NEEDED: $4 MILLION IN COLISEUM REPAIRS
Busted seats, roof, icemaker force NYI to make request
7:05 pm: The majority of seats in the 100 level of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and the mechanism that enables the sections to slide in and out based on the event, are a disaster. Hundreds of seats are damaged, broken beyond repair and unsafe.
The roof of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which has been patched up with temporary sealants and tape since before Ziggy Palffy came to play, has a whole new batch of leaks. As a result, seating areas and aisles continue to be dangerous.
The refrigeration system that creates the playing surface for New York Islanders hockey games at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is barely functional, and can break down on any given day. According to a league source, the Coliseum ice was rated by NHL players the last two seasons among the three worst – despite the Islanders recently spending more than $500,000 in repairs. Not good for player safety.
There are other problems, too, which is why the Islanders submitted a request last month to Nassau County for $4 million. On Monday, the Rules Committee of the Nassau County Legislature will review a Capital Projects amendment for “emergency repairs” to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Since the Coliseum is County-owned, this is how the process works under the team’s lease and has for decades. When the Islanders require areas of the building to be fixed or replaced, the team must notify the County and submit a document. The County then reviews the request and pays for what it approves or – in these bankruptcy days for Nassau – puts off what it can. It should also be noted that Islanders owner Charles Wang on several occasions over the last decade has spent his own money on repairs and improvements to the Coliseum.
The timing of the Islanders’ request, of course, is somewhat controversial. Exactly three weeks before the Aug. 1 public referendum for $350 million for a new Coliseum, the Islanders are asking the fiscally-devastated county for $4 million in repairs. Do the Islanders and the legislators need this distraction? Should the Islanders really be asking for $4 million from the County right now? Surely, the club has considered the ramifications.
Then again, maybe the Islanders are trying to make a few points:
- The Coliseum is a hellhole.
- The Coliseum is unsafe for visitors, employees, athletes and performers.
- The team has no guarantee of ever getting approval on a new arena in Nassau, so it must operate on a business-as-usual basis.
- And oh, by the way – no matter what happens with the referendum and the on-going attempts to finalize a deal for a new arena in Nassau – the Islanders will be playing at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the next four NHL seasons.
Not counting concerts, family shows and other events, that’s at least 164 times citizens will be coming to the final days of the Coliseum.
The Legislature’s Rules Committee could vote to approve the $4 million request for repairs on Monday, or put it off for another day.
This story was first reported by Point Blank via Twitter on Friday.
A Note to Point Blank Readers: With the whirlwind of the NHL Draft and unrestricted free agency period largely over, and with our editorial staff working on other media and PR projects, Point Blank will be primarily focused for the rest of this month on the Islanders’ battle for a new arena. Since the site is not credentialed by the team, you’ll want to regularly check Katie Strang’s blog, the official site and the Blog Boxers for coverage this week of Islanders prospect camp and talk about it at Islandermania or your message board of choice.
Certainly nothing is more important right now than the Islanders’ fight for survival in Nassau County, and Point Blank continues to be committed to bringing exclusives, SNY interviews, updates and columns on the Coliseum issue all the way through the vital Aug. 1 referendum. Of course, if the Islanders make a roster move, we will do our best to provide a timely update and opinion.
Thank you so much for your continued support of Point Blank for almost three years. Incredibly – and this says everything about the underrated and misunderstood passions that run throughout Islanders Country – PB readership is at an all-time high in 2011. As always, if there is ever anything you’d like to discuss or share offline, please email me at cb@islanderspointblank.com. I hope you are enjoying a fun and safe summer with your families…CB
157 Responses to NEEDED: $4 MILLION IN COLISEUM REPAIRS
Busted seats, roof, icemaker force NYI to make request
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Brooks D. Simpson says:
Nassau County had better understand that without the Islanders as primary tenant, the building will soon collapse as a venue. Anyone who sees a new arena as an Isles-only project is sadly mistaken.
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I think this is a brilliant business move. Now if they would get out there and promote the vote -that would be great. Get out there and tell people they need to vote YES-it’s ESSENTIAL
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jonfromnj says:
This is a ploy….and I like it.
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this would be shocking, if it wasn’t happening in NY, Nassau County, and the NVMC. aside from the request for $4 million, its just another day. if it was a family of 4 in a federal housing project apartment, Sen. Schumer would be holding a press conference, hugging the victims, close your eyes, picture it..go ahead….
“how can this family suffer this indecent fate, while living in a government sponsered dwelling. all this, in one of the richest counties, in one the richest country in the world. i am appalled, and demand an investigation immediately. these poor souls arent going to fall throughthe cracks. not in my state, not on my watch..”
but thats okay, cause jacobs will call it grandstanding, while speaking from an office with central air, and an ice maker.
love it… -
Ray says:
This is true…I remember at last years prospects game, I thought someone peed on my seat because it was wet and smelled like urin… All makes sense now…
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Ethan K says:
Not really a ploy… regardless of the vote, in October there will be lots of people in the building, and repairs need to be made.
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Erika says:
If you pay for it, they will come, Chuck!!!
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jfnisles says:
If the coliseum is in such bad shape, why are they having a Blue-White scrimmage there a week from tonight????
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Jim Clark says: No doubt Nassau County will turn this down and say “who needs ice.?
Play in sneakers and use a tennis ball instead of a puck”. -
just having a little fun, not trying to compare the two issues. i’m certain if Mr Wang was a landlord, and let Mr Jacobs political offices run into this degree of disrepair, Mr Jacobs would handle the situation with silent dignity. the term “billionaire slumlord” would never be muttered or appear in the press..
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Strummer's Army says:
Nassau County you have responsibilities and the fact you have mismanaged yourself into finacial ruin does not get you out of it. No more Wang paying for your responsibilities. You have to make the building safe for everyone before someone is seriously injured or killed.
“The Coliseum ice was rated by NHL players the last two seasons among the three worst – despite the Islanders recently spending more than $500,000 in repairs. Not good for player safety.” I always thought this is a contributing factor in why the Isles lead the NHL in injuries almost every year. It doesn’t explain all of it because Bridge seems to as well. I think it has been improper training, medical staff mistakes and other players knowing Campbell and NHL officials give them the green light to run any Islander player. Nielsen’s injuries have almost all been a result of a dirty play by another team and most went unpunished or a slap on the wrist.
CB, is there any way you could appoint a deputy that can be credentialed or is to cover the mini-camp? Maybe Compton, MF, or someone else?
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Jim McDonald says:
Bad ice will keep free agents away.
