AND WE WONDER WHY AN ARENA ISN’T BUILT…
Wonderous Story about a cancelled Jones Beach show
Noon: Sometimes the smaller stories prove the bigger point. Today’s theme: WTF has happened to Long Island?
Stay with me for a few minutes. I heard about this story late last night, around the time I was reading your comments on our NIFA piece and the front-page story in Newsday.
By the way, how about this quote from NIFA member Leonard Steinman?
“This is a referendum on a property tax increase. We will be watching closely to see if the residents of Nassau County, the highest-taxed county in the nation, have an appetitite for a property tax increase.”
That was a front-page story in Newsday. Anyone still think the Islanders should tippy-toe through their PR campaign for fear of rattling opponents into voting no on Aug. 1? (It’s a moot point. The team’s radio, TV, print and social media blitz kicks into high gear next week).
Anyway, back to my non-hockey story that is oh so relevant.
Get this: a Long Island classic rock cover band had its concert tonight at the Jones Beach bandshell cancelled because of…fear of too many people showing up.
You cannot make this up.
Wonderous Stories is a great band comprised of five locals, professional musicians who have been producers and sidemen on major recording projects, television shows and in Broadway orchestras. I highly doubt they play their once-a-week gigs for the money, but more for what Springsteen calls, “the ministry of rock and roll.” They love to play music and enjoy how much it moves people.
Wonderous Stories doesn’t rehearse much. If you go to their shows in Bellmore, Freeport, Franklin Square or B.B. King’s in Manhattan, usually one of the members will call out a song by Peter Gabriel-era Genesis or Badfinger and they’ll just play it. They’ll do it well. They’ll play entire albums start-to-finish like “Abbey Road” and “Tommy.” They play classics, B-sides and one-hit wonders with equal dexterity and passion. One night last winter they brought out Dave Kilminster, who was Roger Waters’ lead guitarist on “The Wall” tour that had just played the Coliseum. They played “Comfortably Numb” and blew the F’ing roof off little KJ Farrell’s in Bellmore.
The band is so good that even though I was never a fan of Yes as a kid, I like watching these pros play ten-minute Yes songs like “Yours is No Disgrace.” (I guess it’s not about Kate Murray).
Tonight, Wonderous Stories was supposed to play one of their favorite shows of the year. You know that legendary bandshell at Jones Beach, right? They’ve played it before and get a great crowd. Well, a few days ago they got a call saying tonight’s show had to be scrapped. Other concerts planned this summer for the boardwalk have been cancelled as well.
Kenny Forgione, one of the band members, reached out to the man in charge – George “Chip” Gorman of the New York State Parks commission. Forgione detailed the conversation on Facebook:
“He actually said that my band and a few other bands just draw too many people and that the people at the concessions say that they are not making enough to pay for the band and extra security.”
I have verified the story. Just like the end of the fireworks on Jones Beach, this little FREE rock-and-roll show will not happen for financial reasons.
So tonight on iconic Jones Beach on Long Island in New York State, a concert by a local classic rock cover band has been cancelled on short notice because too many people were expected to show up on a beautiful Friday night.
And we wonder why it has taken more than a generation to come up with a deal for a new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. We wonder why a modern home cannot be constructed for the New York Islanders, family shows and concerts.
Wonderous Stories, so looking forward to playing for several hundred Long Islanders, suddenly has no place to play their rock and roll tonight. How’s this for irony? In honor of Paul McCartney playing a pair of sold-out shows at the new, taxpayer-financed Yankee Stadium this weekend, their second set at Jones Beach was going to be completely filled with McCartney classics.
Here’s an idea: maybe Wonderous Stories can play somewhere on the 70 acres of asphalt on the Coliseum property.
Comments welcomed.
141 Responses to AND WE WONDER WHY AN ARENA ISN’T BUILT…
Wonderous Story about a cancelled Jones Beach show
-
Ed from Hempstead says:
Sad. Never mind the Islanders moving. I should move.
-
nyi80 says:
The one positive is you gave a great band some press I’m sure they appreciate, CB. I’ve seen Wondrous Stories a few times and they are the best cover band on Long Island. I wished they played more.
-
Bill A says:
Nothing left to say…….Goodbye Islanders, it was nice knowing ya (as short as it was)!
-
Mario says:
That’s freaky. I was at that show in Bellmore and saw you there! Probably no more than 200 people saw something really incredible.
Great story. It is relevant to waht’s going on with the Islanders. We can’t even afford fireworks and free bandshell concerts. Wake up, politicians!
-
mht says:
I’m speechless !
-
Art says:
You’re right. It’s s amall story and says everything. I hope the band gets to go back to Jones Beach. I saw them once there and they drew a big crowd. You could tell how much it meant to those guys playing in front of so many people. They were awesome.
-
bleedorange&blue says:
dont say that Bill!!! keep hope until the very end. And even then, I promise, the fight will not be over. If Islander fans take this lightly, it will be easy for them to move. We must stand up and fight. Ill be the first to volunteer for the front lones. Get your gas masks out boys!
-
Oye Comeau Va says:
CB, why do you do this to me? You’re getting me even more angry with LI politics (and believe me, I thought I was already at the apex of disdain for LI politicians and government).
After they kick my Islanders off the Island and immediately after my folks retire from Melville, I will NEVER return.
-
walsh says:
I disagree. It’s a big story. Jones Beach at the state parks can’t handle a free show by a local cover band? This actually is worthy of Newsday coverage? Like you said WTF?????
-
Andy says:
I grew up on Long Island, went to college in Mass., and I’m not coming back.
It seems failure is not the norm elsewhere in the country. As much as I miss LI and would really love to return, there’s just no way.
