SOURCE: NIFA NOT HAPPY WITH WANGANO DEAL
Finance authority will have more to say later today
12:40 pm: Point Blank has learned from a reliable source that the Nassau Interim Finance Authority “has a lot of questions and plenty of criticism” of the deal between Edward Mangano and Charles Wang for a new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Although NIFA cannot stop the Aug. 1 referendum, the state-appointed agency ultimately has to approve the deal for the new arena even if Nassau residents vote in favor of it. How far NIFA might go to hold up the deal is unknown at this time. NIFA is meeting on the arena bond and other Nassau financial issues later this afternoon. Stay tuned. Comments?
108 Responses to SOURCE: NIFA NOT HAPPY WITH WANGANO DEAL
Finance authority will have more to say later today
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RPriest says:
Hey CB: I know Wangano is portraying this latest plan as an “all or none” plan but do you really think if the referendum passes and NIFA rejects that the Islanders will start looking for a new home in 2015?
No, I think they would begin the process of leaking news of talks and interest from other locations as early as 2011…CB
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hockeytime says:
I just have a bad feeling about this whole situation. Just wish this could be settled and agreed upon soon. Having patience is hard to do when every other day its something new. Looking forward to the upcoming season and just try to focus on that, wish I lived back in Nassau so I could cast my “Yes” vote but there is more than meets the eye. Anyway…Let’s go Islanders!
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Andy says:
Just stick a NIFA in my heart why don’t you!
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Fred says:
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want the Islanders to move, but I truly am starting to believe Nassau county, it’s political/financial system and the people who vote these people in to office really don’t deserve a professional sports team and any tax revenue (sales tax, income tax, etc.) or entertainment that it generates.
Since the Lighthouse this whole process, as an on looker, has felt cumbersome, dirty and rife with political ambition and greed.
The county has elected these people in to their offices and they’ve ruined the county as such that NIFA even has to be here, on top of it they are still using the Islanders as a political football, it’s gross.
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The new isles gm says:
CB, as a former head of PR, do you feel the Isles are going about this the right way? According to many of your Nassau readers, it seems that the Isles are going about this very gingerly. Shouldn’t we be smothered with information. The same works in radio, if u hear the same song on the radio-no matter what station- you can’t escape it. The melody will be stuck in ur head, you will probably love the song in due time and you buy the song on iTunes. Job well done. I don’t know….maybe I’m wrong but I am a bit concerned.
I wouldn’t consider evaluating the Isles’ campaign until it’s done on Aug. 1. I do disagree with some of the people on here who say it should be a quiet campaign so the naysayers don’t get rattled enough to come out and vote NO. Not only would that be a foolish approach, it would show that the developers of the idea aren’t confident enough in it and are just trying to sneak it through. Bad way to go. I would hope that’s not the Wangano approach. I’d also be very concerned about a very low voter turnout.
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JT says:
Oy vey. Hopefully, the numbers work and NIFA receives pressure from the top to allow the deal. Can the governor, or someone else, overrule NIFA if it attempts to scuttle the deal?
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Mike P says:
This is never going to happen, progress is not allowed on Long Island unless it is for a strip mall or the right people’s pockets are lined.
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Blitz (the original one) says:
At the end of the day, NYI will have a new building somewhere on LI. It took PIT to the last minute to approve their new building – after casinos, restructuring, possible sale, etc.
All is not lost come Aug 1. 2015 is pretty far away. Wang wants the building now so he can be remotely confident he has something to offset the losses.
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Oye Comeau Va says:
As has been my Islanders motto the past 18 years, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I’ve already accepted that the referendum will pass but this will die a miserable death either in the Legislature or at the hands of NIFA. Time to really start looking into other locations, whether it’s to scare Nassau or not. I will root for this team whether they play in Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn, Seattle, Hamilton, etc. Only difference is I would need to purchase NHL Center Ice package.
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Chris says:
Just another Road Block……
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Brian G says:
What is point of spending money on a vote, if this will be shot down by NIFA right away? I am a Nassau resident but…hello Suffolk County, Wang needs to make more of a threat…like buying some land in Suffolk…
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Killer Carlson says:
Has anyone seen details of the new arena? Have they been determined and distributed? From a business perspective, I’m not sure how they can project revenue, permanent job creation, etc without knowing the particulars of the arena. Capacity, luxury suites, clubs/restaurants, etc are all determining factors when calculating revenue projections. The transparency for a project of this magnitude is just not there and we are now 18 days away from a vote. Being open and honest will get them further.