Makes for sloppy hockey… you can see it when you watch the games on tv.
Watch the Isles, then flip on a game in Edmonton… it’s such a difference.
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orngfan says:
who wouldn’t want to move to the area with the highest property taxes, no professional sports teams, no public transportation, no indoor concert venue, no venue to host ncaa tournament games [hockey or basketball]. sounds like a dream come true for home owners!!
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Isles are developing one of the fastest teams in the NHL (Grabs, Strome, all the way down now to D like Mayfield and Padan) yet terrible ice eliminates the Isles growing speed advantage and we all saw how powerful it could be at times last year.
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Steven says:
Thanks Nassau County. No wonder Free Agents do not want to play here. What a joke the Isles did not get a new building years ago before the Mets, Yanks, Jets, and Giants. 4 cups in a row was nothing I guess.
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And post #2 is 100% correct. this is NOT an islanders only project and to say that it is is beyond laughable. the islanders play 41 nights in a 365 day calendar year. What about big name concert acts? what about hosting NCAA tournament regional games for mens basketball? Frozen Four hockey. The circus. Figure skating championships. State high school basketball games. Tennis.
THe short-sightedness of nassau county politicians have put us in this Bankrupt situation. The fact that some of them are lining up against this proves that we need to get some NEW IDEAS and some FRESH BLOOD into office in nassau county!!
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Jakebrake says:
I even heard the scoreboard was falling down…….oh, wait
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BB says:
Let’s see if I get this, Wang now owns the parking, the concessions stands, he gets a % of all bookings at the barn, owns the hotel next to the barn, and we have to pay for the repairs. Remember I want them to stay will vote yes, but please, he can deprecate players salaries as a asset, he’s NOT LOSING MONEY!!! Let’s not forget the $$$ cable deal.
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Chris says:
Thanks for all your Islander coverage
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BB–Well, if the Lighthouse passed, then who would be paying with his own money? You really can’t have it both ways. It is the Nassau Coliseum, not the House of Wang. And what does the cable deal have to do with this? Your problem is with Kate Murray, not Charles Wang.
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hangover3 says:
I don’t get to vote, but it seems like every sports stadium is paid for by the tax payers. So while I think the right thing normally would be to vote yes, why spend the extra millions on a baseball stadium? And can nassau county get it in writing that the Isles have to buy out Dipietro, and not hire friends and family for all important positions, and not spend at cap floor. What if the building comes in over budget plus nobody wants to watch a last place hockey team even in a new building, will wang still have lowest payroll to cover these shortfalls?
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Its kind of messed up that all because of ONE…I said ONE women didnt let the LHP pass that we might not have a new arena or PRO sports Franchise in the future…Thats just wrong….
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perfect timing. this message sends a point. no question a big problem is the dangerous ice among many other problems in the nvmc. poster 12 had a very good point. while the ice is very bad and dangerous, another problem exists as well. due to wangs cheap and dysfunctional ways of running things, medical, training, staff and equiptment will always be compromised. put this together with the bad ice, you can be sure like always the isles will lead the nhl in injuries by far. put this together with the nhl having no respect for the isles, you get a recipe for disaster. its a shame the new nets arena in brooklyn is one year away and at this time seems not nhl ready. otherwise maybe the isles, nhl and the nassau county buildings dept. could condem the building as dangerous and unsafe which it really is anyway, and the isles could play there at least til 2015. if anything this would wake up the politicians who dont give a damm on what happens to the isles. who knows, next year maybe if things arent moving along as they should, the new brooklyn arena could shake things up.
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The Rock says:
I was one of the “Skate With the greats” winners last season. it was the worst ice i have ever skated on in my life. Only ice i ever been on that was worse, was an outdoor pond in Montreal on some mountain. There was a NHL game and some little kids skating on ice before me. Still no excuse when I play in league games at say syosset, cantiague or bethpage at 10:40pm there have been games on the ice non stop from 7pm on and the ice is fine after a Zam.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
We need another option FAST! Good memories at the ol’ barn…
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5w30 says:
Nassau is like Shea Stadium was in the early 1980′s – a dump full of leaks, rotten swampy field conditions, and the infamous lousy plumbing. Only when the team got better (and yes after the Jets moved out) Nelson Doubleday and co. spruced up the place and made it presentable for close to 20 years. The original Lighthouse project was similar in that the bones of the Mausoleum were to stay in place and a whole real estate project was to grow up around it.
Now the situation is different. NVMC needs band-aids just to keep operating and they will get it, especially if the league and MSG put a little pressure in the right places.
Vote YES on the new Coliseum. -
Jeff from Smithtown says:
Where is the construction union muscle.? What about the baseball geeks. The public sees this as a NY Islander issue only. The rink is a dump every one knows it. I will be on hiatus from this blog till after the Aug 1 vote. Even if this passes there is a long way to go. This whole thing is giving me an ulcer.
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JBinNYC says:
I like this move. And I love the timing. If Nassau county denies the repair money, do the Isles get out of the lease early? The politicians will be, as always, short-sighted. “How can we pay $4 million, if we can’t afford to pay teachers, cops and firemen.”
I’ll say it again. Why build another arena (at a very low $350 million) and Marriott, if it’s just gonna sit in any empty parking lot with no added public transportation.
Queens! Queens Queens!
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Dom says:
I’ve got the perfect solution: Why don’t we have the owner come up with a proposal to re-develop all 77 acres with the inclusion of a new arena? Oh yeah, we’ve tried that. O.k…O.k… how about this alternative: How about we have a vote to bond out $400 million to build the isles a NEW ARENA? Am I a genius or what?(Major SARCASIM here)
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Onesinceforty says:
CB,
Please consider Strummer’s thought about a representative to cover the prospect camp. Is that possible?Those stands were in bad shape a VERY long time ago. This is nothing new but I do like the strategic timing. This emphasizes what we all know that the place is not suitable. Why sign here for a FA if you can go to a nice new rink somewhere else? Apparently, no reason unless no other team wants you.
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Blizz says: Deliberate timing no question. Well played IMO.
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sean says:
The colisuem is the worst arena in the country and in all pro sports. This is what you get with corrupt politics in nassau and money under the table. That lease that was signed in 85 is the problem and whoever signed it should be smacked.
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JT27 says:
You’re the best CB. As for the Coliseum it is like patient on life support. You either do major surgery(new Coliseum) or the patient slowly dies before our eyes. Build it Now!