It’s not about a sports team or an arena, it’s about not having any semblance of a future. There is greater apathy about literally doing anything (as evidenced by this story), there’s a disgraceful government, and there are no jobs.
Long Island needs to get its ass in gear if it wants to be relevant in the future. I’d say the situation is more dire than that of Detroit or Cleveland, etc. If the Islanders move, it’s small potatoes in the big pot, but it’s just about one of the last potatoes we have.
-
RPriest says:
Great story CB.
It really makes you shake your head.
-
Brian G says:
Wang should kick in some cash toward this, to offset the price….look at what the Edmonton Owner has offered…we are paying for this Arena no one else….the average price is 60 dollars a year for 30 years, some people will be paying hundreds per year….many details are being left out
-
PA,islanders says:
as an expatriate long islander, i am not surpirsed,
there is only so much the islanders can do in politcal/economic enviroment that is nassua -
DANO says:
Well MR . Wang! its time you redirect your focus to building the WORLDS LARGEST SOUNDPROOF NURSING HOME and toss all those old foggies in there, so they dont hear all that noise OR MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONTACT THOSE ALIENS FROM COCOON AND GET THE BLUEPRINTS FOR THAT FACKING SWIMMING POOL,SO THEY CAN ALL TAKE A LONG SWIM.
-
Ray says:
Wang is in a win win situation….He knows this will not work out so he can say he tried with the LHP and even now with this Mangano project.And if By the grace of god this thing does work out, Wang gets his arena and knows the future for his team….WOW Newsday SUCKS!!! The Islanders are SOFT!!! You Gotta play hardball, sombody in NIFA has some skeletons in thier closet. Lets air some dirty laundry…
-
Pretty much a microcosm of why I am living LI and never coming back within the next few years. And I’m not as sad about it as I should be, having lived my entire 21 year life here.
-
Dave says:
Really? Is this newsworthy? Teachers, police, firefighters, civil servants, and private sector workers of all kinds are being let go and we hold up a garage band as indicative of the difficulties that the current economic distress has put upon us? I apologize for the semi-sarcasm, but it’s really a bit of a stretch to link what happened with this band, as good and nice as they may be, with the Isles or even the hard times we are all in. I’ve been an Isles fan since the very beginning and would like to see them stay in Uniondale. They have certainly not been treated as well as other teams, at least with respect to the relationship with their local government. Still, as is typical with the Isles’ luck (bad, if any), they come to the end of their lease in the midst of the worst economic times since the Great Depression. I don’t know. A garage band can’t play Jones Beach. Whatev…
-
PotvinRocks says:
Sunday you can go to a free show at Jones Beach. Just stand in front with your finger in the air and ask for a “Miracle”. I’ll see you there.
-
Fred says:
I’m just at the point with this where I’m thinking what should we expect from the TOH, Nassau County and New York State? I’m two years removed from living in Nassau county and I’ve never once voted in any local election while I was there, I’m not only sure other Islander fans haven’t voted but I’m sure tens of thousands of other Nassau county residents have’t voted over the last 20 years either.
This is what happens when you take a side seat in the political process. There are groups, organizations and politicians who are now the decision makers and nine times out of ten they are more interested in making “the other guy” look bad instead of doing something progressive. They don’t care about saving you money or raising the quality of life, they care about making you think “the other guy” will cost you more.
No matter the out come of the 8/1 vote, the residents of Nassau County MUST start voting, if anything this should be a wake up call.
-
Bob E says:
wow and wow. Isles most definately have to step up efforts. My friend whose dad was long time former isles season ticket holder said he going to vote no.
Why, b/c all they see is the taxes going up headlines.
what i don get as homeowner is Kate Murray has claimed tax freeze last few years. Why is it that my taxes have gone up? WHere are my tax dollars going. At least with $58 bucks i know its going somewhere.
-
Big Van Vader says:
You know something, Chris, the theme of today (and for the foreseeable future)”WTF has happened to Long Island?” is TRULY fitting.
“Politics”, Nimbys, and Nimbys influencing “politics” has happened to Long Island. Not to even mention the “politicians” that are supposed to represent the people screwing us left and right from both sides of the aisle.
Maybe Long Island NEEDS to crash and burn before REAL change and progress can occur.
Nassau County, should they lose the Islanders, will begin their true descent into a dead zone. We let these “politicans” do whatever they wanted for decades. This is the end result. When a LOWLY TOWN SUPERVISOR can block something that the state wanted, the county wanted and most of the taxpayers wanted, that was going to be paid for by the developers, for the reasons of “too much density and traffic”, then you know we have let the too many layers of government get out of control.
If(when) this gets shot down, it will probably come down to the Isles finishing out the lease with constant news of them moving to this city or that town. Hell, maybe at the last possible second the locals will get together and try to “Save The Islanders” with some feeble offer to Wang just to try and look like heroes. At that point, Wang should rightly tell them all where to go. -
I can see the front page of newsday now on Augast 2nd…….
“No….The Islanders have been Voted off the Island” -
Lorne says:
Isn’t Jones Beach in Nassau County??
-
jpa says:
I’m curious to see what it’ll be like in 20 years when another round of youth has left and all the people struggling to put money in still are seeing property taxes rise while services and quality of life decline or stagnate.
-
bags says:
I’m sure CB wasn’t trying to say this band or even the Islanders are more important than teachers, police, fire etc.
But it is great story that puts a lot into perspective. Long Island can’t even handle a free concert by a bar band.
-
Mark says:
I’m waiting for Wang’s next move.
I agree with Wonderous is a really good band. I’m sure a lot of people planned to be there tonight and I feel bad for them. it would have been a nice Long Island night.
