron says:
Makes too much sense. You know, like a sumo goalie.
-
Oye Comeau Va, formerly (Sim)ple says:
CB, I don’t know who your sources are but I sure do like them and what they have to say. This would be a giant ‘F you’ to the ToH and their constituents. ‘yOu can’t build it unless we okay it’, not so. You Garden City folk don’t want traffic, crowds and vagrants in the area? Well, try this on for size. We’re too unlucky though for this to go without a hitch.
-
rb, good points, but the residents in the Hamptons will be all for the land swap. Yes, if in fact the US Senate needs to vote, you will get four no votes from NJ and CT, but there are another 48 States voting.
-
Chris in DC says:
Amen to this plan. For the sake of our sanity, I hope Mangano is sincere, so we can once and for all be rid of that good-for-absolutely-nothing lout, Kate Murray.
-
AJ says:
Never going to happen. Please move to Queens or Brooklyn and end this BS
-
Chris says:
I think CW is using this to force KM’s hand and make her negotiate on the LHP. I say CW will get 75-80% of his original Plan.
Although I gotta be honest. I would prefer a brand new state of the art arena than a refirbushed coliseum. They can duplicate the sight lines in a new arena.
-
i like the new arena part and the training facility the casino would be nice just get something done that keeps our islanders here!!
-
Picking-up on Richard Christy’s comment above, I’ll be curious to see what Mangano is proposing for funding of a new arena. I’m assuming it would be funded largely by Wang, with a contribution from the Shinnecock.
-
Dan says:
If they build a casino I will sell my house and move out of Nassau County!
-
Staten Islander says:
Wanna Bet? lol
-
JIsles says:
This casino thing is the biggest pile of dung i have ever heard. Utterly outrageous and will never happen. This is Wangs hail mary. Sell the team. new owner take the TOH deal. End it already
-
Fluffhead says:
Chris – Lots of great information. It’s a lot to think about. Social costs are high; agree with above readers comments. Wouldn’t be psyched about explaining a casino to my young son.
-
Jeannie says:
A brand new Sands casino just opened on the site of the closed Bethlehem Steel right near Lehigh University. I’m not a big casino fan, but it’s bringing jobs and revenue to the area.
-
justin says:
JUST DO SOMETHING ALREADY!!!
-
James says:
Didn’t see that coming.
-
To bad Murray did not think of it, hey, maybe if she comes around we can call it Murray’s mirage! Whatever it takes to get the boys a state of the art arena, these guys sure do deserve it!
-
If they build a new arena and casino/entertainment center I will sell my house and move BACK to Nassau County!
-
#45, who will take the current TOH deal and build with their own money? Do the math.
-
Mike S. says:
I think the best way to embarrass Murray is to let that site become the vacant lot which she seems so determined to create. Moving them to Brooklyn or Queens will still be great for the local economy, will still keep people employed, and we will not be giving any kind of a victory to the people that have squandered this opportunity for the past decade. Let’s stay the Islanders, but let’s be done wasting our time with people who would take us for granted. Brooklyn or Queens. I’d be thrilled with either one. And while we’re at it, SNY as soon as legally possible. Go Isles.
-
Isles Bri says:
The biggest deal to this whole story is the potential for a brand new arena. That is what the Isles so desperately need. The NVMC is a dump and even if you dress it up a bit(a couple hundred mill to refurbish?) it’s still gonna be rather “dumpy”.
I’ve seen the locker room area on a tour once and it is so small and unprofessional that there is no wonder no FA’s want to play here. The gym is worse than a HS gym (with less equipment too). So, if I’m a pro athlete with a choice I AM NOT playing for the Isles unless they were on the brink of a Cup.
So, a new, updated arena is a MUST in my opinion. Why that wasn’t part of the Lighthouse project originally always bothered me. Hopefully this goes down but since we’re talking the Islanders here I’d expect the usual swing and miss.
-
jeff says:
A casino in Nassau County is a terrible idea. Look at what casinos did for Atlantic City. As much as I love the Islanders, I’d rather see them go than have a big casino complex here.
-
I don’t live in Nassau, so ultimately, I don’t have to live with it, but my gut says that keeping the Islanders on that parcel of land by putting in a casino is akin to a deal with Satan (not Miro, but interesting how one of the main characters in thius plot appeared in the 1997 movie, the Devil’s Advocate).
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Sounds nice … but I’m not going to hop on another emotional bandwagon just yet. There is NO WAY that Hofstra and NCC lets a casino anywhere near Uniondale.
Looks like Charles is going to have to get a bit more creative.
-
isles93 says:
I want the Islanders to stay in Nassau County and I am a huge supporter of the lighthouse project, but I do not want a Casino in Long Island. Look at the areas surrounding Atlantic City and Las Vegas. this is absolute suicide for the county. There are 2 Colleges within spitting distance of the site. I don’t know about any of you but the last thing I needed when I was in College was a casino close by.
-
nick isles from brooklyn says:
this could also freak out the TOH – being they would have no control and bring them to the table with wang and meet up at oh say 70% of the original plan – ive been feeling confident – due to some things I have heard abotu whats going on in Queens – I really think the Islanders are going to get something done out in the island! Im Queens born and live in BK now but the Islanders belong in LI!
-
Giaco says:
I have to agree with a few others, i find it very hard to believe a casino will ever be put in TOH. Espcially since they are looking to build one already in queens. Garden City people will NEVER allow it and i would assume they would tie this up in court for years and years.
ps i would think wang has to say SOMETHING…
-
phisnstyx says:
Wangdalay Bay
-
ny711ot says:
Hahahahahhahahaha!!! Boy will Murray look like a jerk as will all those garden city NIMBY’s(although a fair share are degenerate gamblers who will secretly like the idea). I believe the county owns the land not TOH. As such Murray and the inept crew would have no say so over ownership.. And as such Mangano should have significant latitude over its ownership….Fairly certain a shinnecock claim to the land with county support cannot be successfully stopped…the tribe laid claim to the entire island before the white man came….and wang can certainly get a piece of this deal (a casino will generate more revenue more quickly than the lighthouse ever would….). Let’s see how quickly the fat lady’s voting base changes their tune.
-
Giaco, no court can overrule the sovereign rights of the development of tribal land. If the Coliseum site becomes tribal land, a suit by Garden City on what is developed on that site goes nowhere. It would be thrown out of court.
-
Craiggers says:
If Coliseum land is decided to become an Indian Reservation then it is out of TOH’s jurisdiction as someone has mentioned prior. TOH has no say in this at all, it has to happen at a State/Federal level. Mangano has much more say in this issue now than Murray. I think in the end there is going to be a deal b/t Wang and Murray for like a 30% reduction. However, I WOULD LOVE the casino idea. Jobs, county revenue, and a new arena. As long as they figure out the traffic pattern…….it is perfect.
-
The Wanglagio
-
bonemurry says:
i want to move to nassau asap
-
NovaPest says:
I’ve been to the Beth PA casino. Its really nice, and no real footprint outside of the casino proper. That, or Parx outside Philly, are good examples of what this could/should be. They are small casinos.