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CM says:
Just like Edmonton. Rexall is a hell-hole too. I hate going to games or events there…actually I don’t waste my time anymore. Surrounding area is a pit too. I even turn down free games to the Oilers – good seats too. I know exactly what Isles fans are going thru. I’d prefer cheering for my team on TV rather than going to a dump. Who wouldn’t. I can’t imagine Nassau residents enjoy going to non-hockey events at the Coliseum. Takes away from the experience. i.e Its like going on vacation, everyone loves it, but would you visit a dump?
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Dave says:
Every Facility in Nassau County is decaying and they know it! The problem is the County has no money to put into these updates. You dont need to be smart to figure out that each year that you poor into fixing a new facility it is cheaper to build a new one. One more point after only 5 yrs at the aqutic center. The reason it is costing another 20 mill of repairs is because when you select the cheapest contractor you have to expect cheap materail n work manship.
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anthony c says:
Either this gets peoples attention in the way that the building is on the verge of falling apart, or the blind and ignorant will go “what the hell they need to repair with $4million dollars of tax payer money”?
Personally I don’t like the timing of the request with the vote 3 weeks away as well. But this is a risky move PR wise. Like I said it either makes people see the coliseum is in need of replacing, or the close minded who hated the LHP will have something else to complain about. VOTE YES AUGUST 1ST!!!
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Joeisles says:
This is a major story. You wrote about it yesterday on Twitter and tonight. Why hasn’t Newsday written about it yet? That’s very strange.
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Alan says:
Thanks for the three years of coverage and here’s to many more.
I don’t blame you for sitting out prospect camp. Why would you give free publicity to a team that obviously doesn’t want it?
I’ll read all the recaps about how great and fit everyone was on the team site.
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DPS says:
When I first heard about this on Twitter I didn’t think it was a smart move by the Islanders. But you make a good case about how they have no reason to think the arena deal will be approved so they have to fix the Coliseum while they’re playing in it. Good story and opinions.
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M Lawrence says:
Kate Murray hasn’t said a word about the deal since she showed up at that first press conference. She has not promoted August 1st. She totally scammed Wang again and he looks like a fool for being taken by her and telling all the fans to not boo her. For a pretty smart guy, Wang got burned bad.
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BobbyNy23 says:
Amazing this organization still hasn’t “reinstated ” you, only real media coverage of the team. thank you cb.
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StevieL says:
Hey this is NY! Doesn’t somebody know a guy, who knows a guy, who has an uncle who takes care of problems like this with a gas can and a match? Isn’t NVMC insured? Maybe that is the solution!!
Really though, NVMC is a disgrace and it is only going to get worse! Wake up Nassau residents, that $58 dollars is going to be the biggest bargain you ever voted “Yes” for!
And CB, there is only 1 issue from now till Aug 1, and that is the vote. -
islesrock73 says:
This is a really really smart PR move. The short sided, and economically challenged no voters, better realize soon that they will be continuing to throw tax dollars into a facility that will eventually be condemned and demolished at additional taxpayer expense. What will follow, will be the loss of jobs and tax revenues. To the no voters, you are not bailing out a billionaire, the billionaire is helping to bail out this pathetic county that has been driven into a fiscal nightmare by both parties.
Additionally, as somebody said before me, If Nassau will not repair, and fail to approve the new building, I bet Mr. Wang will break the lease and move. At this point, after having to deal with the corrupt, self serving Pols of Nassau, I could not blame him.
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TuxTax says:
Thanks CB, been reading since day 1. Looking forward to your quality reporting and blogging as always. Lets get this arena vote passed! Time for a new home!
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I agree post #40. She only did that whole thing to try to save face. All the boos she got were rightfully deserved. I despise kate murray.
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I like the timing of this, people need to understand their are concerns at NVMC. Some folks just think it is a perception that it is a dump but when you point out the roofing and section 100, the ice, broken seats, it drives home the point that something must be done. Pay up Nassau or else the lease could be voided.
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Kevin 27 says:
I doubt the isles thought about the pr on this. They rarely do.
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Lauren says:
Thanks for all the writing on the arena and for all the hockey coverage in this new model for the blog this season, CB. It was better than ever, especially with the added bonus of all the SNY interviews.
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Bassen says:
I know what the Islanders are trying to accomplish by submitting for repairs but I’d be blown away if anyone approved giving them 4 million bucks on Monday. The naysayers would have a field day.
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Tom from PA says:
Wang has always come across like he’s concerned about his legacy. I find it hard to believe he’s not worried about being remembered by non-nyi fans as someone who took money from the County at a time when so many people were being laid off. I’m not saying that’s a fair criticism of him, but you know he’s getting trashed by thousands of people and I’m sure he doesn’t like it.
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Nyles says:
IMO this is a gamble the Islanders didn’t need to take 3 weeks before the vote. It could backfire big. Not worth it. Like someone said before, they’re having fans at the prospect scrimmage next weekend so the Coli must be safe enough.
Wang and his people are playing politics too. Don’t let them fool you.
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If anyone has any Bizare photos of any of the oposition, now is the time to release them…..
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Ted S says:
Following this saga is too much for me right now. I love the Isles & can’t stand the idea for them being relocated. I have to take a much needed break from this & try to enjoy my summer. I am not a Nassau resident so I have no vote in the outcome. I hope the Isles fans in Nassau do the right thing but it’s just too painful to watch this anymore. I am done until further notice Chris I am thankful for this site more than u know. Take care everyone. Were all Islanders (For Now!)
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rob says:
They’re not getting $4 million from Nassau on Monday. They’re not getting $1. I’m sure the Islanders know that.
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kg says:
#VoteYES
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BryanG says:
I still can’t get over the opposition handing out fliers with X through Islanders logos.
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Patty says:
Still hoping Wang finally says something powerful before the August 1st vote.
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isles516 says:
Shows you where the Islanders rate when Jeter getting his 2,998th hit dominated the front page of Newsday over an article on two major groups divided on the Coliseum issue. Not the 3000th hit but 2,998.
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Al L says:
Erica! It would be quite ignorant describing Charles being selfish lambasting him for insisting upon making the arena housing his team and patrons safe for them to enter.
Should the County refuse to comply,Wang could be within his rights to break his lease. -
walsh says:
The Coliseum has been a hellhole since before Wang bought the team. I know he’s tried his best but it’s kind of unbelievable what a failure Wang has been on so many levels when it comes to this team. He was supposed to be some tough businessman but he has let himself get pushed around by politicians for ten years.
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CC says:
I can vouch for the seats in the 100s being a disaster!