-
blitz says:
All we can do right now is vote YES on Aug. 1 and do what we can to make it a big victory.
-
dubiedubiedoo says:
I never get tired of bashing the dysfunctional government on Long Island but the Jones Beach story is a state issue, not a Long Island issue. Someone very close to me works for the New York State Park Police. They simply do not have enough officers. There numbers on Long Island have thinned from 100 or so five years ago to about 50 – This is the same state wide. They are stretched so thin right now that it is a danger to the officers and to the public at parks around Long Island where there are one or two officers on patrol in a park full of tens of thousands of people. The state has not held an academy since 2008 because of budget reasons and the Park Police pay is so low compared to Nassau, Suffolk, and state troopers that they keep losing officers to other agencies. This is sad, but the state needs to do something.
-
Brooks D. Simpson says:
Just a reminder … you get what you elect. So be the change you want to see.
-
CC says:
Dave: congratulations on being today’s biggest tool for not getting it and then serving up a lecture.
Real classy of you to write that after CB is just about the only one giving the arena issue play every day in the offseason. I guess it was your break from summer school. See ya
-
Jeff from Smithtown says:
Let see, county with the highest taxes in US
does not have enough money for security for a concert of maybe a couple of thousand people. Where did all the money go? Why are not the politicians investigated criminally for squandering all of this money. Its called corruption. Let’s give the Teachers Unions Police etc any thing they ask for. Now they vote us in.
We give them more, they vote us in again. Sounds like the perfect scam. Why don’t the politicians have their own NIFA to investigate this nonsense. -
Kevin 27 says:
Kate Murray IS a disgrace.
-
JT says:
Disgraceful. Plus, the arena deal is exponentially better for taxpayers than Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Giants/jets Stadium or the Prudential Center. The Isles and their allies need to push hard and cut through the rhetoric being dished out by the opponents.
-
Blizz says: …classic example of ow Long Island has deteriated. Soon Nassau county will be like Queens lite. It already pretty much is.
-
WavepooL says:
UGH! DISGRACE!
-
pete says:
I’m losing interest in this story and I’d consider myself as devoted a fan as there is. I do not live on long island and will love this team no matter where it goes. At this point, I almost prefer they leave and get to play in an area that supports them. Also, I still cant believe the people here that blame Wang for anything. The guy has been a rock for this team. Anyone else in his shoes would have sold then team to KC or quebec and moved on. I can’t stomach one more dissappointment OFF the ice….I’m pretty immune to them ON the ice by now.
-
Tom says:
Thank goodness I left and never have had to go back. What usually happens in Liberal Social paradises like NY State is what you are seeing – high taxes to support government control of people. And guess what, you get control of people. What cracks me up is that folks keep voting for the Wieners and Sharptons of the world.
Too bad it is impacting the Islanders…the one thing I love from LI that I took with me when I left.
-
Ethan K says:
Is there really anything that makes Nassau County worth living in anymore? Highest taxed county, and for what?
-
jimbones says:
The minute my company says I am elidgible to retire and collect my pension I am putting my house up for sale and getting the hell out of Nassau!
-
Nosca33 says:
I moved to a suburb just outside of Buffalo about three years ago and now I can officially say that this was the best decision of my life. Granted I had to move because of job reasons, but this story is the tip of the iceberg for me. Long Island politicians are just plain criminial, but what politicians aren’t? I have been an Islander fan for as long as I can remember. I really do hope they get this new arena, but it already looks like the resistance is already formulating their corrupt and one sided (special interest) stances to put this deal to its death. What a crying shame. Good luck LI. I will always love ya!
-
CBAGWILLIE says:
“come to long island” the highest taxes, the most currupted political offices ,the highest gas prices, but hey we got the hamptons!
-
Chris,
You’re passion for this team and for Long Island are clearly evident here. It’s for those two reasons that I look at this site every day. Thank you. -
suffolk county is slightly different than Nassau. i like to think a little less corrupt and a little more understanding. I still think Queens or Suffolk is an option. BELLPORT OUTLETS. THE PLACE IS EMPTY. THE FOUNDATION IS THERE. BUILD A RAIL STATION ON THE PATCHOGUE LINE. CHECK PLEASE!
-
thepolishprince says:
I am LI born and raised and will not be leaving anytime soon because my professional practice is here. However I say a little prayer every night that NONE of my three boys will settle in this backwards ass hellhole. As soon as they are gone, I’m gone. Nice work LI!
-
I guess I am either a masochist,or mentally deficient.This Sunday I will wearing my VOTE YES on Aug 1 tee shirt and walking on the Long Beach Boardwalk as a 2 legged billboard at least 2 full round trips.{minimum 10 miles of walking]I still am not giving hope.
-
nosebleed says:
Long Island is becoming the pit of America. Towns are increasingly becoming more dangerous, lifestyle is going down the tubes, politicians are scum. Since many of the residents never venture off the Island, they never get to see how great other states really are…….for less money. I have a beautiful place in mind, half the expense……just waiting for that job transfer. Regardless, I plan on leaving this Island within 3 years, and I will never look back.
-
mht: ill join you
-
UIF says:
Brian G – Unless I’m mistaken, Wang has guaranteed $14m a year to the county. That’s $420 million minimum kicked in by Wang and the Isles over the 30 years to pay $800 million in debt. With that in mind, the price tag, max, for taxpayers will be $30 a year, not $60. The Isles aren’t worth that to you?
-
Steve M says: Like I said on an earlier post, if Nassau runs the Islanders out of town, I am moving. No joke, Long Island is becoming a worse and worse place to live every year. Just my opinion, but do you see what Nassau does to us?