I’m hoping that this passes because I want the team to remain on LI even though I no longer live there. That said, they need to do a better job of convincing residents and taxpayers (who might or might not be fans) that there will be a worthwhile ROI. -
Bye bye DP says:
I really am sick of this.
sick and tired.
everytime we have somthing going, it gets pulled.
i am unhappy and at this point apathy has kicked in again….my life would continue without the Isles, and it’d be another black eye for the NY Metro area, our overpriced, overrated style and cost of living, and the NHL.
sorry, this is how i feel…it’s a shame, but it’s true. -
Fred says:
#8 you hit the nail on the head!! If Wang greased enough palms in the beginning, the Islanders would have been playing in a new arena years ago. Somebody in the TOH/Nassau has a crony that wants to develop the area. Has to be.
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JTizzle says:
You know what irked me CB. This damn politicians were on their hands and knees kissing Wang’s ASS to buy the team and keep them on Long Island. Now when it’s time for them to do the sensible thing for the County they turn their backs! Corrupt and Disloyal politicians!
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Joe from Westerly, RI says:
Chris, I can’t help but think that, no matter what happens with the referendum, you’ll have lawmakers and NIFA officials who will still vote against it based on a belief that the probable low voter turnout is not representative of Nassau County voters. In my opinion, that’s the problem with an August 1st date.
It’s hard to deny the team is trying to “sneak it through” when the vote is held in the middle of summer. Having the vote on Election Day would allow for more public awareness of the issue, a larger turnout, and a more definitive vote.
Forgive me if I’ve missed the boat here, but is there a reason August 1st was chosen as the referendum date?
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Orange&Blue says:
Here comes this summers fiasco as many of us predicted!
Wang can be relied upon for a few things every summer: no new arena, a media circus, no key free agents, and more agony for diehard fans like us.
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islesrock73 says:
CB, I tremendous respect for you, and this blog. As a former senior executive in corporate PR, I must disagree with you regarding a public splash PR campaign. I cannot emphasize enough that an outwardly, in you face approach by the Islanders, in my mind, is foolish, and will backfire. It may work in many cases, but in this economic environment, people are so against two things, tax increases, and government spending. They will not trust politicians and wealthy business people.
I believe a large part of the Nassau population will skip this vote. Only the passionate, yes or no, will come out to vote. Now, I am not saying the Islanders should not be aggressive, what I am saying is that they need to conduct a massive, under the radar, grassroots campaign. Get to the passionate yes votes-fan base, unions, sponsors, local business, political supporters etc. An in your face PR campaign will only wake up the no votes. I believe that 100%, as do many of my former PR buddies.
Nobody is saying in-your-face, but the benefits of the deal need to be promoted to people who are not big Islanders fans, and I’m sure you will see more of that plus at least one major event in the next two weeks…CB
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Mike From Philly says:
CB- I must say it is becoming increasingly more difficult to be a fan of this franchise every year. Every time things start to look up there is always something to tear it back down. If the Islanders leave NY because of politics or NIFA then the whole County should be ashamed of themselves. The worst part is that no one will give a crap.
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Hextall72 says:
Bill Torrey said himself that as far back as the 80′s, NC has been posturing about the building and surrounding area..
A privately financed job wasn’t good enough and now a publicly financed job with payback isn’t good enough!
Wiliest point bound?
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Mike in Wantagh says:
Lets hope that the media attention doesn’t get to some of the board members’ heads? (I am looking at you Mr. Marlin). ATTN NIFA: It is not your job to tell us how you would vote on August 1st.
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#19 I disagree with that last sentence!
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Hock says:
Maybe it’s good we get some official feedback early on, so we know where we stand. Who says we can’t make amendments to the plan to work out some sort of compromise. What if the 11.5% revenue sharing is upped to say 12.5%…what effect does that have on the rise in taxes. I have no idea, but what if the $58 dollars could be cut down to say $25….would that still be a show stopper for the tax payers? I don’t know, but perhaps there can be some tweaking down to make this happen.
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Money Making Mike says:
die-hard islander fan, but lets face it its time to for the team to move. Nothing is ever gonna get done. they have to have meetings about repairs to be made. the politians on both sides keep knocking the other side and the isles and fans are stuck in the middle.