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Isles83 says:
isles516 on Jul 10th, 2011 00:57:40 said:
Shows you where the Islanders rate when Jeter getting his 2,998th hit dominated the front page of Newsday over an article on two major groups divided on the Coliseum issue. Not the 3000th hit but 2,998.
Isles516 that is why the Islanders are a blip on the radar screen around here. It’s not just hit #2,998. Every day from game 1 of the baseball season is covered on the front and back page. 82 games for the islanders last year and how many times were they on the back page? A big fat 0!!
That is why you get this reaction from Nassau county residents that are non hockey fans for the Aug 1 vote. Do we still have a hockey team?????Vote yes everybody!!!!!
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Michael Delman says:
“According to a league source, the Coliseum ice was rated by NHL players the last two seasons among the three worst – despite the Islanders recently spending more than $500,000 in repairs. Not good for player safety.”
Nah, I’m sure our arena has nothing to do with why UFAs won’t sign here. It’s all about wins and losses.
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NYC says:
lets not forget about the bad lighting. isles games on TV look so dim. i switch to msg and the rangers games is bright on my screen. is it the bad lighting on NVMC, cheap cameras? or Dolan playing tricks?
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Lotta Draught says:
Almost a guarantee now that if Wanger doesn’t receive Areener bonding or the $4m for repairs you may consider the lease broken and his team relocated much sooner than June 2015.
So depressing the Isles are going through the same arena debacle as my ’96 hometown Jets did. Finally the Jets are Re-Born and now the Isles are knocking at death’s door. VOTE YES PLEASE!!!
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Jerky says:
Nobody should be surprised by CB’s post – we all knew this for years and it’s finally being brought to light and is coming to a head. The ice has been responsible for many injuries, most notably Kevin Poulin this past season, and could derail a career before it even takes off. This is another ugly sign of the truth in Islanders country and is not going to make anyone with any future ahead of them want to sign here. Hence the reason a trade is the only way this team will get better. And the hits just keep on coming…
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Ari (Not Haanpaa) says:
Alas, despite the fact that it will always be the home to our golden years, the old barn is truly a dump, and has been for a long time.
I don’t trust the politicians in Nassau to get things done, and I truly fear for the future of the Islanders. There is a real lack of buzz going into the August 1st vote, and even if it passes, I’m not at all sure the next phase will go smoothly. Truly a nervous time for all Islander fans.
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dose says:
a lot of people will see this as the owner simply hitting up the county/taxpayers for $$$, despite the fact that he doesn’t own the arena.
here’s a question:
what happens if; the august 1 vote is NO and no new plan C or D (or whatever we’re up to) is put forth. then, the dough to fix the Coliseum is not appropriated, and the owner understandably declines to funnel more of his own millions into a lost cause. so the joint continues to deteriorate, until the league determines the venue is not playable and/or safe.
what then? -
tonysac says:
This is a brilliant move by the Islanders.!!!!!!!!!!!!
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isles71 says:
Anyone who sees this as the Isles trying to take advantage of a county in need is a fool. Nassau owns the building, so as “slumlord”, they are responsible to pay for all repairs. Not the Isles fault that the county was/is mismanaged. Will we ever be able to worry just about hockey because this is exhausting!!! Glad I left L.I. years ago because of this very reason..well this type of stuff and a certain senator being elected, but that is a whole different blog…go isles
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shlo says:
Maybe, just maybe it is about safety and liability.
If it is as bad as you describe it, depending upon the lease agreement, if there is an accident, the County and /or the Isles will have have to pay the victims much more than 4 million in damages. The Islanders put everybody on notice as a prudent businessmen do. You lawyers out there-is it a plausible scenario? -
dcb1 says:
Couple of problems- first, the OWNER wanted to pay for the building. Hempstead forced the issue by refusing to allow him to do it. Let’s put the blame where it belongs.
Second, I have been saying FOREVER that their “injury problem” was a direct result of that 40 year old ice maker. If I was Wang, I’d SUE the county for Poulin’s injury, just for one example. This Town and County are pretty much the embarrassment of the northeastern US. Just pathetic- and don’t tell me the economy is bad. Pickett asked for a building TWENTY YEARS AGO. This has been absolute horse poop dropped right on top of this franchise, nearly from the beginning, end of story.
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Pingback: New York Islanders home arena is a hell hole | Crash The Crease
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JTizzle91 says:
Unfortunately we will have many of our Senior Citizens vote No because they do not want their taxes increased. What they don’t understand is that this project is not about them. It is about the youth of Long Island such as myself who IS a HOMEOWNER and will incur a tax increase and my daughter.
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Tony says:
I’ve had enough of all this BS… PLAY IN BROOKLYN. Change the name to the Americans. Screw Nassau.
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AO says:
Let’s say the vote passes and we build it (I have no doubt), what would it take to buy out the SMG contract so that we do not have to wait till 2015? Or is 2015 a realistic timetable to actually complete construction which would not surprise me considering how long things take around here. For comparison, the prudential center broke ground in October 2005 and opened in October 2007 so there is no reason why we should not get this completed 2 years early in 2013 then terminate the SMG contract.
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gary says:
For those who thing Wang should be paying, no he shouldn’t. If you own a home and rent it, you are responsible for it’s upkeep, not the tenant. Maybe the county should just sell him the building and the land, pocket the cash and let him build it himself, no then Mangano’s pals won’t get jobs!
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25yearfan says:
Regarding the question:
…Should the Islanders really be asking for $4 million from the County right now?…
IMO, regardless of the PR / leverage angle of this emergency request, assuming that the items are actually in need of remediation, and that both (a) the County could take some time to debate / decide and (b) if approved / funded, the repairs will take some time to make — the real question should be is it too late to make this request with preseason activities starting and the season opening in ~ 12 weeks.
Related questions:
How much should the County be budgeting for annual repairs?
What do similar size / age structures (ahem) spend per annum?
Can a direct correlation between bad ice and player injuries be made? I’m sure there are waivers, but County should be nervous for liability of County ice if it’s as bad as has been alleged. The joys of ownership…. -
Wang could own it and then sell the naming rights, and he would do just fine… heck, he could put Computer Associates Arena up and he’d be JUST FINE. This whole arena BS is way too annoying. It’s like beating a dead horse, and unfortunately us Islanders fans are the dead horse.
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DWC says:
Imagine how boring it must be to root for normal hockey organizations. This is like a soap opera. Always something happening, but the same story over and over again. I could have stopped watching years ago and come back to the same thing.