And how about Planet Wangwood? Thats all I got.
-
Optimo says:
In RE: What happened in surrounding communities in AC and Vegas…. this would be set up like Foxwoods/Mohegan, and be confined to the NVMC property. Different situation entirely. And no, I don’t see this happening.
-
Tommy on the shore says:
I live about an hour north of AC…. and I like it that way. I love the Isles but a casino bring a lot with it.
-
Toly says:
Another angle to this idea being unrealistic, The NHL will not approve one of its member teams buildings to be a part of a gambling complex ( at least publicly). Awards show in Las Vegas is one thing, but a team associated with a casino is no-no for public image in the United States.
-
Between the LH proposal ruining the suburban community, possible arena over the chop shops in Queens, and now a proposed arena with an LI version of Vegas. Its never a dull moment in Islander county. I just want to see the team stay already.
-
Examiner says:
Is this about the time Katie or someone else at Newsday gets their own source to say this is not happening?
The Wang Mahal
-
Nick says:
This whole thing makes no sense. We’re not seeing the big picture. 1) Mangano is a D’Amato puppet; 2) Murray is also a D’Amato puppet… this tiff bewteen the two- so public- must be a ploy of some sort.
To me, it smacks of good cop, bad cop. D’Amato wants the casino because he’s in bed with the “shinnecocks” (i.e. corporate gambling interests) and stands to make millions. He also requires the mainennence of his power base in the TOH. Thus, with this plan he can get his casino and also oppose it at the same time. Murray can lead a heroic losing fight against the casino and go down looking like a fighter against the big, bad fed gov. Mangano can look good by filling nassau’s coffers (at the expense of some TOH voter support). Everyones a hero and D’Amato (plus his cronies/brother) laughs to the bank. Lol were all such dopey pawns. -
Frank James says:
Good put a casino there.
There is no realistic industry that will bring in tax money for Nassau county. Isn’t there enough empty office space and closed businesses?My job takes me all over Nassau county. It seems the TOB doesn’t have nearly the overcrowding of the TOH.
Yet whenever any type of housing is proposed good ol’ NIMBYism pops up.
How many towns in Hempstead are filled with illegal renters?
You can name almost any town in Nassau and there are illegal renters.Those renters do not pay their portion of school taxes. They use resources without contributing to the cost- only to help their landlord.
Build the casino.
I know it probably won’t happen but it is the only realistic shot at getting some revenues into this county.
If this is not realistic Wang should petition the league to play 10 home games in Hamilton or Winnipeg.
The league wouldn’t go for it, but Wang would be a hero in Canada.
If the TOH wants the owner of the Isles to either lose money or field a non-competitive team they should just end our misery and move on. -
that’s not true #68 the NHL says a casino can not be connected to the arena they would have problem if was next to it
-
Toly 67
No sports book and hockey sees very little action in the states. I could see bettman letting it go… -
just look at this way just build something that keeps our islanders here and i meant to say no problem if the casino was next to the arena
-
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
I’m fine with the idea as long as the hockey players must sign “NO gambling” condition in their contracts.
-
OlTimeHockey says:
Sounds good to me.
Long live Wang!!!!
-
mrlbem says:
Best thing about this proposal–Islanders stay put in a brand new state of the art arena.
Second best thing—Casino buses from all over the metropolitan area barreling through Garden City (they can’t go on the Meadowbrook Parway–how else are they getting there?)
Third best thing—Sit and Go Tournaments after work.
-
Relax TOH, its a casino, not a brothel. I still think a move to Queens is the way to go, but a brand new arena and a casino? I’m all in!!!
-
TheNewIslesGM says:
Funny how there is loop holes….nice to see the NYI appreciated …
-
Brother Rat says:
The theater of the absurd continues. A casino sounds like a bad idea, but if it keeps the Isles with a new arena, then meet me at the BellagiWang.
I bet we’ll all be Indian Gaming Law experts in short order. The hurdles are many. My quick lawyerly two cents: the Shinnecocks will have to apply for a “best interests” exception under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that requires the Secretary of the Interior to determine that having the tribe get land held in trust off its reservation for gaming purposes is “in the best interest of the tribe and its members, and would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.” The DOI is concerned with off-res opportunities not benefiting on-res tribesfolk (which is what sunk the St. Regis Mohawks’ Spitzer-backed Catskills casino plan), a problem the Shinnecocks won’t have. If the Sec of the Int’s grants the determination, then the state gov must concur. Both prongs take local concerns into account, and proximity to schools, churches, etc. DOI takes compatibility w/ local zoning into account but that’s not determinative. And local entities can appeal the DOI determination in federal court. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (part of DOI) issued guidance on the “best interests” exception in Jan 2008 that you can find and read online. After all that, then land can be transferred and held in trust, and we can move forward. DOI has a huge backlog of similar applications, and only a very few off-res casinos currently operate under the “best interests” exception…the process does not look to be quick. But it could work, or at least delay a move. Sorry for the long post.
-
Relax, the college kiddies will just have to show a little restraint; no problem with the casino. Are we hockey fans or badminton?
-
jon says:
make it happen!
-
StevieL says:
Omg! I love it!a huge revenue windfall for Wang and the Isles!Even better is how TOH would have no jurisdiction over the zoning laws!How foolish will Murray look when the sun is blocked out in Garden City from Foxwood like towers!! Hey kate , how do you like this new plan? never underestimate Wang! He has been 2 steps ahead of the TOH all the way! He is not a billionaire by accident!
-
Ethan K says:
Still don’t see it happening. A casino RIGHT next to two colleges, and traffic galore. Even so, this is YEARS away… so don’t think that any Ovechkins or Crosbys will be signing with us next year just because of this.
-
I think kate murray would rather have the lighthouse over the casino. This might be the bargaining chip that finally gives Wang the upperhand.
-
The more I think about it, the more I don’t like it. This is not something that is a progressive idea and not something that can be duplicated in other area’s of the Island. The Lighthouse was a vision that saw progressive change and could have been a model for other development in other area’s. A Casino is a desperate idea that might only exacerbate the problem only a few years down the road. Moheagan Sun is struggling right now, why would Wanganoworld do any better?
-
Bryan says:
what exactly is Kate Murray’s agenda?
-
Strummer's Army says:
So Isles get totally new arena, their sports complex and more, Wang doesn’t pay for it or not all of it and Kate Murray can’t stop it, open her mouth about it or take any credit for it? Should have done this years ago! Good lord they could start construction as soon as next summer if they haven’t already got all the plans drawn.
-
Their are Casino’s on both the CA. and NV. sides of Lake Tahoe. These casino’s are well kept, always crowded and a great place to have a cheap diner and gambling if desired. They are ALWAYS loaded with seniors having good times. Their is no reason the same couldn’t be done in Nassau County.
-
jamal says:
This team and it fan base is really starting to come together and i think they deserve a new arena. I don’t really care about a casino but whatever keeps the isles in nassau just get it done.