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Michael Delman says:
Thanks for the replies to a bunch of the posts on here so far CB….the tone of everything I’ve been reading has seemed negative lately and I don’t feel the Islanders have done a good job selling this to the people. I just want them on the Island permanently.
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DWC says:
Fred (#5) – I’m with you. I said in response to another story that the county and especially TOH really don’t deserve this franchise any longer. I hope they stay in the general area so I can go to games, but I’m moving towards rooting against the referendum so we can move on. Wherever that may be.
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emira83 says:
this is a very stressful time and i dont see it getn thru NIFA even if we get the yes vote. were probably gona hav a bad voter turnout and i agree with cris that a quiet campaign is foolish revealing low confidence. the players shouldnt be doing signings at the mall but out in the public pushing the vote covering a different area in nassau every day. it looks like the only sellout were gona see is the last game at nassau coliseum…great job cb, i wish the wangano org. has ur passion when it comes to pushing this deal.
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Jersey Jerry says:
I wonder what Bettman thinks of all this, what can or will he do about this situation if this last deal falls through???
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Doug F. says:
Too much red tape…I think it’s time for Islanders to move on wherever that may be…hopefully Queens…
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The Oilers owner is Paying something like a 100 million toward their new arena and their government is paying something…..How does Wang go from paying for most of the project, to zero….this whole process by Wang & Mangano has been very shady – rushing this whole process….still waiting for full details….something seems left out….You get emails from the Islanders to vote and they produce some facts but leave out many details….they make it seem like 400 mil is like a drop in the bucket…what kind of intrest rate is there on the bonds…400 mil could turn into 600 mil very easy.
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Richie66 says:
I think Wang should of had a solid back-up plan at the time of this vote. Basically saying if the people vote “No” then he already has a deal worked out with Queens or Suffolk or Mars for a new arena and will move then in 2015.
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JDP says:
I still do not understand the point of a referendum if NIFA and the Nassau legislature have to ultimately approve the deal anyway.
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shlo says:
Like all politicians, the Nassau County politicians will stretch it till the absolute last moment and approve it so they could come as heroes. I believe that Wang will have behind the scene dealings with NIFA and guarantees the issue one way or another. He could buy all the bonds if he wanted to and control the process.
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DP's Knee's says:
Brian G: Wang is paying a minimum of $14 million per year for 30 years once the building is up, and possibly more depending on the revenues the arena brings in.
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KevinH_NYI says:
One Hurdle after another! Extremely disheartening. Trying yo stay positive but this is getting ridiculous! Now this guy Desmond Ryan wants the Attorney General to investigate the county for campaigning. The ALBI is a joke!
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VA ISLES says:
why is it that Bettman will do whatever is needed to keep teams like Phoenix in the desert, but not NYI in a MAJOR MEDIA MARKET?
This stinks of conspiracy, and I buy the “lined pockets” theory.
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Petey Pete says:
Just move to Willetts Point. It won’t be that bad, it might even better this way!
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Ray says:
isnt this just setting us back, if we go on any further? It seems no matter what Wang comes up with, one side or the other is not onboard. The politics will never allow us to get our new arena because that would mean opposing parties would have to agree on somthing and be on the same page. Thank you Kate Murry for costing me my favorite Sports team and for basically forcing me to flee with my family down south. I always said I wouldnt make the move south, but reality is that with the struggle to survive in this county as it is, if the isles are gone and that property goes dark theres no reason for me to stick it out..Damn
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gutty34 says:
Like everyone I am just sick and tired of this whole political chess match. There is only one way for change to occur. I have never chimed in on politics in my life. Never believed in trying to argue and sway someone’s decision/beliefs. its a losing argument. I am 37 and have officially turned over a new leaf. I hope we all do the same. I will ensure through every connection I have, outlet, etc. that every single elected official will be voted out. I will vote for names I never heard. WE NEED CHANGE ON THE ISLES. The Murray’s, Santinos, Dems/Repub list goes on must all be removed. We need young fresh faces. Not these old school (and just old) politicians. Unions have been a dying breed and so is the old school me first/what will you do for me first politician – you are all about to die a slow death. I am embarrased to say it but I never voted in local pols. Not only will I vote going forward, I will volunteer for any campaign that is a name we dont know – a non elect. I have a pretty tight knit crew in east rock, lynbrook, hewlett, woodmere, lawrence merrick, bellmore and Oceanside. Lots of young guys with plenty of dough to waste. We are all frustrated and have had it with the state of the county. We have one of the largest median salaries in the country. Look out local pols – we are coming for your throats if you dont do the right thing. Trust me/us on this one. F-with us going forward and we will f – you all back 10x harder. The young guns are rising and we are taking back Nassau from you corrupt, lazy, self serving politicos
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Guess I’ll be buying “Center Ice” in a few years(:
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Hey CB…What do you anticipate the BIG EVENT will be?