The building should be declared unsafe and go play at the Izod center until a new home is found.
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Money making Mike says:
With all the bull that’s going on in that county. Why would the islanders wanna stay. Move the team to queens
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D in Big D says:
This is nothing more than a way for Wang to break the lease if the vote fails.Think about it people.If the vote fails there will be no reason to go to any games,nor even support the team in any way(cable,merchandise,etc.)Wang is positioning himself for the worse case scenario.Quebec may get their team sooner than expected.Hopefully its the ‘Yotes and not our Isles.
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PW16 says:
Oh…..thats why no players want to come here..because its not good for players safety. And to think I actually thought it had somethign to do with management and their commitment to winning.
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This is a good job, I hope this article was in newsday?
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Where is Gary batman in all this? If the ice is a danger than the league should step in. Just because the isles have a lease doesn’t mean they should have to play there. God forbid this happened during an event. The county would be sued for millions.
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Tom says:
DWC, if they have to place someplace else local for a year, I bet they’d wind up in MSG of all places. With the lack of basketball, TV contract, arena upgrades, and relative proximity to the existing fan base, it makes more business sense than any other local location. Poeple need to wake up and realize Brooklyn is not an option, an NHL ice surface does not fit in Barclays. And nothing else is going to be built that quickly.
I’d sue the county for DP’s contract first if they are going to claim the ice injured players.
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Sorry, … “if they have to PLAY…”
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Great point #67 and #82. If this vote fails Wang wont want to stay here until the lease expires. Four years of even lower attendance will result in even greater losses. It’s so sad that instead of talking about the prospect camp we are talking about this garbage!
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15,000 seats is plenty for an Islanders game, considering our average attendance is about 11,000. Brooklyn IS an option, and it’s an OBVIOUS option. The amount of common sense of a move to Brooklyn is overwhelming. The amount of work it would take for the Isles to be tenants of the Barclays Center is way less than this Nassau County BS.
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Im really dissapointed in the fact that the NHL has not seem to show that much support for the Isles….They have Nothing on NHL.com
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Orange&Blue says:
All of us need to get our checkbooks, lol.
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To answer the question of why continue playing there if its in such bad condition..Do people understand that there is a contract/lease ending in 2015! If there is no new building arranged..Folks that continue to play the stupid role..There will be no more colisuem..no more Islanders, no more concerts, no more circus (actually glad about that one, always thought having wild animals perform for our idiotic pleasure was rather absurd and cruel). This is why so many Long Islanders leave..No one wants to get involved and change for the better..soon Long Island will be washed up and nothing will be left..I am so sick of my fellow Long Islanders lately..Perhaps what everyone needs to see the light is a total diseaster..Yes, lets all hope for at the blue white scrimage for the roof to cave in and leave hundreds (pushing thousands is big for islander fans in the summer or any year for that matter) injured or possible death..yes, then we can read the headlines and numerous media on this..Ofcourse I’m not serious..would never root for others to be hurt to justify the county to finally get off their collected a**es..Perhaps what garth says is true, that noone wants to play here, is because of the building..
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LouD says:
There are quite a few people stating they won’t get any money and others who are stating they absolutely shouldn’t get the 4 million for repairs. What I think both sides are missing is that the New York Islanders are a tenant. They pay rent just like you would if you rented an apartment. Now if the landlord (Nassau County) who owns the property refuses to fix existing structural damage,especially damage that could cause harm to the tenants or their guests, and such damage is deemed by a court to be damage incurred through normal wear and tear, then the landlord would be in breach of contract and therefore the tenant would be allowed to break their lease and find a suitable dwelling. Can anyone seriously argue this point?
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Staten Islander says:
This will be called a ploy,even if it IS true, which I’m bot saying it isn’t. Timing, timing, timing
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HyeDray says:
What is particularly interesting here is that Wang and the Islanders have essentially said — you wanted to have a stand-alone publicly funded arena — and that means that ALL, not some, not what you want, but ALL of the costs associated with the upkeep of said arena are a part of that deal — we are merely tenants.
This was essentially what Kate Murray and Joe Mondello wanted. I dont see them on the streets campaigning for it. I dont see anyone campaigning for it — but plenty of people campaigning against it.
All the more reason I think this move is a bit dangerous. If voters put it together that they (the county) is on the hook now for all of this….they may beg off and vote it down. For this to pass the dollars have to “work” for the voters — especially in this climate. Right now, the sales pitch from the Isles/Mangano is so thin its invisible. This has to be sold as being more then about the Islanders, otherwise only Isles fans will vote for it, and that may not be enough…
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#90 Lou D — I like your thinking. And you are 100% correct. But I have two points to add…
1) Didn’t the Islanders try this once before in trying to get out to the SMG deal? I can’t be 100% sure how the court ruled on that or if it got before a judge at all. Perhaps CB can illuminate/refresh our memory?
2) If it does work — and it goes to court now, and court orders the County to make repairs, how will that effect the vote (if it is pre Aug 1) and/or if the County can’t pay for it and the building is closed — where do the Isles play home games in October?
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Excellent point,Tony #79 and one that I stressed earlier. Naming rights has rarely if ever been mentioned. Since the County of Nassau owns the Coliseum they could rather easily seek and find a Corp willing to pay ‘at least’ 10mil per year for 20 yearsfor signage. That based on the Mets receiving 20mil for the same period of time from Citigroup. Adding that to the 14mil per year lease you have 620mil,which should be enough,near enough or more than enough to satisfy Debt Service without having to force the Taxpayer an initial out of pocket layout.
This is considering ‘no profit’ from all events at the venue. Why hasn’t the Wangano group made that apart of the proposal? -
CB, in your opinion does a new arena get built in the end? YES or NO?
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#91 JTizzle! What the Seniors of Nassau don’t seem to get into their gray matter is ‘without’ a tenant and activity at the Coliseum they will get a ‘REAL’ Property Tax increase in multiples over the $58 dollar fee for quality of life improvement, and significantly less for their himes when ready to begin the next phase of their lives in assisted living quarters,probably outside the limits of the then unlivable Nassau County.
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Fred says:
I think I’ve read in the past that Nassau County veterans have fought to keep Nassau Veterans as part of any naming rights discussion. While I support our veterans 100%, in this day and age is there ANY hockey building that doesn’t have a corporate sponsor other than us and MSG?
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vrinqueens says:
Wang reminds me of a guy who proposes to the same women and keeps getting rejected constantly, When is he going to get a clue, save face and just leave?, Really.. It’s embarrassing now.