-
I can’t believe no one came up with this one yet….Wanger’s Palace. lol
-
BillyBC says:
Yea I dont really like the idea of a casino, seems kind of seedy to me. Sure its a smart political move, and maybe if it is used as a bargaining chip then sure. Casinos dont seem economically viable to me, especially in this kind of economy. I agree with other postings on here voicing their concerns on this….this is not progressive. Move them too Queens or Brooklyn…or just build a arena and fight over the development later.
-
mht says:
It will not happen!! A few weeks back in the OP-ED section of Newsday Stuart Markowitz the President of Hofstra University denounced the idea of a casino.Hofstra University is buiding a world class Medical School to be associated with North Shore University hospital on their campus.Remember Hofstra University hosted a presidential debate between Obama and Mc Cain in Oct 2008.I would bet the powers at Hofstra call the White House and do everything in their power to kill this project.Also you can count on immense opposition from Garden City,East Meadow,Uniondale.Hempstead,Westbury and Levittown residents.{Home owners.Tax payers and voters]
-
Al S. says:
I’m hoping this is a bluff and more of an attempt to get Kate the late motivated to support more of the LH project, I do not want to see a casino on LI at all. I would rather see them move to Queens.
-
Sidd Finch says:
As much as I do not want to see the Isles leave the area, I am not so selfish and short-sighted as to see the casino option as anything I want in this area. I live a few miles from the Coliseum and actually think this would draw alot of LCD. Whorehouses, crack houses, pawn shops, yeah, that’s my vision for filling out all those empty businesses along Hempstead Tpke.
Frankly, even with new develpoment in Nassau, the Islanders will remain a small market team that will be vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the Islanders success. Moving to just 20 to 30 miles to Brooklyn or Queens would significantly increase corporate clients, and make the Islanders a more accessible option for millions of potential fans due to road access as well as both subway and LIRR access (which is most ironic!?!).
Way to go Kate, hope you choke on YOUR Utopian view for Central Nassau.
-
What most people still don’t seem to understand is that this was all part of the master plan promised to Wang by D’Amato for stepping in and resucing the Islanders. There was no other White Knight. Despite their success, the Islanders have never really enjoyed great ownership. In Wang’s defense, he spent money, he signed DiPietro to a long term deal, he gave Yashin a monster contract, he kept the Dragon’s alive until the AFL had troubles. He shows up at games, he is on the frontlines. By a far margin, Wang has been the best owner the Islanders have ever had. PERIOD. The NHL has failed in its due diligence by allowing Spano to get so far along in the process and most quizzically, allowing the Milstein’s to sell the Islanders and award them the Coyotes. How’d that work out? Mr Wang has probably invested over $250 million into his ownership of the Islanders and all related businesses and developments. For this, he has probably rewarded the county with at least $20 million dollars annually in revenue from concessions, parking, taxes, etc. yet they have allowed the Coliseum to slide into a state of disrepair by not properly maintaining the Coliseum. Considering the grand vision, he could probably deal with it. But ToH has consistently dragged its feet, finding it necessary to focus on issues one by one, ie traffic, rather than negotiating the whole plan and making it a work in progress. I view the dissolution of the LHP website and the removal of the plans from Iceworks, paired with this less than laughable, non-negotiable ToH vision as the final stake in the heart of the Lighthouse Project. Kate, will we be getting modern plumbing with your “VISION”? I now officially dub this new ToH vision the “OutHouse Project” or OHP.
-
drive45 says:
Never going to happen. Just a bargaining chip to force Murray to accept the LH project or else look what may be coming instead. Every degenerate from the outer boroughs will be coming to the Casino. It would be a mess. The threat of this will allow Wang to put %30 more back on the LH project and come up with a reasonable plan, while Murray looks like she had no choice but to negotiate or a casino was coming. Wang is not a fool, good bargaining chip. He can call it the WangBoat Casino at the Lighthouse.
-
JT-27 says:
A casino built near 2 schools and a major league venue? 24/7 traffic going in and out through one of America’s most affluent suburbs?
Good luck getting that passed!
-
Jzimm says:
Nothing means a thing until the papers are signed, the shovels are in the groud, the payloaders are doing the actual digging,the building is being erected, and the entire thing is actually fully constructed and ready for a puck to drop. Then of course you’ll have to pinch me, punch me, kick me, and stab me so I know that I’m not dreaming… then I’ll believe it.
-
boss15 says:
After they built those casino’s in Connecticut 95 became totally unbearable I don’t even what to think about what would happen around the NMVC. That being said I don’t live on LI anymore so I don’t care. Do whatever it takes!
-
blumpkin says:
MikeinRichmondVA # 108…Those casinos also aren’t located within miles of NYC. Everyone, who thinks this is such a good idea must not be from this area or just have your judgement clouded by what you think of Kate. I am from Floral Park so it probably won’t have much impact on me, but think about how a casino will affect the people in the immediate surrounding areas (and I don’t just mean the people in Garden CIty). Think about the honest hard working people in East Meadow, Westbury, Levittown, Hempstead etc that moved to Nassau to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city to raise a family. I believe I am the biggest Islander fan and I am for the LH project and I am with all of you in that I want my beloved team to stay put. However, don’t let your hatred for one jackass politician get in the way of what’s best for the county and more importantly the isles. That being a state of the art arena and a well developed land around it to bring in revenue and jobs for the county. Let’s go Islanders!
-
KK says:
Anything to keep the Islanders on Long Island, and if it keeps them in Nassau, even better. I’d love to see this new plan get done as it would require no approval from vision-less Kate Murray. I hope she’s looking over her shoulder somewhat when she’s out and about these days. She should be.
-
ralf says:
Awesome news! I bet Murray’s having a conniption, Wang’s World! Party on!!
-
Sounds like good news but until Kate Murray is on board, it’s hard to be too optimistic. I wonder if there’s a chance the Isles will want to bring in a Star Player to help create more excitement around the Isles as this negotiating is going on?
-
Adam says:
Feeding off of Big Mike (#19) and his Wangano Sun idea: let’s just call it Wang Sun, and instead of “Meet Me At the Lighthouse,” all Islander’s games can be prefaced with “Everybody have fun tonight, everybody Wang Sun tonight!”
-
Steve says:
With Al D’amato being involved in this casino process, Wang should say NO.