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Why does the opposition get so much publicity in Newsday? If Newsday wouldnt have artcicles about ABLI opposing the deal, it wouldnt leave many doubts in people minds about it.
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sad... says:
Mr. Wang tried moving forward with the lighthouse project which ultimately became a stagnat project as Mr. Wang declined the scaled down version. Now Mr. Wang is seeking a county funded bond to pay for a new arena from a county in terrible fiscal shape. Mr. Wang is well aware of the “red tape” of polotics as well as the state of Nassau Counties finances. If NIFA declines the funds Mr. wang will easlily be able to say – ” i tried to pay for a new areana and was turned down. I tried to have a pubicly funded arena and was yet again turned down. At this time what is best for the franhcise is to move to a location where we will have the support of the local government as well as a solid fanbase.” Mr. Wang was drooling when he heard about the Jets selling all those tickets in near record breaking time. He is no fool, he is an incredibly smart businessman who is always three steps ahead. All Mr. Wang needs to do is show he tried and Mr. Bettman will send him off to Canada seeing as the tri-state area already has market share covered with the Rangers and the Devils. The lighthouse, the vote & nifa, the repairs fund request – all smoke and mirrors. He is a business man – not a passionate hockey fan as we all are. “Canada or Bust”
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RV says:
Does NIFA have the power to kill this whole idea or will they at least provide the county an opportunity to tweak the plan based on their findings/recommendations?
I would hate to see this idea rot and decay in the same manner as the Lighthouse Project did for so many years.
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Mike P says:
Screw Nassua Wang. Make Willets Point happen, 7 train, LIRR, GCP, LIE, LGA, the hell with the idiots and politics of a sinking Nassau county. Rotten politics and backwards thinking is what sank the once richest county in the country. Even rats leave a sinking ship mr Wang. Screw em.
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BanGarth says:
Ny Isles RIP 1972-2015
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rich says:
Seems like a silly dispute. Even if we remove the Islanders from the equation. Doesn’t Long Island want an arena where we can see concerts, circuses, kids events, …without having to send our kids into the city. Isn’t that worth $58 a year. It would be to me even if there was no Hockey. For me it is more convenient and safer having my kids go the Coliseum (for a concert) rather than MSG – not to mention cheaper.
Then if you add to that the benefit of having a sports franchise with an owner willing to cap the development costs. Seems like a no brainer.
Sometimes it just seems people like to disagree instead of finding the positives.
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Bill From Oceanside says:
What pisses me off most about this is that not a single member of the NIFA Boar was elected by the people. What’s the point of elections? If, we the people, of Nassau County elected Mangano and the rest of out representitives to govern us, what right does an unelected “Board” have to overrule them.
For mre this is not just about a hockey rink. It is about the will of the people being hijacked by an “appointed” commission.
This is not what the Framers envisioned when they formed our Government.Good or bad, Mangano and crew were ELECTED
in a free and fair election. What gives these NIFA people the power to nullify that election? -
AngryPete says:
Is a major event still considered major if no one shows up to it?
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isles71 says:
Based on the Jacobs comment, the decision has already been made behind closed doors on the new arena, has to be. No matter the outcome of Aug. 1st at the polls, deals have already been struck and it becomes politics as usual. Any word on the bill Wang sent to Nassau about repairs? By the time the lease is up, the amount the county will spend on repairs alone will equal 10-15% of the total project…shows you how idiotic politicians really are…go isles!
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Mike says:
LI is DYING, When NIFA kills this I hope NASSAU Burns!!!!!! 15 years till I’m gone off this DYING Island!!!