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Al L (#98) I think the naming rights is a MUST DO… but if you recall, the argument from Murray/Mondello and the Veterans groups was that this was “a monumnet” in effect to the vets who served our country. Nassau VETERANS…. correct?
I believe this can be solved by creating an actual monument within the new complex — out front or in a prominent location to commemorate the accomplishments, sacrifice and service of Nassau’s vets.
But a naming would be critical as a steady and long term revenue stream. But is it even in the discussion?
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CB can say it any better! What I have found and notice is this vote Aug 1st is the old generation between the ages of mid 50’s – 60’s vs the new generation. The old generation, do not want this and are voting NO! I asked 4 older people that were in the age of 60 and do not want the New Arena because of higher taxes. They will be the hardest to convince………………….! I think the Nassau County older generation is fielding a lot of phone calls on the older generation not wanting the project passed………! I also Mr. Wang has a gut feeling about this, including THE DEM Leader saying NO even before the vote is happening! Charles Wang is using his smarts in this…Trust ME…………………!
He is saying either the County which owns the Arena to fix the repairs every year mounting to at least 5 million or more, or I have the right to avoid the lease. What will happen then the islanders which play 45 games out of the calendar year will leave!
If this case goes to New York State, Nassau County will lose because Nassau County can always sell the property to MR. Wang which they want to. Also proven documents from the NHL on the decaying Arena! Good tactic because the DEMS all ready played there hands! It’s politics folks at it’s best! -
Mr Wang Remember folks over the bill every year to fix the ARENA! I have friends that work at the ARENA in Uniondale and tell me that the plumbing and ceiling of the building is a big problem! Also my neighbor use to be the assistant marking director for the events held at the ARENA, now she works for someone else. Her parents live next door to my house!
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The problem with NASSAU COUNTY MOST OF THE PEOPLE “DONT WANT CHANGE” they can have it done in NYC, but not LONG ISLAND. It’s been like this for the last 30 yrs and nothing will ever change for the good! THE major problem is that the SCHOOL taxes are killing us and until this changes TAXES will go up every YEAR. The super over the school disticts make more then $300,000 a yr in most area n they wont change there ways not now not ever until someone steps to the plate and puts a stop to it! I have 2 friend that left Long Island because they can’t pay for it here. Guess what both moved to Carolina and are making the same salary with less then no taxes!
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Tom D in NJ says:
Great, the arena is unsafe. I just bought half season tickets. Do I have to get a hard hat now, increase my life insurance, get all my affairs in order? Can’t we be just a normal hockey franchise?
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The ugly truth is the arena and development of that land is not for the older generation! They could care less about the future because they will not be around. I would love for Wang and Mangano to do a study and see what the cost would be to the taxpayer if that arena is vacated and bringing in zero dollars! I am surprised they have not done this since this $58 dollar a year number gets thrown around.
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cant sell naming rights because its a monument? it’ll be a heck of a monument when it’s vacant in 2016!
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caber09 says:
People put the blame where it belongs, the Republicans of Town of Hempstead who blocked the Wang fully funded (NO new taxes) huge job creating project, thousands and thousands of jobs, infracstructure improvements,modern arena/complex…in a time of terrible jobs market… TOo bad the richy rich R’s didnt want this but instead will hide behind this false/weak proposal (hey at at least we tried will be the easy excuse, while raising taxes at the same time, whether or not the Isles stay, so much for the “tax revolt” huh. IF Isles leave and taxes skyrocket, for someone who has lived here in the land of DWI and arrogance for a little over a year, maybe my Wife will let me follow the ISlanders and move back to Queens. At least the politicians in those Boroughs actually WANT the Isles! Most of the people of Nassau dont even care!
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Isle Be Damned says:
If this is voted down, I will feel bad for those of you who voted yes. To the people who are so shortsighted & illinformed that they will vote no, they will deserve their higher property taxes in a few years when that arena is dark.
I just hope that if it is voted down, then an agreement is reached with Queens very quickly. I am tired of being in limbo and not knowing if this team is going to be in the area in a few years. I’ve always held out hope, but if the bond gets voted down, I will just assume that they are done in Nassau. No plan C or D, just done. Without a quick announcement with Queens/Suffolk/Brooklyn, I’m just going to assume that Wang is going to sell to someone who plans to move them out of the area. I’ll find it next to impossible to care about the team while they’re death bed.
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Steve J says:
I think this is a brilliant PR move by the Isles. There is no way the County will approve this money and who knows anymore if the Referendum will be approved. This is surely an early out of the lease.
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Pineapple_Frapple says:
Stupid question. If they could rerenovate the Montreal Forum into a theater, and Maple Leaf Gardens into a supermarket/arena for a college league team then what exactly is stopping Wong from simply using his own money to re-renovate the Coliseum?
I don’t want to see the Islanders move but at the same time how exactly is the Coliseum still getting top name acts if its such a craphole?
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‘how exactly is the Coliseum still getting top name acts if its such a craphole?’
those ‘top name acts’ get paid big dough to do shows, even in dumps, that’s how. t
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It’s kind of sad that the “monument” to our veterans is in such a state of disrepair that the sewage pipes burst inside leaving the locker rooms covered in you know what. This is Nassau Counties memorial to our great veterans, a dilapidated building that may be vacant in three years? Also, to the people saying the older generation doesn’t want this I agree 100%. I’ve stated this in earlier posts, they’re trying to live out their last years as comfortably as possible while in turn they are ignorantly ignoring the futures of their children and grandchildren. It also seems that it was mostly the older generation who were against the lighthouse and they let Kate Murray know it in large numbers. They didn’t want the traffic and the “skyline” of their sleepy town to be ruined. Not sure what people in Nassau County want, it seems they would be happy to turn the area into one big cemetery.
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“What exactly is stopping Wang from simply using his own money to re-renovate the coliseum?.
As CB wrote in the above post, Wang has over the past decade used his own money for repairs to the coliseum. Since Wang doesn’t own the property and the County is responsible for the upkeep, why shoud he use his even more of his own money for more renovations? If I was Wang, I wouldn’t play one more game in the Coliseum until some type of deal can be made regarding these emergency renovations. -
@LouD
There is so much irony in you using the “Lets build a better memorial for our veterans” card. I’m pretty sure 400 million dollars could go towards funding some pretty worthwile programs for the veterans of Nassau County.