-
Sea Cliff says:
Well certainly it would be nice to keep the isles in Nassau. Dont know how I feel about a casino being sprung up in the heart of Nassau county, still I figure it could work. However I disagree with anyone that feels its mandatory to build all the housing mixed use areas that charles wang has put out there. When this plan first came into effect, most Islander fans I knew cringed..it is to big, way to crazy and just seemed far fetched. One thing we can all agree on was a new coliseum, maybe something more accomadating for fans like a retail, resteraunt and Bar area for fans to hang before games and after games, sure that sports complex sounds likea great idea, build a new hotel cause the marriot is old, and yes maybe some apartment buildings that would bring in revenue for charles wang. However on the scope that wanger wanted it sorry. It was to big then its to big now, no way that whole plan is gonna get done. I resent the comment if your not for the LHP that your not an Islander fan. Yeah Im a huge Islander fan through out the spano debacle, the Milstone years, and the horrible horrible mike burried us milbury years….but I cant just say build this giant project and screw everything else…I hope the Isles stay, and by the way when you quote studies…add a link so we know where it comes from and who is putting these studies out there, cause we know that on this issue of the development of NVMC there are alot of side stories, Unions, Politicians, Companies…and lastly but most importantly the residents of not just TOH, but surrounding towns and neighborhoods, that will no doubt about it be effected. And by the way yes, there is an expansion of the city into areas of LI, and I know most LIers came to LI for a quite life, a suburban life, not 70 story light houses, in the middle of concrete….meet me at the LH that was the most loser song ever created…
-
GD says:
an indian casino does not fall under local town zoning laws, as the land is “given” to the indians by the state and county, and would belong to them. so the county and state say, ok heres your land, build what you want, and the town they build in has ZERO SAY. They could build a 50 story tower with a large mirror at the top that aims light directly at Garden City and theres nothing they can do about it..
-
isles72 says:
how long before the shinncock tribe figures out they are pawns to the end game ?
the timing would have to be right , otherwise the shinncock tribe would look elsewhere for the casino and Wangs trump card will be lost
-
Rich M says:
The SnowGM >>>> Dress Wang and Snow in pirate uniforms and have them shoot cannons on the jumbotron.
-
Paul says:
I think a casino next to a University is a terrible idea, also a bunch of gamblind degenerates around a family entertainment complex does not sound like a happy marriage. Great so I will have 500 to 600 dollars in my pocket to take my family out for a nice evening at an Islander game and I get mugged at gunpoint by some down and out gambler who needs one more bet at the roullette table. No thank you.
I understand the game Wang is playing and this is a strong posturing move but I think the time for muscling TOH is over. They are not fliexible and are just costing time and money. Just move to Suffolk and enough, it will bring the team withing a half-hour ride to a majority of the fan base. Queens is not an answere it is too close to Rangerland and people in Suffolk barely drive to a Mets game on a frequent basis, that’s why the Wupons are so jazzed about this idea – It’s too far, no one’s coming.
-
Scott W says:
People seem concerned about the casino being near 2 colleges. Have you seen the area they are in? Hofstra doesn’t have a problem with the shape of some of those bars? Is this the same area a hofstra coach got shot outside popeyes? Honestly, the tax revenue this could bring in could actually help the area if planned right. Plus, think of the money Wang makes on concerts at the new arena. That’s where he wins in this.
-
mark p says:
This is a great Idea….Been a fan for 30 years…..but I may be happiest about circumventing Kate Murray.
My only question-How long do I need gamble for before I get my Isles Tickets comped? -
Chris says:
The truth is, Kate Murray is now in a very difficult position. Charles has her right where he wants her. If she wants to preserve the Town of Hempstead, she will bend a bit on this latest zoning decision and come up with a compromise that works for everyone. If she doesn’t, her friends in Garden City will get a casino, prostitution, drugs, buses and fumes, and alcohol consumption 24/7(since it will eventually be on Indian land) right in their back yard. That means drunk drivers on the road when our kids are on the way to school, declining property values and a further degradation of Nassau County.I don’t think she ultimately wants to be responsible for that.
I love the Islanders, but if it means I have to put up with all of that, then I think they should move. I can’t have Nassau continue to turn into a dump, just to save my favorite hockey team. The trade-off is too valuable to me. I worked my whole life, sometimes overnights and 12-15 hours a day so I can afford a nice house for my family. Only to see the value drop into the dumps because these idiots want to turn central Nassau into Atlantic City. NO THANKS!!! I will ROTNC(Run off to North Carolina) and live with other Long Islanders that had enough of this garbage and did the same.
-
Shred Instead says:
Unfortunately sounds an awful like lot “Square 1″ to me. Long Islander Politicians and surroudings have become famous for talking and that’s about all.
-
gary says:
i agree thatt this seems likes back to square 1—If an agreement with plans arent finished by the end of the year, time isnt on the Isles side and they are gone for good–I agree that the location of a gambling complex in that area is not a good site so close to colleges etc. The devil is in the details–Maybe they have numerous attractions for the public to see, like in vegas with the slots hidden in between them–The object is to get people to want to come there, make a weekend of it,give them a nice room to stay, take in a hockey game, have some real nice restaurants, have the biggest convention center on LI and concert arena to showcase major acts etc.
-
marc says:
Everybody Wang Sun tonight?
As an Islander fan, I’m in favor of keeping them right there in the Coliseum or its replacement. But, as a parent, putting a casino within walking distance of two colleges, tempting young adults to roll the dice, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea
-
Spartiarti - RVC says:
as much as i love isles, i want no part of having casino on LI. They worry about traffic problem with extra retail stores and condos?
Plus have you ever seen the city around a casino? No thanks, I dont need to see Pawn shops and slums only mins away from where i live. -
Never witnessed a Cup says:
Its a sad state of affairs when a Long Island resident want to build something like the LHP that would’ve been a catalyst for economic turn around…Instead the selfish scoundrels in the ToH have made it so it cant happen so now we must try and settle for a necessary evil with a casino that enables an addictive habit that can ruin lives, sad, sad, sad…
If this is what will save the Isles then, I say “do it”!!!Call me a selfish pr*** if you want but I supported the LHP at the rallys, wrote letters, called Murray and spoke to her people, like many of you, but all we got was spit in our faces by Kate Murray and her cronies…BUILD THE CASINO!!!!LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!
-
Jethro09 says:
This is fabulous. What a kick in the groin to Murran and the other obstructionists. they fought tooth and nail to prevent the Lighthouse getting built, now that effort will land them a casino and high-rise hotel. Can’t wait to see the crowds and element that come to Hempstead now.
Instead of a “gathering place” and focal meeting point for Long Island, Murray’s stubbornness has landed her a casino directly next to a university and within walking distance of public schools. I bet the Lighthouse sounds great to Murray now…
-
Frankie D says:
If she definately has no control over this,wanna bet she comes out in favor of it and spins it that its what she wanted in the first place?
-
I don’t care for this idea, but I completely understand why it makes sense. Wang proposed a beautiful hub to bring youth and commerce to the Island, but Murray played the stall game on both what would be an appropriate size, and their re-envisioned counter proposal… if Wang wants to get something done, Murray left him no choice, but to side with the Casino. Possibly dirty on both sides, but if there was less posturing and grandstanding in government maybe more collaboration could occur. I hope something gets done to keep the Isles where they are… though I still think they are moving to Queens.
-
thepolishprince says:
I’ll paraphrase a comment I saw on an Islanders board by a poster whose opinion I respect. The TOH’s “nonnegotiable” vision of the LH project just became negotiable.