-
Correct UIF. Add in the sales tax each year and the minimum amount the county would see back for the term of the lease would $720 million. I repeat, minimum.
-
craigo says:
I love the irony.. highest taxes In the country but they can’t aford to give the public who pays them a nice night out. NYC does not have this issue.
-
IsleFanInTN says:
I miss the beaches, the great food, old hangouts, and of course the NYI. However, after following this arena story religiously from 700 miles away the only thing I keep thinking is that I am so glad I moved from L.I. when I did.
-
Mike From Philly says:
I moved off LI 10 years ago and by the looks of it I have no desire to move back. There is no progress toward the future. Nothing but excuses come from Long Island. When this is shot down in August just get the ball rolling in Queens and leave nassau and the rest of these political morons in the dust.
-
One last point.Let the media blitz start.Perhaps the County and the Islanders anticipated this backlash and allocated their maximum resources for the last 2 weeks.Jones Beach falls under the domain of NYS.Scream at Governor Cuomo.Ed Mangano inherited Northrup Grumman leaving Bethpage and was able to attract the regional office of the Department of Homeland Security,and 2 movie studios{One of which is currently filming a movie starring Angelina Jolie]He has brought JOBS to the Bethpage area.For therapy why doesn’t EVERYONE who can BUY a TICKET for Tomorrow nights scrimmage,and cool down a bit.
-
sammlo says:
Wow. Nassau County sucks! Well I just moved to the city, so if they can get a foot in Queens so be it. Queens would be easier to travel for everyone anyway. The transportation sucks to get the coliseum. JUST DON’T LEAVE THE METROPOLITAN AREA!!!!
-
chyzowski says:
Ater all the talk about the arena (nothing happening) and Islanders hockey (no free agents of importance) I was just happy to change the subject and talk about classic rock! LOL
-
Billy the Kid says:
Wonderous Stories rules. I’m happy you gave them some pub.
I’m sure it’s not the end of the world for the band either to lose the job, but the reasons why are depressing. That it’s a State issue doesn’t make me feel any better.
-
Greg says:
I have to think Wang/Mangano scoped this entire proposition with the counters from the naysayers in mind. If they didn’t, then they deserve what they get. If they thought that they would just get a thumbs up without a fight, shame on them.
Here’s hoping they are acting like great lawyers do…having the answers before the questions are asked.
I am not getting the warm an fuzzies about this thing though, have to be honest.
-
islesrock73 says:
The Islanders should not have a “Tippy- Toe” PR campaign CB, they should go about it smartly. I just don’t think you are going to get that many non-sports people to your side, no matter how much money you spend. In any political election CB, it’s your “base” that wins it for you. Ask any political strategist. The Islanders need a “massive”, get out the vote, from their core supporters. Any extra yes votes helps the cause, but not worth focusing on. They need a hugh rally at the old barn with current and former players etc.
-
drive45 says:
I live in Jersey. Would love the Isles to move to Queens. Saves me travel time to go to games.
How many people on this site actually live in Nassau? From the above posts most of us have moved elsewhere? Is there anyone left to vote YES? My parents and brother will vote YES, but who else? -
BryanG says:
to everyone waiting for Governor Cuomo to save us: like most of the members of State-controlled NIFA, Cuomo is a Democrat.
I saw Wonderous at Belmont Park last week – another irony. No casino yet, but they put on a great show.
-
Petey Pete says:
You tell ‘em, CB!
-
Kenny says:
Great timing by NIFA huh? Two weeks before a vote they have no say on, they got the front page of Newsday.
Wang and his crew are getting their asses kicked in the PR battle.
-
joe b says:
The trade scoops like Rolo and the Strome prediction are nice and a big part of why I love Point Blank. But the best stuff is when CB just goes off in a rant that it probably took him 2 minutes to write. Great stuff as usual.
-
Daniel says:
Just another example why the Islanders should move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
-
doc says:
Ed from Hempstead #2… you got it right. It’s getting to the point that moving out of Nassau County and Long Island is becoming the only option for many struggling Long Islanders, including myself.
-
admin says:
In two separate places in the story, I make clear this particular issue is with the State first.
This is in response to those who reached out to me after this story to point out that the problem in this case in the State.
But it should be noted that not all State events are being cancelled because of crowd concerns, but this one on Long Island is. The State has some say on the arena deal. NIFA answers to the State…CB
-
dose says:
Just one point of differing opinion.
I DON’T wonder ‘why an arena hasn’t been built.’ Not at all. Not when I consider the people involved (and I don’t mean Charles Wang as much as the others), their history, agendas and interests. -
We cannot give up. We cannot give Jacobs, and Nifa a reason to bash us. The simple fact is that if we show up and win this vote by a landslide, they will have no choice but to pay attention. if we don’t they will say, “oh, the people of the county do not want this and we are acting in their behalf.” The Dems and Nifa are acting on their own political agenda’s, not ours. This could get done if people would only listen to each other and compromise….something I don’t think the politicians are capable of. I will fight to the bitter end for my team, but if it appears to be impossible, move them anywhere in N.Y. Anywhere they can still be the N.Y. Islanders.What about my Belmont idea, with the Shinicocks instead of Nassau politics. Also, if this does not go through, I would love to start a class action lawsuit against T.O.H., and any politician that goes against what the people want for gain in their own political career. Their false, inaccurate stance on this project is an attempt to win “NO votes”, and ensure political victory for their party. Disgusting! Move to Queens or Suffolk, build a nice new arena, add some good restaurants and wine bars, perhaps a nice open space with parks and water features, etc,. It is a total shame that Nassau county residents cannot enjoy any of this because of the arrogance and small mindedness of these corrupt pols we allow to rule our lives. Kick them the hell out! Anyone standing in the way of progress…OUT!!!! They are supposed to act on what the people want, not the other way around! These people are disgusting!!!!