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#113 first off why should Wang pay to renovate a building that he doesn’t own? The lease comes up in 2015. At that time the county, who owns the coliseum, could then raise the Islanders rent. Do you rent an apartment? If so do you spend your own money renovating your apartment knowing that you don’t own any equity in the property? If so you may want to talk to a financial planner. Secondly, and once again, THE TOWN OWNS THE COLISEUM. They are the ones who book concerts and different acts, not the Islanders. They need to sell these acts to make money for the town. They don’t care about the people who go to the show. They are taking calculated risks figuring the chances are slim that something will happen. Weighing those risks with how much money they will make and grabbing the cash while ignoring safety. And lastly, Wang HAS spent a lot of his own money upgrading a building he doesn’t own and he has been screwed by the very same town that he has helped over and over again. He has lost millions on the place while contributing so much to the community in the way of charity. Apparently one hand does not wash the other and enough is enough. Mr. Wang is no longer going to be a personal charity to a place as corrupt and mismanaged as Nassau County. He gets a new building or the Islanders are gone, end of story.
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Pineapplefrapple, I didn’t say anything about building a new memorial for our vets. I simply commented on the fact that the town owns a supposed “memorial” to our veterans yet they spend very little time, money, or resources, in keeping it nice. There are many memorials to our veterans in this country, all of which are kept up very nicely by the people who own them. It seems Nassau County didn’t get the memo. Besides I really don’t care anymore, I hope you get your wish and the Islanders leave. I will be the first in the “I told you so” line when the county then raises your taxes to replace the lost revenue. And then I will be laughing the loudest when they sell the property to someone who puts up a bunch of strip malls and hotels, only to watch your beautiful Hempstead skyline disappear into your corrupt politicians wallets.
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Al L (#98) The better comparison would be the naming agreement on the Prudential Center which is around $4.5M per year. Seriously, add a similar naming rights agreement to the minimum $14M payment in the revenue agreement and the $58 tax per household is cut dramatically.
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@LouD
Don’t get me wrong I don’t wish for the Islanders to leave its just I also wish there was a way to modernize the current arena. -
Islandersfan4ever says:
LouD@#119.
Thank you. You are sooo right on.Exactly what this hell hole of a corrupt county deserves, and will get.Pathetic ruination is what to expect.Thank you, short sighted seniors and polititians.I am so sorry for those players injured due to our crappy ice. -
“#113 first off why should Wang pay to renovate a building that he doesn’t own? The lease comes up in 2015. At that time the county, who owns the coliseum, could then raise the Islanders rent. Do you rent an apartment? If so do you spend your own money renovating your apartment knowing that you don’t own any equity in the property? ”
No but I would sue the ($%^ out of my landlord if the apartment I lived in wasn’t being repaired by the super.
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AJAX says:
Well, If its that unsafe, why spend money on tickets to put yourself or family at risk?
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The current arena cannot be renovated, and lipstick on a pig doesn’t look good. I am tired of nassau county and the stupidity of the people and the old Farts that complain about everything. A new arena changes everything from a revitalized area to generating more revenue. It’s a no brainer to borrow the funds and these stupid politics are just trying to get at each other. Vote yes August 1st.
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Tom (#87) I went with the Izod center because it’s generally a dark arena and because it’s in New Jersey where I live. Sorry, being self-serving. Honestly, I don’t see either scenario happening anyway.
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the more i think about it, maybe its better this vote is shot down. as i have said i cant vote since i live in queens, but i would vote yes if i could. however i am sick of everything from wang ruining the franchise to the isles getting zero media coverage including the rags owned newspaper not coming out for the new arena to the rags getting about 70% coverage to the isles 30% coverage in newsday. think about it. why is dolan so dead against the isles getting a new arena and pretending he is wangs good friend? in realty he would like nothing better then the isles to disappear to quebec so the rags would be the only team. in addition you only hear wang saying a new arena would cost 350 million. you dont hear him saying it will be a state of the art finest arena in the country. you dont hear him saying the new arena will mean he will compete with other teams in free agents and payroll. i am convinced nothing will ever change as long as wang owns the team, new arena or not the isles will always have the lowest payroll in hockey and will always be run into the ground in a last place dysfunctional manner as long as wang owns the team. with this in mind, lets see the isles move to queens or brooklyn. not only would you have public transportation to get to a new arena but all the papers would now cover the isles full time every day. the isles would have to be on a real radio station like all the other 8 teams in the ny area. the media would get all over wang for destroying the franchise and running the isles as a mickey mouse last place organization. why do you think you never hear a negative article about wang or snow in newsday anymore? its very simple. dolan wants the isles to fail so it helps his team. dolan is dead against the isles moving to queens or brooklyn since most fans would then follow the isles. since the politicians in nassau county dont care about the isles anyway, moving to queens or brooklyn where the politicians over there want them, may be the best thing for the franchise in the long run.
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peter debenedetto says:
I don’t know what is worse here…
TSN has NO coverage of these events. Phoenix was a daily story and Atlanta as well. It’s as if Canada has no cares in the world about the New York Islanders.
No one besides CB has coverage of this. Can we flood the airwaves of FAN and start bringing this to light????
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nyc says:
#125, this is true.. i never heard wang say this will be a state of the art new arena. I would think he would be saying that he will get ideas from all the new arenas built in the last 5 -10 years or something. I’m confused what he means by a “destination site”. A minor league baseball team will quickly lose excitement. I am Mets fan and will not follow them for a second until they are serious contenders. I’m and die hard isles fan and will always follow them no matter what.
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@Peter debenedetto exactly!!! Its a shame, no where on NHL.com or Gary Buttman comenting or anything…The radio around here doesnt talk hockey to begin with, but an arena issue is bigger than the sport of Hockey….we are getting closer and I feel people are so against anything that they THINK might cost them money that they will automatically vote no…..we need some more positive exposure….we can all say the CB has gone above and beyond and has done his part…..
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Steve K says:
way to state the obvious, the coliseum is and has been a dump for the past 20 years.
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Grandma's Boy says:
I was at the Long Island Ducks game tonight, and in between innings they had mangano and a bunch of other officials announce that the ducks approved a nassau atlantic league team, and are looking forward to an “expressway rivalry”. They said to vote on August 1st to make this happen, but there was no mention of the Islanders/ new Coliseum at all.
The crowds response (or lack of response)was very lukewarm, andny really seemed to have no idea what was being talked about.
I’m not sure if this is positive or negative.
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@Sean post125……The arena WAS going to be renovated under the Lighthouse Project. Guess you don’t remember the designs. In fact, I wish that they were just going to do that now instead of having to build a brand new building. Guess it’s cheaper to build new.