-
Jack says:
I used to own stock in an Indian Casino Mgt Comp. Building a casino is no walk in the park. The Fed red tape and the pushback from area residents is enough to make Murray look like a pushover. However they are the next best thing to printing money. The Pens had companies lined up with offers to pay for their new arena if they were awarded the license for the downtown slots parlor. I did always feel that the Isles and the fans were getting the crap end of the stick with a “refurbished” arena. Maybe this is the way to go.
-
Pete says:
No way this happens. Cannot see any reasonable legislature allowing casino in between Hofstra and Nassau CC.
Just move them to Queens and be done with this nonsense. How long will it take to approve a casino (Fed/State/Local/Tribal redtape)? I’ll take the over on 2018.
-
Islander86 says:
The potential project sounds great to me !!!
-
Isles81 says:
At first I wondered what kind of leverage Mangano had in order to make the TOH come to the table and negotiate. I think we found out. It’s taken so long to resolve this and now we are moving into another round. At least something is happening and the Isles have a political ally.
-
UIF says:
What nonsense. Casino was a dumb, worse-than-the-Lighthouse idea when it was first brought up, and it remains so. Plus, I thought Wang needed all the outside profits to recoup the costs of building a new arena with his own money? The casino will clearly belong to the Shinnecock and not to him. When all these people are done pretending they’re interested in “what’s best” and find the best way to stuff the most money in their pockets while using hockey fans as their rallying troops, wake me up and let me know where the Islanders end up.
-
T-1 Sella says:
#132 that is it right there….do you want us to move forward with a Casino that doesnt need your approval or do you want to maybe reconsider the scope of the project….
-
Nobody says:
Hofstra is building a new medical school. $$ thrown their way will result in an amazing change of tune, as they tout ‘age guarantees’ at the casino. The only ones that will lose here are those sitting in the ToH offices. Oh yea, and the Garden City NIMBY’s who will be forced to sit helplessly by. The history of lawsuits attempting to block Tribe built casinos is very very poor.
-
matt says:
#36 this could also freak out kate just to get her to approve what we want.
-
dose says:
i wonder if kate took any drama classes in college. if this plan proceeds her acting skills are surely going to be called upon.
-
bhockey47 says:
Nothing would be more rewarding then for this to happen while by passing Kate Murray and her TOH cronies. What a huge end around this would be…there is no one out there more loyal to the NY Islanders then Charles Wang. Sure it’s business, money, power etc, but Charles Wang has been the best thing for our Islanders since the cup years. I applaud you Mr. Wang, and thank you very much.
-
IzzyFranchise says:
The Hard Wang Hotel and Casino.
-
jimfromStjames says:
Remember, What happens in Las Wangas, stays in Las Wangas!
-
hyedray says:
Wow…anyone who thinks that traffic is bad now, they have no idea what a casino will bring.
I want the Islanders to stay in the area—but if I am given the choice between a casino and the Isles in Nassau, or an “arena district” at Willits Point—I would go with Willits Point.
The traffic and congestion burdens of this new idea would be a disaster. Think about what a Saturday night game is going to be like—trying to get to the new arena, fighting all the casino congestion. And, being so close to NYC—can you even imagine the number of people?
If the Isles get this done, I suppose its ok—because we get our Isles. But if Queens can step up and get this done without a casino, that is a much better option.
I like to hit the tables every now and again—but the combination of the two are really undesirable.
Im still going to hope for Willits Point.
-
T-1 Sella (137)- thats what I see here, as well. At least I hope so, because if that is what we are seeing it means that something might really get accomplished.
I hear ya Sean (140)- and she is using public money to do it… a public that in poll after poll has been in FAVOR of the LH project. It is wrong on so many levels!
-
Jcchamu says:
Spartiarti #127 ever take the bus from Hempstead station to NVMC – Pawn shops, and slums are along the way
-
Brian says:
#86, you cant compare the situation to Las Vegas. Sports betting isnt allowed in NY state, so having the Islanders close to a casino isnt a conflict of interest issue since you can’t wager on the games. Obviously there’s a public perception piece to that but if this goes through, with all Wang has been through the past 7 years, Bettman won’t stand in his way. Besides teams like the Panthers play within walking distance of Indian casinos as is so this would be nothing new.
-
Tom says:
Thank you Shinnecocks! Gambling AND a new arena???? With zoning being thrown out the window, perhaps it also paves the way for Mass Transit into the area? Pre & post games are gonna be fun! The Shinnecocks saved the Islanders? Who would’ve thought?
-
Westfall18 says:
There has to be some kind of comprimise here..The Islanders need to stay in Nassau with a new arena as well as profit. The county needs jobs, taxes to support there infrastructure. This can work if they decide not to botch this up. I implore both sides to listen with an open mind and have some kind of vision. This could be a good thing for the New York Islanders. I’d love not to have to travel 2 hours to get to games, but to me the Islanders belong to Nassau and Suffolk the true Long Islanders. GO ISLES!
-
Dan says:
If this gets built then there should a big hand with a finger pointed west to Hemptead Town Hall & Kate Murray..
-
Also people need to stop comparing tribal casinos to places like Atlantic City. It’s not an apt comparison. You’re basing it solely on the fact that the town has a casino brings along some of the blight (although AC has improved leaps and bounds the last 10 years). AC became like it was from years of mob rule and political corruption, and almost no government intervention. You want to look at Mohegan or Foxwoods, or any of the PA casinos run by the tribes. That’s what you’d likely be getting.
-
4theisles says:
There is a possible compromise which could make the gambling option less objectionable to those worried about the 24/7 and college nearby concerns. That is make it a slots only operation with other luxe options and restaraunts thrown in – like Yonkers raceway and the new racino concept planned for Aquaduct.
-
If this goes thru, Kate is going to wish she had opted for the Lighthouse
-
Nyles says:
The “Long Island Poker Faces” …. pa pa pa pa pa pa poker face
-
Andy says:
#45 wrote: “My thing with the casino there is this. The Coliseum, and the land itself is dedicated to the Veterans of Nassau County, i see it as a horrible way to pay homage to our veterans.”
Perhaps true, but letting the “memorial” site become a cracked concrete desert — or worse, an empty lot — pays no respect to our veterans, either. Perhaps they can redevelop the area with the Shinnecock Nation and rededicate the arena part to the veterans as a compromise.
-
play some blackjack get some free booze before a game at the new arena sounds pretty good to me. As for the negative aspects it could bring the town i dont care they had a chance to do it a different way look at who you elect.
-
Danny C says:
DO IT
-
Isn’t Mohegan Sun just up the road from UCONN??
I wonder if a line of Buses 30 blocks long will ruin the suburban charm of Uniondale?
Love the fact that by pulling the two projects back to a certain size & going with the Tribe, how they completely cut out the TOH, guess we won’t have Kate Murry Way after all…..
-
IslesFan629 says:
Put a new Coliseum at Willets Points.
Or somewhere in Suffolk…
-
IslanderNation says:
Finally, some positive news on this subject.