-
MJS says:
I worked on the Island and now live in Mass, and all I can say is that if/when the Islanders move, I hope they go to Hartford so I can still watch my favorite team. I disliked Long Island as a place to work, and stuff like this makes me dislike it even more. Hopefully the local leadership gets its act together and builds the arena.
-
MikeInNYC says:
Nassau owning the Hub property without developing it is like someone who owns a big house but can’t afford to turn on the electricity.
If you’re so broke, sell the land, get a TON of money for it, and make your tax revenues from whatever is developed there. If a new coliseum costs $400 million the 70 acres has to be worth at least double that.
-
Sumo Goalie says:
This is more important that putting together 3,000 words on the impact of signing Jeremy Colliton? Focus, people!
-
Hishutzi Skorz says:
I’ve lived in the Westbury/East Meadow area for nearly 23 years and have never had our street paved. About a month ago the TOH laid about 100 yards of a new concrete sidewalk (which wasn’t even bad to begin with) in front of the SUMP on the Plain Road! You can’t make this stuff up!
-
Miked says:
I follow this website a lot now ,ever since i heard Garth banned CB from the arena (or something like it) I live in Atlantic Canada (Moncton)Anyway , i have been a long time Islander fan, since the mid 70′s and i will deduct this from what i have been reading the last few months :
How do you expect any free agents to sign on Long Island when they read all the negativity from the people who live in LI about how awful it is to live there ?
Now i understand and, no im not blaming any of you for being negative about your living area , actually, i also believe you. However , i would not want to live there either .. if i had a choice to live wherever i wanted to ..
Who is to blame? not sure i don’t live there, seems to be the politicians from hearing all of you. Next time, vote them out !
Food for thought
I hope the Isles stay on long Island , it would be strange to see my Team play elsewhere to be honest
BTW Good job to Mr Wang and Garth Snow(Garth and co , please make friends with CB again , i know you read this)
-
Mike says:
Stretching it a bit Chris, State issues verses County and Town level political/demographic dysfunction?
-
Anthony 61 says:
I must say that i am CRUSHED. Every year around this time I start getting PUMPED for the start of the season, even knowing it wont be special. This yr though, I am having a tough time doing so. I am a die hard fan and right now I feel like I went 12 rounds with Tyson after getting my ear nit off. Us fans have had our butts kicked in every which way this summer, on the ice and off. No signings (sorry Reasoner, you dont count), no trades, NO ANYTHING!!! Then the arena issue dosent look good. But guess what? We are having an election for a new arena Aug 1st and get this, OUR VOTE MEANS NOTHING!!! Sorry but regular citizens have NO POWER TO VOTE ANYMORE, even if we approve the vote for a stadium, NIFA will crush it. The Popular vote does not elect the president, The Electoral College does. I will vote YES but honestly tell me, these days what does voting get you? Slowly but surely we are losing our voices and becoming a Communist Society!
-
Orange&Blue says:
More like WTF happened to Nassau County. I hate to be negative but I have no faith in Wang, Mangano, and Nassau County. I am already mentally prepared for the worst. If we get the arena, it will be a real nice surprise.
-
dan says: Screw Nassau come to suffolk.
-
AJAX says:
Wasn’t trump looking to build out by Jones Beach but there was too much push from the town/county as well????
-
Mike says:
Thanks to politicains not only is LI dying so is this country!!!! Wang should also tell Nassau that if he doesn’t get his way he will be closing the Marriot in 2015 also!!!
-
Where, oh where, have our tax dollars gone? Oh where, oh where could they be? For the highest taxes in the nation, Nassau County on a whole, kinda sucks! If you dont come from the Gold Coast, your Fu@$ed!
-
Oh does anyone remember for the 2nd year in a row the 4th of July Jones Beach fireworks extravaganza was cancelled.Same reason insufficient security to handle the crowds.Long Island taxpayers pay substantially more to Albany than they receive in turn.And how about the construction of the new Metro North train station at the foot of the NEW YANKKEE STADIUM. The new highway exits,and parking garages.Correct me if I am wrong.NYS taxpayer dollars.
-
serenity now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
gus mouse says:
okay..okay.. in the event that the vote is “no” — what is Plan B. I have to believe the Islanders front office must have some sort of contingency in mind. Also, whatever happened to the “refurbishing” of the Coliseum – is that no longer an option?? I think a more poignant headline in Newsday if it is a no vote would be akin to the old Daily News/Gerald Ford vintage headline — Nassau Voters to Islanders – DROP DEAD! I hope everything works out for the Isles – but I hope other options are still in the works after August 1st. VOTE YES!
-
Oddly enough I talked about this in my last post, but I may as well say it again…NY politics is a mess. And they keep trying to figure out why everyone is leaving.
-
Dan says:
welcome to Long Island the land of NO
-
Spittin'chicklets says:
A shame.. a cryin’ shame. I grew up in Commack and saw many fantastic shows at Jones Beach.. all of them packed and rockin’.. and now,…
“That is a bad thing?”
Down right embarrassing. -
it pains me to say this, but long island is dead folks. its future is a watery graveyard for useless old 20th century relics whose obsolete outlook doomed the landmass while it still prospered 40 years ago. we are witnessing the end result of “white flight”, as the kids and grandkids of former city residents who ran like the wind smarten up and get the hell out of the insular enclaved communities for a more economically feasible existence. when the islanders move to the city, the most painless thing that could happen is nassau county crumbling into the sea forever, taking its crooked political machine, corrupt and overpaid police department, and its patented socially stagnant form suburban decay with it to the depths of the sea.