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Isleman81 says:
It’s amazing how much backlash I see from critics on newsday.com and various other web sites. I understand the econmoic climate and the fact that residents of both Nassau and Suffolk counties will always question the integrity of the local politicians; however, I don’t understand why people can’t leave the coliseum as a seperate issue. Are critics reading the fine print? It’s amazing, these are the same people that come out in droves every year and vote yes to school budget increases, which usually add up to 2-7% tax increases. We are talking about $57 dollars a year here! It just sickens me.
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Anthony from Commack says:
slowly starting to lose hope here….cmon boys, make this happen please
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DT says:
it’s funny how many people are negative on here. I can understand how some can think “here we go again”, but to get sarcastic with all the major event comments is crazy. If you want to be negative, go to a different site. Let NIFA say what they want. August 1st is still a major day. If you want to take the democrats and NIFA’s bait and not going to vote due to negative comments, go right ahead. Your only hurting any chance of a big turn out that will make both of those groups take notice. If you don’t show up and vote, your giving them an adequete excuse to say ,” We told you that this isn’t what the residents of the County wants”. If your agenda is to promote negativity, do it on another site or wait until after August 1st. Bottom line…..don’t listen to the pre-vote propoganda and rheteric, get out and vote YES on August 1st!
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Robert says:
So… what are NIFA’s questions and criticisms?
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valentino says:
should of never made this project all about the Islanders…
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thepolishprince says:
There will be no new arena built in nassau, plain and simple. it’s a shame but the Isles are moving once the current lease is up. I’m sure of it.
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FrankieD says:
Wang should start talking to other counties about the possibility of restarting the Lighthouse Project or at the very least building a state of the art arena. Nassau County is becoming a dead issue.
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mht says:
Chris I would love it if you could have an interview with Mr. Christopher Melvin of Nixon Peabody who negotiated this deal on behalf of Nassau County.He has done 25 new stadium/arena deals to show on his resume.He negotiated on behalf of the State of NJ regarding the new Meadowlands Stadium.
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Jester1369 says:
People…. PLEASE, stop talking about this $58 a year NONSENSE. It’s been said, over and over again, that the Islanders would be on the hook for 11% of REVENUE, or $14mil a YEAR, WHICHEVER ONE IS LARGER. That would knock the tax burden down to under $20 a year per household AT ABSOLUTE WORSE!!! This $58 fallacy must stop, it’s bad enough the detractors bring it up…. but the proponents are too. It’s completely FALSE
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Well George Marlin was saying what rest of NIFA were thinking. Wang should explore all other options more than ever.
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TW says:
I was waiting for this post. Totally predictable. I dont live in Nassau County and im glad i dont. I hope they move the team to Queens or Brooklyn and Nassau will just sink further into debt. That county has no problem dumping money into useless projects as long as the corrupt politicians get their share. Come 2016 the coliseum site will be a vacant lot pending affordable housing grants. Enjoy!
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A Real hockey fan. says:
.. It has to be stressed that its MORE than just the Islanders, its the arena and shows that will go on and produce revenues, this NO NO crap has to stop
.. If the ONLY major sports team leaves Nassau county it will NOT be good, go look at what happens when a sports teams leave a area, its devastating to the community on many levels including financial
.. Cmon guys keep spreading the word with FACTS and RATINAL! – talk and engage with everyone u know! Keep up the spirit and fight, dont back down!!!
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sad #45 that’s BULL. Wang has said over and over that the Isles belong on Long Island, it’s where he lives and it’s where they belong. Are you saying that if the politicians agreed to the Lighthouse or a new arena, he would have said “Uhh, nevermind, I’m moving”. I don’t believe you’re logic and neither does Bettman.
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Blizz says: Nassau county is such a train wreck. Long Island is changing. And Suffolk county is becoming a better option by the day. This should be a no brainer. NIFA shouldnt even be involved. Giving the situation in nassau, and the frustration level by its residents at the high tax burden (second highest in the country, this is gonna be a hard sell to non Islander fans who already do not trust the politicians. Alway drama with this team.
GO ISLANDERS!!!!
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DANO says:
As much as i hate to say this, its time MR WANGS tells all those RED TAPE M@#@#@# F#$$$#$ to kiss his CHINESSE ASS and moves this team somewhere where they will be appreciated.I feel sorry for our diehard fans , but come on ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
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jmullhall says:
No 15 and 8 you are both right except there was only one palm to grease(well two if you count his brother) and as newsday reported Charles chose not to go that path. Good for Charles but unfortunately that resulted in the Kate roadblock in the TOH and now we have a plan that is hard to sell.