-
geduffer says:
#132, you took the words right out of my mouth. I don’t like the idea of a casino in a neighborhood like that, but this should make the whole project negotiable, even if the local residents consider it the lesser of evils.
-
admin says:
I have no idea why anyone would think it would be right to come on here and be profane or make fun of someone’s personal appearance. The ones who did are being banned. Thank you to everyone else for contributing…CB
-
JB says:
If Wang were to partner with the Shinnecocks, would they HAVE to build a casino? Why not just swap the land, build Wang’s vision of the Lighthouse, and give the Shinnecocks a stake in it? Make them a percentage partner. Is there anything saying that there must be a casino for them to take the land?
-
There is nothing seedy about Moheegan sun or Foxwoods. That is similar to what will be proposed. An entertainment complex combined with a state of the art arena for the Isles will make enough money for everyone. As far as the surrounding towns, I live 10 min from NVMC, and I am not opposed to it. The area could not be any seedier right now. Kate says she wants to preserve the suburban feel? In order to preserve it, Kate, you have to have it first. With an influx of cash, and people coming to enjoy themselves, that area will be a huge improvement over what is there now. The TOH had the chance to work with an honest long islander willing to spend his own money, keep our beloved team here, and help the economy, but no! TOH decided they were not going to listen to 20,000 people, but instead listen to the 100 people who funded their campaign. We all live here, Kate, it is disgusting that she was hired to listen to the people but instead, she and her arrogant cohort, Santino are allowed to do what they want. For all the times you treated us like dirt, TOH, this bud’s for you. What comes around goes around!
-
Healy says:
What did TOH think when they heard a casino would be built? …Craps. Sorry I know that was bad. I don’t know how to take this. I want the Isles somewhere on Long Island (including Willets Point). But a casino complex? Been to Foxwoods and think its great and to be honest the area around the Colly really would be improved by ANY kind of development. But I am concerned about the traffic as well. They really would need to take a hard look at numerous sources of public transportation.
-
barry from L.I. says:
Stop the nonsense. Kate Murray is probably laughing right now.
-
im curious to how long this would all take to develop. I would think it would have to be years the more i think about it the more it looks like a big bluff
-
I understand that the casino can be built without Hempstead approval but has anyone read what the president of Hofstra has said about fighting this propsal? Wonder what happens now.
-
Another ? i would have s would the arena be connected to the casino like the WNBA team has in conn? Or would they be two seperate entities. also sorry cb for the comment i tried to make it was wrong and stupid. I just got caught up in the heat of the moment. If u ban me i understand if not it wont happen again.
-
Chris says:
I see two losing plans. No way either of these get off the ground with the current players. Next up, Wang threatens to leave Nassau, followed by him selling the team.
I’m tired of the drama and the Lighthouse rollercoaster. It’s tough enough being a fan of this team without all this nonsense.
-
ars9x says:
No, no, no. I do NOT like this idea at all. I’d be really afraid of the Isles becoming a gimmick. Like a vegas show on ice more than just an NHL team. Pairing us with either the Mets or Nets is what we need. Emerse us more into the the Metro sports world. More coverage.
This casino thing is not about the Islanders, or sports. It’s about money and politics. I have had enough of that. This plan scares me. That casino will happen with or without us. I’d rather it happen w/o us.
-
having a casino near colleges is the least of problems for students(or did everyone forget the Hofstra bathroom “gangrape” that wasn’t a few months ago)??
I would love to stick it to Murray and her cronies!!!!! -
Well said Erika Tencic (#178)
-
The casino is just a Mangano ploy to make it seem like he tried. If he “really” wanted a new Coliseum he’d be negotiating a compromise between the Wang and Murray plans. Just another waste of time.
-
We need to hear from you,Mr.Wang! Please find a mike and use it!
-
In all do respect, as much as I’d like to also hear from Charles I must admit I love his business style of a zippered lip. Snowie has that style too, or adopted it from Charles. Let Mr. Wang work his magic behind the scenes, stand tall with pride, and pull off what’s going to make him profitable. In the end folks, that’s what it’s all about. Yes we love the Islanders, I’ve been a fan since day 1, and at 63 y/o this month there would be nothing more exciting then seeing another cup, but this time with my kids. The key is being profitable, and my money is on Charles. He’s stood by us fans with his checkbook, he’s turning the team around,,,I believe he will find a profitable way to keep the team right here. Unquestionably having Mangano and the Shinnecocks with him does raise the bar. I know for one think, well I don’t know I believe that when Charles steps up to the mike, it will be BIG.
-
hathead68 says:
Just another go-round on the worlds biggest, longest E-ticket rollercoaster! Lighthouse ups and downs, Tavares last year, great draft this year, Jankowski, Trottier… what next? Hang on everyone, the ride’s not over yet! Could be a creative, economically viable solution that would also stick it to kate Murray & the TOH conies. Fingers have been crossed so tightly for so long I’m losing circulation. Head spinning, getting dizzy. I know I’m not the only one.
-
#188—this is a key part I cant quite understand….why is Wang so darn quiet.
How is this a winning formula? It leads to more frustration on the part of Islander fans.
The vacuum that Wang has created with his media blackout is allowing opponents and speculators to fill the void with lies, misinformation and questions. We are left in the middle of this in a state of frustration.
Not the best strategy for ticket sales—or getting what you want!
-
JSExpress says:
This seems like nothing more than political posturing, but if it moves the organization forward, then I am fine with it.
As far as the area surrounding the Coliseum “becoming” seedy with the construction of a casino, it’s not exactly a suburban utopia right now. I worked at Hofstra for six years and guess what? You’ve already got prostitution, pawn shops, alcohol, etc. bursting from the seams literally within minutes of the NVMC, Hofstra, NCC, etc.
Also, if an indian casino were to come to fruition, what makes people think it would be more like AC (seedy) that the self-contained, well-maintained and relatively safe indian casinos of CT? Two completely different animals.
Anyhow, I just want the Isles to win one more Cup in my lifetime… Anything beyond that is gravy.
-
John says:
CB, an arena will grow in Brooklyn long before a casino opens in the middle of Nassau County – you can take that to the bank. Officials aside, if I am a ToH RESIDENT, how is this an improvement/more desireable than the ToH plan or orginal LH plan. Its not. DOA.
-
Russel Ginart says:
heydray #191….I am fine with CW being quiet, after all I don’t think he wants to get into a shouting match with anyone. After all has been said and done, last October was HIS proclaimed deadline to the TOH and KM to approve or reject the LHP. I am sure after that date his thoughts turned imedeatly to other options. When he has adeal in place he will come forth and tell us all. Until then be patient, the Isles are still in LI, and there is another hockey season coming soon.
-
IslesRock says:
#190, great post!! I also think silence is golden at this point for Charles. Talk when you have something to say. This saga now has a new twist. I am sure Mangano has done his homework.