-
Mike P says:
Backwards *ss county, run with total incompetence. SOOO glad I don’t live there. Let it turn into a dump or a ghetto, then maybe you Nassau residents will go to the pols on election day and vote the right ( or better )people in. In the end, YOU voted ( or didn’t bother voting so they got re elected ) these idiots into office. So no sympathy here, only for the Isles. Sorry guy’s but the truth hurts sometimes..
-
Mike says:
$58 per household per year is what will move the Islanders off Long Island. What a joke this Island is. “Penny wise…Pound Foolish”
-
can someone PLEASE comment on what they think the actual possibility of Queens is? it seems like there is also a lot of backlash against redevelopment there? Why? Beats me.
-
For the people saying this is because we dont make any huge free agent signing or huge trades, Please stop it…Our first line could be Parise Crosby and Ovi and our politics on LI would Still Suck…Listen as much as I hate to say it….Kate Murray was voted in and this is what happens because “we” voted her in…
-
sad... says:
Mr. Wang does not own the Marriot – the Marriot has a leasehold as Mr. Wang owns the underlying land. The state has done things like this for years. Until the state removes the NYS Park Police program (wont be happening anytime soon) and turn it all over to the NYS Troopers these issues will arise. I ran catering at the Boardwalk when i worked for DNC who owned the rights to the concessions for all state parks. Lack of Park Police was always an issue and even interfered with scheduling concerts at the theater. What’s amazing is what they are doing to Mr. Trump. The dilapidated restaurant had to be torn down regardless. We actually had large wood beams installed to brace a severly weathered wall. Mr. Trump is willing to construct a nice restaurant which would be a ideal seasonal destination and all Mr. Trump gets is red tape. Now there is a large hole that is boarded up at the old location. i imagine after Mr. Wang gets the go ahead from Mr. Bettman, the coliseum will look much the same. Great job by the state, county and all of our officials. i believe i hear a fat lady singing…
-
Will says:
CB, another reason why the politicians around here ruin everything.
-
nyc dork says:
since CB said it, i can say it too, WTF!
-
its the politics of “no.” its the politics of “fear.” its a society based on, “i don’t have it, so
they shouldn’t have it either.” its better to be average, then risk being better. everything is Amazing, and nobody is Happy.
going to a sporting event with your son/daughter/niece/nephew/brother/sister is about more then money. i went to the coyotes game last season, on the glass, behind the net. my 9 year old got to see the skill, speed and yes violence of an NHL game. its all we spoke of for 1 week. theres no dollar value on that week. she watched live the fifth pick in this years NHL draft with her dad, then googled strome with my help.
NIFA, MURRAY, and the rest of the political clown posse of BOTH parties. enjoy the tree, your missing the forest.
i can not vote on Aug 1, but im voting with my feet and leaving Long Island. i thank Mr Wang for doing a thankless job in running a losing operation, and quietly trying to get something done while standing in front of political hacks interested a good looking sound
bite, not doing right. Mr Wang isnt perfect, but the guy is making an effort, spending his money. the politicians are spending your money. the only guy with his actual skin in the Game, and hes the bad guy? -
FrankieD says:
CB, I’m one of the ones that said the Isles SHOULD go full force at telling their story by having a big rally in Eisenhower Park with members of the team and any other teams members that support the project and live on Long Island. You know the opposition will come out in full force to get the residents to vote in their favor. We need to get Wang and the politicians to campaign in favor of this. hand out flyers outside supermarkets and malls. They can’t sit back and do nothing unless they WANT this to fail.
-
one question? Is the 58$ per year an actual number or are people just speculating and throwing that around? Can anyone Answer?
-
Jeff W says:
Wonderous Stories rules! Thanks for writing about this.
State, county, town…it’s all corrupt here.
-
NVMC says:
What Wangano should do is show the tax ramifications if the Islanders and Islander Entertainment moves out of Nassau or Long Island. What will Nassau residents pay if we lose tax revenue from ticket sales, food, drink sales, employee income, team income and land lease. Wagano should a tax comparison if we keep the Islanders with new arena vs. if we lose the Islanders.
-
Bryan says:
Long Island has become an awful place to live because every politician no matter how high or low is completely currupt. That goes for the United States as a whole. We cant get a colliseum because Republicans and Democrats just want to F each othe over. The same reason we cant get a national budget.
Politicians do not care about the people they only care about their party and getting reelected.
-
2011-2012 Isles says:
Long Island might just be a really bad example of this entire country’s sense of a “can’t do” attitude.”
This entire country fears big things. It’s very sad, really, as we will continue to watch Nassau and America decline.
-
Kbelanger33 says:
Things at Jones beach are being cancelled due to the lack of man power the parks police have. They laid off a ton of those guys.
-
Positive Thoughts;I just took a ride to see my parents and in today’s mail was the 2 absentee ballots for the Aug 1 referendum.Well they are going back this evening marked YES .
-
Isle Be Damned says:
It seems to me that all LIers want is their house, the mall and some good restaurants. Want entertainment? Go to NYC. If it weren’t for their close proximity to NYC, how would Nassau county be any different from Rhode Island or something? I feel for my fellow NYI fans who live in Nassau & have to put up with the BS. I feel for you if you have to pay a massive increase in your taxes when the NVMC closes and the Isles leave. Terribly run county. You have my sympathy.
-
AngryPete says:
What CAN you build in Nassau these days without a problem? Is the county allergic to progress??
-
Dave says:
It’s a joke CB. facts!