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MikeInNYC says:
if anything, it shows the county “OK, you don’t have to build a new one…but just remember that millions of dollars in repairs are needed every off season…without a revenue stream to recoup”
If nothing else, that should be enough of a reason to approve the financing. The county can sink 4 million dollars a year in band-aids or they can finance a more permanent solution
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I just hope they know what they are doing, because between management and the political propaganda, I am getting very nervous. Voting yes is a no brainer but someone, anyone from the Isles organization should be giving us more information on how to help. I also hope they are trying to sort things out behind the scenes with that arrogant prince of darkness, Jacobs! I know only 1 honest polititian, the rest are despicable self serving individuals whom we allow way too much power over our lives. I truly do not know how they sleep at night.
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A new sign in nassau to welcome people. WELCOME to Nassau County the County of No and Corrupt Politics.
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#132. wow , exactly what i am afriad of. there will never be hype about minor league baseball. I love hockey yet i dont give a crap about minor league hockey. Minor league baseball will not make me want to go to wang’s so-called “destination site”
The Dragons was a fail and minor league baseball will never be popular, at least to people outside of LI. I hope all you Long islanders sell out every BB game for Wangs sake because i really cant see wang profiting from a minor league studium.
Nobody in NYC knows who the LI ducks are.
The first time i heard LI DUCKS was when Peter Botte was a beat writer for the isles who mentioned the ducks in an isles article. i didnt even bother to google what this team was about. -
It would be cool to let High Schools play at the ball park like they do with Hoftra and FREEPORT football….
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OJ says:
#138, the minor league ballpark has nothing to do with Wang. If the Ducks’ owner wants to start a team there, and contribute $1 for each ticket sold to the county, I’m all for it. And finding out that his stadium might only cost 25 of the allotted 50 million dollars, even better.
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Keep in mind the so called minor league team being housed in the proposed ballpark will be a non-affiliated (MLB)member of the Atlantic Independent League. I’m sure it will be a nice amenity,but hardly a money maker as a stand alone project. It will not have the cache of an affiliated minor league franchise.
If the naysayer residents could think for themselves,at least this would calm their nerves somewhat and quell their unwarranted fears for a steep Tax increase resulting from the entire proposal. This will not be an expensive deal. Twenty Five mil if accurate would leave 375 mil available for a new Arena and reduce the possibility of overruns. Overruns that Wang has guaranteed responsibility for anyway.
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140.thanks for clearing this up. this would be good for nassau. However i wouldnt call this a plan a “destination site”.
I hope they built the new arena under ground level again and keep the luxury suite up top because the average business man in the luxury suites drinks wine and mingles rather than pay attention to the game. I witnessed this when i sat in the luxury suite at the garden. half the suites were empty because of business men not showing up. I say, give those lower site lines to the general public. at least they will shout LETS GO ISLANDERS. -
Jim Clark says:
So who will be responsible for the maintenance of the proposed new arena?
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pete says:
If the county says no to requests do teh isles have the option of leaving their lease early….I would think so. If the landlord doesnt keep up the property as judged by a third party, they should be able to walk away
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Meanwhile, by amassing an array of really good, very young talent without committing long term big money to free agents, Garth Snow has transformed this franchise into a very attractive property to a prospective buyer, whether by his design or the owner’s.
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BanGarth says:
Is it too late to register to vote ? Serious question
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93 Miracle says:
Someone on Newsday wrote “Vote No! This is going to be another boondogle just like the Nassau County Aquatic Center. The pool as built to host the 1998 Goddwill Games and has turned into a physical and financial CESSpool! Cost overruns, mismanagment and in contant state of disrepair!” ARE People this stupid? This not aquarium! This is a PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM! This is a PROFESSIONAL ARENA WITH EVENTS not an aquarium. Man they’re really are some stupid people living on Long Island. People are so out of touch with things here.
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It’s sad 147. This is soo much bigger than the Isles. The Isles will play somewhere and will be fine. LI may not be so lucky. Newsday is owned by Dolan. Dolan does not want a young and upcoming Isles team around.
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I hate Dolan.
I wish could post newsday isles articles on their own site for us to read for free. if that is even legal?
I hate Dolan. -
CG says:
I am not a big fan of the Dolans. I was upset when they helped kill the Westside Stadium, which they were very vocal about. However, I am not convinced they want to see the demise of the Islanders. The Islanders are not a threat to the Rangers and the Nassau Coliseum or new building is not a threat to MSG. A vibrant hockey rivaly and new interest in hockey increases ratings, increases advertising, increases the value of the their networks and increases their bottom line. Not sure losing a NY team that they cover benefits them more than what I just mentioned. So I not sold on the whole Dolan bashing this time.
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Wang needs to get the word out that he is paying for cost overruns. That seems to be a constant criticism from Newsday’s readers as well. If people oppose the arena deal thats their right but at least be educated about it first.
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mht says:
Chris,I posted this HERE last week,but hopefully I can post this MESSAGE today. Tomorrow evening July 12 Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano will host an INFORMATIONAL SESSION on the Coliseum and Minor League Ballpark Referendum @ the East Meadow High School Auditorium 101 Carmen Ave. East Meadow,NY 11554 from 7-9 PM.Also scheduled to speak is Mr. Christopher Melvin, a stadium finance expert.East Meadow High School is approx 1 mile north of Hempstead Turnpike opposite the Nassau County Medical Center,and the Nassau County Correctional Facility.Displays will be available beginning @ 6:30 PM.The Honorable Norma L. Gonsalves,my Representative sent me a postcard about this meeting.Chris,I hope to see you,and other supporters in a respectful manner tomorrow night.
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The Newsday instant poll on todays website shows a close vote with Yes at 47% and no 41%, the rest undecided.
I am just amazed that a Cty is indiffent about losing a major league franchise and 1 of the largest, if not the largest revenue generating asset in the Cty. Just amazing!
Also , trust me, Wang is not just sitting back and waiting to see what happens to his 200 million dollar asset. I am sure he has a plan B and Plan C in place. This $4 million request for repairs is tactical and laying the groundwork for a breach of lease. Nassau Cty. is facing it’s last chance to keep the Isles, and it is the Aug 1 vote. Wake up people! -
I agree StevieL. People better know what they are voting No to. If they think it’s just Hockey no big deal they are in for a bad surprise. I love the move regarding the Isles asking for 4 mill in repairs. Charles is not just sitting by and the pols better not try to pull a fast one to block this deal if it gets voted in.
thank you for almost three years!