I was also a young guy, and season ticket holder during the cup years. I always try to tell my kids how nuts the old barn was back in the day, and it was a dump back then too. Yes, it would be sweet to win another cup with the kids. For the first time in a long time, I think we are on the right track.
-
Jim Clark says: What happens in Uniondale, stays in Uniondale.
Nice ploy but Rick DiPietro has a better chance of breaking Glenn Hall’s record for consecutive games played than a single slot machine of being plugged in at Mitchell Field.
-
LIMBAUGH2012 says:
Casino=lower taxes
-
richie66 says:
Guys, a casino will never be built that close to a college, this isnt Vegas so stop thinking about it. I would like to hear what Murray thinks about this, whats the lesser of the 2 evils
-
I agree that Hoftra will put up a fight but they cannot block this. They are a private college and all they can do is file lawsuits. I see their issue being settled by a school donation. In the end, Hoftra will be giving courses for the blackjack and craps dealers. NCC is a county school so I can’t see them opposing this when the county leader is a huge proponent.
-
Schultz39 says:
….sounds good to me. But I would think Suffolk County makes more sense for a casino than Nassau, perhaps on the north shore near Port Jeff.
-
isles66 says:
Kudos to Wang for not negotiating through the media. He tried for 5+ years to get everyone on board only to meet road block after road block. Once he went radio silent, the town finally countered w/ their plan. He owes the town and the county nothing at this point. my only concern is that he does what’s best for NYI fans.
-
Teller says:
@172 I am a uconn student and I wouldn’t say mohegan is right up the road from uconn its about a 25-30 minute drive, but id still say thats close enough to have an argument here. There arent the thousands of kids going to the casino and gambling there lives away. Sure maybe we go once maybe twice a semester but its not an epidemic of any proportion. I personally like to go to mohegan for a good not too expensive burger. I think the people who think the hofstra students are going to magically become gambling addicts are crazy and the gambling age is 21 so that only really leaves Jrs and Seniors anyway to experience it. So I say lets break ground asap!
-
#194, it’s an improvement cause this plan includes a brand-new arena — not just a re-fix of the old barn.
And IMO, I think folks are overstating the concerns with a casino being near a college. There are temptations near every college, in all forms. -
Tim says:
I wonder where all the NIMBY’ers will stand on this. They were worried about traffic before…the lighthouse as Wang developed it would look much better than a casino.
-
Kevin says:
I have my doubts this will actually happen with the college so close.
-
chris727 says:
I am reading this on my blackberry, so reading all the posts is a bit of a headache. I apologize if this was brought up before, but if a new area is included, I’m all for it. In regards to a casino being plopped down of Hempstead Tpke, well…I don’t know. I live in Queens so its not my backyard, what I do worry about is traffic. If the LIRR could find a way to extend to the NVMC that would be amazing! I found it crazy that a pro team here in NY has such lackluster mass transit options.
-
Ken nyc says:
If this can get done, wow, I’m all for it. But what I see is a project that could be stalled for years while going through legal red tape, and if that’s the case, let’s go to Queens. Either way, let’s keep this process moving and get er’ done, I can’t take much more. I am curious as to how Kate “NIMBY” Murray takes this news.
-
KH says:
I would love for this to happen but I have my doubts.
-
Joe says:
Who is worrying about the area? Has anyone ever attended the college “bars” that the students go to? It’s on Fulton, in a terrible area. The off campus houses…again….are in a terrible area. There is tons of crime around and on the campuses. Maybe this will make it better and force the county to increase police presence in the area.
This is more like the Poconos. The casino is a bonus to the area, not making it worse and the area around it isn’t relying on the casino for all revenues, taxes, tourism etc.
-
JT says:
Whatever it takes to keep the team here get it done. If there is still an obstacle, I am all for Willets Pointe.
-
Some actual facts I learned when it was mentioned that they were looking near my home as a site ( Nimby !! )
The Tribe wanted to build in Southampton, not gonna happen, to many friends of the NYS legistators.
As a compromise, the tribe has agreed to build, not a huge casino like Mohegan, but a few small ones in different locations, the idea being to spread out the congestion. Last I read, the deal was for three sites, one in each county & Queens.
With this deal the State will basically Eminant Domain the land & it becomes Tribal land, all the TOH can do is enforce existing building codes.
So in the end we’ll have three Casinosette’s, not too big & they would all fit into the proposed places, only if they went to Brigehampton would they build a full on casino.
NYS wants to make peace with the tribe & Southampton, so the tribe has some power here. And anyone who has been to Mohegan Sun would know that there are more undesirable elements in Uniondale now then there are in in Mohegan.
It can work, and the TOH cannot stop this.
-
Joe in Massapequa says:
I hate to think like this and sounds like an idiot but wouldn’t a move to Queens and all that contstruction be at least a 5-10 year process? If that is the case why not try to make this Wang and Shinnecock idea work? If it is done the right way the only losers would be the TOH and Kate Murray. I am a registered republican but this mess has gone on long enough.
-
Eric says:
As long as they stay In Nassau County im happy. The area where the stadium is now and around the mall is the center of long Island so they should keep it there. This might be a blessing in disguise. Lets be honest a brand new arena was always a better idea than a refurbished coliseum even if it did look brand new ala soldier field in chiago with that massive transformation. I think Wang never wanted to build a new stadium because it would cost more and cut into lighthouse construction space. Thats my take. Any reasons as to why?
-
Lets keep in mind that Fox-woods and Mohegan sun are nice because they are in the middle of the woods. They want to plop this casino in the middle of Nassau county.
If you want a fair comparison with another Indian casino, let’s talk about the Seminole hard rock casino in Tampa. I was there a few months ago for a bachelor party and I will never go back. The ONLY rule in the place was you couldn’t have beer in your room. There were prostitutes EVERYWHERE. Crackheads in the street outside and shady people looking to stick you for some gambling money. Luckily I was with a group of 20 guys that would throw down if anything happened. Drugs were offered to you at every turn. It was really gross and the situation would be similar in Nassau.
These are the crime statistics for the neighborhood surrounding the Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa. These are JUST from the neighborhood, not the whole city…
MURDER 30
RAPE 182
ROBBERY 1,147
ASSAULT 3,579Not to mention:
BURGLARY 6,246
THEFT 15,162
VEHICLE THEFT 3,986Soooooo let’s hope this is just a bargaining chip(no pun intended) to get a LH compromise done!
-
LouD says:
#213 said, “There were prostitutes EVERYWHERE. Crackheads in the street outside and shady people looking to stick you for some gambling money”. Hey just replace “gambling money” with drug money and wouldn’t you be describing an area that is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the NVMC?
-
Chris, could you please list the site that you attained the “crime statistics” from? I’m interested in seeing that for myself.
-
MattNC says:
Believe it or not, there are Colleges and Universities in…(drumroll)…LAS VEGAS.
Sure, Vegas is Vegas, and it is always hard to get an area without a casino to accept one. But the idea that casinos and institutes of higher earning cannot coexist is questionable.