1. A few Months Ago D. Ryan spoke on your broadcast about some positives now he’s blasting the deal…of course he wants a share of it!
2. NIFA 3 board members are DEMS when you have a County Exec as a REP. Does NIFA not clearly read that this $58 will be only until 2014-2015!
3. Newsday only writes what they want too..talking about the issues with the Hub.I ask everyone what will happen if this does not pass? Yes your taxes will prob. double with the loss of the ARENA. It’s time for someone from NEW York State to step into NIFA. and work out a deal with both parties. NIFA so far is taking one side only!
-
JTizzle says:
That’s why people build on their homes and don’t get the permits! Cause they can never get them.
-
TM says:
Well we don’t have to worry about NYI games being cancelled because the crowds are too big – nobody goes!
I’ve said it for 3 years, Nassau and the clowns that run it are incredibly lame – go to QUEENS!!!!!
-
WILLITS POINT BOUND. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Is it any coincidence that the Mets and Islanders have the same color scheme? Its a publicity match made in sports heaven!! QUEENS QUEENS QUEENS. Mr. Wang, i think you’ve done as much as you can and i applaud your effort. Bring the team home.
-
” Things at Jones beach are being cancelled due to the lack of man power the parks police have. They laid off a ton of those guys “. If they build the new arena, these same people could have jobs in security at the new NVMC. Not to mention the slew of other jobs it would create.
-
#45 polish prince-im in the same boat as you bro, i just hope when im ready to retire i dont have to leave my kids on this crap island, i dont think i could leave em-feel trapped here
-
manwithavan says:
i’m just gonna go wherever the isles go
-
#111 – If you think he has to jump through hoops in Nassau, wait till you see how long it will take to sort out the Iron Triangle mess near Citi Field. The city wants to use eminent domain on those businesses and they’re not going without a fight. Not to mention, that land has no sewage or infrastructure underneath it whatsoever, that’s why it looks the way it does. That’s another headache altogether.
-
Tom D in NJ says:
Right now, ball in the Islanders court to do some heavy duty PR and Islander fans in Nassau to get the yes vote out.
-
CG says:
I wonder if Andrew Cuomo is ever going to comment on this. After all, it will be under his watch that a professional sports team leaves his state. I would think that is sort of a big deal. Or maybe not. Who knows anymore!!
-
sean says:
The agony continues
-
Rob says:
@ #117 CG- I have written to Cuomo and to my state assemblyman and state senator regarding this issue (CB has seen the letter) and I encourage all islanderfans from all over this great state to do the same and email him. If enough of us make some noise about this he will have to get involved or risk losing the vote of all of us! Islander fans our voice needs to be heard now we cannot leave this up to the team only any more. This is our team DO NOT LET THESE POLITICIANS TAKE THEM AWAY FROM US!
-
Michael says:
I’ll echo so many others here. The taxpaying citizens of Nassau county have been screwed for years by people who have completely mismanaged our tax dollars. It is disgraceful how we pay the highest taxes in the land yet vital services have deteriorated drastically.
Now, NIFA has the crust to wonder whether the taxpayers have the appetite for a tax increase? Maybe NIFA needs to be more diligent in finding out why these billions of tax dollars can’t repair cavernous holes in our roads or keep streetlights on so our children can be safe.
Maybe we would be better served to wonder why money is being poured into mounting sneaky cameras on local roads to “catch” a few people going through yellow lights when, every night, there are cars racing at breakneck speed on the Wantagh Parkway with impunity.
Maybe…just maybe, the taxpayers deserve to see the books opened to ensure our tax dollars are spent appropriately and legally and that there is no graft, corruption, political patronage or inappropriate and unnecessary spending that is draining the tax coffers.
No…all NIFA does is hold the threat of higher taxes to our heads like a gun. They ignore the fact that County residents want to make this an attractive place to live and that our lives and property values are enhanced by having state of the art entertainment facilities and professional sports franchises as part of the fabric of the community.
When NIFA kills this project, the Islanders will be gone, the Coliseum leveled and Mitchell Field will become just another vacant lot. That, I’m sure will add to the allure of Nassau County.
-
Mike says:
Wang should be to blame as well he has sat around for years hoping for this to go thought. If the vote is no he should look in the mirror and say to him self I have wasted 10 years on this.
-
what has happen to this business man called MR. Wang? time will tell starting Monday what he is doing to get out the VOTe!
-
Westfall says:
The previous posters who mentioned Governor Cuomo are spot on. He has accomplished much more than expected in his short time in office, and his support is crucial. And why the silence from Dean Skelos, the most powerful Republican in NY, the leader of the State Senate, and a representative of – guess where – Nassau County!!! What is Skelos’ position on one of the most important issues facing his county? Enjoy the Silence people.
-
AdRoc says:
BTW – I am all for a move to Flushing. Nothing bad will come of that move. Suffolk people still drive to Mets games, they will go to Isles games in a new arena there too.
-
hoser14 says:
The only thing more mismanaged in Nassau County than the New York Islanders is Nassau County!
If this thing gets shot down by the voters, NIFA, the state or King Cuomo the Second, Chairman Wong will pickup his team and leave Nassau County and Nassau County will look like one big vacent shopping center….
-
Michael @ #120 – Perfectly stated!!!
-
jdun89 says:
Mike #121. That’s the dumbest thing ever. Wang has poured tens of millions of dollars into the lighthouse project trying to make it work for everyone. And each time someone would tell him no. Can you even imagine how frustrating it must be to spend millions and millions of dollars trying to get something done and each time it gets stopped? Wang hasn’t wasted ten years, he’s wasted millions of dollars trying to get our team the building it deserves. And he still has gotten nothing to show for it.
-
Jim Clark says: Looking forward to the Islanders unleashing their massive PR campaign. It will be like the campaign Delta House had to boost their grades in the midterm exams.
I’m not going to go ballistic about some YES cover band unable to get some taxpayer money to play a show with 20 minute keyboard solos. Let them charge admission and pay for security if they are that good.
-
Travis S says:
To your story, CB, one of the simple pleasures of summer around here is to head to Jones Beach, stroll the boardwalk, get some ice cream, and catch whatever band happens to be playing al fresco at the bandshell. If it wasn’t for summer, Long Island has no value at all, and this story ruined my day as the whole family was headed to Jones Beach tonight.
-
Double Chili says:
I can’t decide if this is funny or sad. Im leaning toward the latter. It seems, that neither party is are considering the best interests of the people. This is a wake up call Nassau residents. Remember this next election. Nassau politics needs some new untainted, unincumbent and unselfish blood making policy. It seems the parties spend most of their time & energy playing party-games. Kind of an immature playground-mentality is the best way to describe it. CB, i hope you keep a score sheet after this current round of “Who wants to Build an Arena” plays out. As this is obviously a project that serves both sides and would be an additional money maker for the county the other 300+ days of the year the Islanders ARENT using it, both Dems & Repubs will have each succeeded in standing in the way of a new arena. A better question the for the TOH & Nassau is what is the plan for the Coliseum if the Islanders LEAVE? Will it just slowly crumble away or will they continue to dump money year after year after year with patchwork and band aids? And IF both the lighthouse project and this new arena proposal are completely unacceptable/undoable would someone within these braintrusts’ please provide the idea of how it CAN be done??? Why are we wasting time on saying NO??? What IS the solution aside of CW “gifting” a new arena to TOH. We’re all ears.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Long Island selling point muted by stupidity.
CB — Lets just suppose that Garth was trying to sell Long Island to a veteran … and said veteran was in town meeting with Doug Weight who decided to show the sites, and follow it up with a free concert at Jones Beach. Hell … lets suppose that some of the entourage of Islander prospects was going to head on down to Jones Beach tonight to check out the show because it was talked up by staff at NVMC … Sorry guys … this is just a sign of the times.
I know it’s a NYS Parks facility, and can’t blame Long Island … but really now… How many other state parks are going through this?
-
TimQ says:
If ineptitude was worth something, LI politicians would be billionaires
-
For what it is North Merrick and East Meadow are saturated with Vote YES lawn signs,and posters attached to utility poles.the media blitz has begun !
-
135, lawnguyland has many beautiful places. I remeber my parents use to take us to rocky point beach when i was a kid and stay at the blue dolphin. i grew up a city boys but i wish i lived on lawnguyland.
-
mike0309 says:
It’s the baby boomers. Selfish arrogant brats who were so spoiled by their WWII parents that they now think they own the country. I guarantee it was someone in their 50′s or early 60′s who is behind the cancellation. These are the people who are now in charge and it is a huge reason why this country is going downhill with no brakes. Nassau County is a joke, if you live anywhere on Long Island you should be looking to move. North Carolina and other states would welcome you with lower taxes and more freedom.
-
Seems like all of this is a waste of our time. The smart money is on the Isles leaving (by being sold to someone who wants to move them) or being sold to another Spano type guy because quite frankly, who in the hell is going to want to buy a team and keep them on Long Island except a crook? I’m not positive but from past articles and stories from when Wang was talking to other towns, it seems that there is no place to go in NY State. Wang is not going to spend millions more to start this process all over in a new town in NY where he most likely will encounter the same political hurdles.
-
Daniel says:
This is so embarrassing, however not surprising at all. Nassau County is a complete disaster. You can just see what is going on with the Coliseum plan right now. The Dems are praying Mangano loses re-election just so they can “come in and save the day.” By the time we can count on any political party to “save the day” the Islanders will be long gone, and so will the middle class of this Island in decline. Too much government in this state, too many hurdles and challenges, developers and more importantly residents (young people) running out of patience.
-
Mike says:
CB is Suffolk not a backup option at all? For me, a Suffolk resident 20 year season-ticket holder, a move to Queens is almost as bad as a move out of state. Weeknight games would be impossible work-wise, and a trip to Queens for all the weekend games is too much. It’s why I don’t go to more than a handful of Mets games each year. Of course it would be nice if Nassau just wised up. If they move, I will never spend another dollar in that county.
-
hangover3 says:
Here is an idea…Islanders play all home games at MSG. For good. Sure lots of day games, bad schedule, so what. Share MSG with the rags. Dolan gets his islanders on his tv channel. islander fans get to keep going to games, I find it easier to get to MSG by train from babylon then to coliseum by car..I hate traffic.
-
when you put a dysfunctional crooked county together with a dysfunctional crooked owner, well you see the results. cant wait for the big media campaign by the isles. they can advertise on the radio station that broadcasts their games. that should reach at least 20 blocks. nassau county can promote the vote by having the no name nothing independent minor leauge team that they picked to play at the new minor leauge field to get the vote out. they could have picked the mets minor league team that wanted to play there but why have the mets team play there with all the publicity it would generate in all the papers plus the mets 50,000 watt radio station to get the vote out plus sny but of course that would make to much sense. if wang was smart and that is a big if, he would move to queens and own this town.
-
Mike S. says:
Yet another reason why this county has been/continues to be hemhorraging young people.
WOW. All I can say is wow.
I didn’t realize how counter-active Long Island government is until I moved from there. I now live in NC, where they embrace sports of all kinds to help build a foundation of tourism that has provided economic growth.
Too bad. I moved. I pray my NY Islanders do not have to do the same.