-
Anthony says:
I can honestly say the developments of the past few days may have put me over the edge. From the predictable proposal from Kate Murray to the somewhat surprising joint response from CW and Mangano, I am defintiely emotionally exhausted by the whole thing. I’ll continue to support the Isles and attend as many games as I can, but as for their new arena deal, wake me when its 2015 and let me know how it all turned out!!
-
Always a Bridesmaid says:
#213 Chris on Jul 13th, 2010 14:52:36 # 213
Just think of all the jobs that bail bondsmen and Bounty Hunters will provide for the County!!!! -
BTW, those crime stats ARE for the entire city of Tampa. I checked the areaconnect Tampa stats (which gives the 2006 city-wide crime stats), and they are close to the values listed above.
-
AngryPete says:
With everything we have been through over the years, I warned that a certain emotion would eventually begin to take root…INDIFFERENCE.
How much of this and for how long are we to endure this??
-
4peatsake says:
#213 – Chris
Also, besides citing the source, please post those crime figures before the casino came into existence. For all we know the area was blighted pre-casino.
-
One more bit of info from Cranes Business News ( Feb or March ? )
The Iron Triangle had not even begun an approval Process, that means all of the same surveys that had to be done for the LH will have to be re-done. You may have read that some of this was done, but not for a hockey arena.
Queens may be an option, but it won’t get done for another five years or so.
The state has not started the Eminant domain process.
-
Neighborhoodscout.com. I’m sure hempstead and uniondale are horrible also, but I also don’t have to walk my wife and kid down those streets to get to the isles game.
-
#217 maybe dog will come to town and do a episode…lol
-
orngfan says:
turning stone casino is 27miles from syracuse and students do go gamble there but they dont move out of the dorms and take up residence in the hotel either. granted there are a few outliers who become obsessed/addicted to gambling but thats maybe 2% of the student population. there is always going to be gamblers i dont know if that should be the reason why the casino isn’t built. maybe because it attracts a very undesirable element and the increased risk of crime and poverty. those are more reasonable problems associated with the casino!
-
#225Jim, that is IF the Isles use the Willits point development land. If using the Mets owned land where Shea was, no such additional studies are needed, already zones for use.
-
IslesAl says:
How is Kate Murray allowed to get away with the statement “…highest ever housing density in Hempstead.” 500 units on 77 acres? Apartment buildings lined up on Peninsula Blvd & Hempstead Tpke? Hofstra doesnt count as housing? Newsday supported a Huntington proposal (nearly approved by the town board) for 490 units on TEN acres, so that proposed development is 8 times larger than any in the history of Hempstead, which is a much larger town? I understand politicians are politicians, but outright fact misrepresentation is the duty of the media to disclose to the public.
-
“Where shea was” is already spoken for. It is right there, literally a 2 minute walk to CitiField. Its the parking lot. Literally. You can even go stand on home plate, the bases, etc- they are all marked and people go and take pics there.
-
JerseyBoy says:
And I thought this was going to be a quiet summer. Hmmm…I was wondering why they had the Bates penalty shot game on last night.
I’ve been a diehard fan since the mid ‘70’s, and grew up on L. I. from the mid ‘50’s to the early ‘90’s. Like some of the others who’ve been around for a while, you see the “big picture” as to how slow things are to change and how long your local government will let the populace suffer over any issue from airplane noise, traffic control to train platform safety among others until things get out of hand. Any of you who have read “Fishsticks” already know the answer. It’s all about land development. Always has been, always will be. Wang or Millstein or ?. It doesn’t matter. It’s only because of the pure passion of other Isles fans like you all that the team is still here. But the power and influence comes from the top, and unfortunately for the Islanders, they’re like the red headed stepchild caught in the middle of an ugly divorce. No one wants them, and neither side is willing to admit that, much less step up and give them a home they deserve.
Has L.I. seen better days? Maybe. Are there better days to come? Let’s hope so. One thing is for sure. L.I. ain’t going anywhere. It’s up to the big shots to realize this, stop the “Look at me” politics and stop using the Coliseum as a political football. It’s hockey we’re interested in, not more shopping and gambling. Build a first class venue, and they will come…
-
Dave says:
A Casino on LI!?!?!? Only in my dreams… I’m hoping it’s true, but I have my doubts… Islanders & Gambling… Two of my favotire things… I’m going to sleep well tonight!
-
But who pays for the first class venue? Attendance alone, even if a full house, can’t generate enough to stay out of the red when you include a new arena. That doesn’t include trying to make up for the $70-200 mil already lost. So, while a nice sentiment, the real estate development is critical unless someone else (Indian tribe, taxpayers etc) pay for the arena. THAT is a fact that can not be avoided in this discussion. In Queens, some arena partnership between the Isles and Mets land would likely be tied to a development partnership in willits point. Keep in mind having another 42+ event dates to add to the mets and tennis would up the development values…
-
Any way this gets done and keeps Killer Kate out of the loop is a bonus. Love the fact that she gets taken out of the equation.
-
Isle Be Damned says:
Awful idea. If the town and surrounding towns didn’t want a few office buildings, retail shops, a hotel, restaurants and some residential apt. they sure as heck won’t want a casino. Wang doesn’t want a Casino either.
QUEENS OR BUST!!! TOH lost the NYI and it is all their fault.
-
sean says:
Just build a development already
-
I am tired of the BS with politics they Can go to hell as far as I Can throw them
-
yes im very much aware what parts of hempstead looks like, why would i want to make the slums bigger and spread it right to almost east meadow.
No thanks.
Im die hard isles fan, No way i would let this happen. This not only makes worse traffic but it devalues our land. -
239- Devalues your land? This isn’t going to cause a widespread slum.
People are being very irrational about this. People bring up Citi Field…well, has anyone seen the area behind it? It looks like a slum. Has anyone been to Yankee stadium? Keep going down Jarome Ave, not a good area. These places may not make the area better but it really doesn’t make it worse.
Someone brought up Turningstone, minutes from Siena and Albany U. Students go there but they aren’t turning into degenerate gamblers. This isn’t going to have kids sleeping outside waiting for another shot at a blackjack table. Sheesh, if it keeps them off the college bar strip on Fulton ave, it’s probably a good thing, that’s a shady place over there.
-
Mook says:
Wang just needs to accept the scaled down version, and build it already. It’s a guarantee (in my mind anyway) that if we built a state of the art arena, and a few nice surroundings to support it.. people are going to file in ticket wise. Especially since the team is getting exciting to watch. Anyone else agree?
-
Mook, no I do not agree. Do the math. Wang cannot make money with the TOHs plan. Murray played games, and she was to little to late. Remember, Wang will be using his own money to build, not the taxpayers. I was not thrilled about a casino at first near the colleges, but the more I think about it, it should be fine if constructed correctly with increased security and economic development in the surrounding areas. Quite honestly, I am more worried about college age kids doing drugs and drinking then playing the slots. It will be a boon for the local economy with increased tax revenues and new jobs long term.
-
Baz says:
Meet me at Wangwoods! Woo!
Lets make it happen!