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Onesinceforty says:
If you think Free Agents have a bad view of Long Island now from a quick visit to Coliseum then I would expect that effect to be Far Far worse if all they see is the Service Road from Laguardia to Willets Point. Fort Liquordale and the Panthers or anywhere for that matter might seem a whole lot more appealing against that backdrop.
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LouD says:
Comments? Yeah, tired, frustrated, fed up, don’t care anymore. I would vote yes if I was from the area but I’m not. So I sit in upstate NY and watch, day after day, year after year. I watch all of these other teams get new arena deals with very little objection. I sit and watch the NHL completely ignore the Islanders as if they are fine with their tradition ultimately dying on Long Island. I sit and wonder if the owner of my beloved team will ever come out and talk to us, try to reassure us, but never do I hear a word. I sit and watch free agent players go and play on other teams for less money, and lets be honest, it’s not one thing or other that makes that happen it’s everything. Owner,arena,gm,record,etc. And now once again politics is interfering with something that should be very simple, a run down arena owned by the county needs to be fixed, that’s it. But I sat and watched NY State squander it’s money even though our taxes are second highest in the country. So I will sit no more, no more watching, no more caring. I have nothing left to give emotionally, I’m spent. I hope the Islanders move (sorry loyal Long Islanders) because NY and more importantly Long Island no longer deserves a pro team. And for that matter they no longer deserve my hard earned tax dollars, I’ll be leaving as soon as possible and I hope that more people follow. NY State is corrupt beyond repair.
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Jack says:
This will get caught up in more red tape than you will ever imagine. Mr. Wang should start looking for another place to build or relocate ASAP, this just isn’t going to come to fruition. He has plenty of other local options, if he chooses not to go that route, then that’s on him. I do not see Mr. Wang moving his team to a foreign country.
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Ross says:
Being an Islanders fan takes so much out of me at times. I truely love the Islanders so much, I just wish this could be figured out. I think the Islanders should do something like like CB is saying. They really need to shake the foundation and wake up all those old Islander fans. They need to show even the non-hockey fans that the Cup WILL come back to NY.
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#66 Frankie D – Mr. Wang wanted the lighthouse and didnt get it. That is why he will eventually move the tam if need be. NIFA will not pass this and Mr. Wang is well aware of that. Why would a business man deny a scalled down lighthouse project but go for an arena only project? Also, yes his primary residence is located on Long Island but he is very well traveled. As for him saying the Islanders belong here- what would you expect him to say to the media? Even slick Willy tried to deny the Monica/Cigar scandal. Its not about hockey, its all about business.
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CB, while TOH stalled with their decision of the Lighthouse Project, Wang came out publicly and wanted some clarity, mentioning many times that he wanted an answer, whether full scale or something different. When Kate Murray and TOH gave an answer and reduced the size of the Lighthouse project, how come this was unaceptable to Wang? How come a smaller scaled Lighthouse Project was not ideal or profitable to Wang, but a new arena is?
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MarioGazz says:
Well said DANO, #69. I would die a slow death if the Isles left, but I would not blame Wang one bit. I just hope they move somewhere thats still accessible by car or train.
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StevieL says:
This whole situation is just a disgusting horrible disgrace. How does anything get built or done in Nassau? Just think what might have been in Nassau! A beautiful Mall and middle class housing at the Cirro Wire wasteland, a 5 Star Trump restaurant and catering hall at decrepit Jones beach, and a central entertainment and cultural Lighthouse in Uniondale. All producing revenue and creating tons of jobs! Instead we have nothing!Just politicians and committees doing nothing to improve the Cty.!
This is how it plays out. Nothing happens untill Wang anounces his intention to move the team, at which point Nassau politicos move heaven and earth to save the team. They then offer Wang a sweetheart deal to stay and the Nassau Tax payers get killed! All in the name of Nassau politicians “grandstanding” today!
When it comes to leadership and vision in Nassau, there is less than zero!!!! -
bleedorange&blue says:
if this doesnt get done, i will not spend one cent in Nassau. If the Islanders leave the state, or country, i will be devastated beyond belief. Ive been a fan since the womb. Dont let the corrupt politics ruin something that could save the county. because we all know if this doesnt happen… the county is doomed with a capital D.
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Denis says:
This is not going to happen. Just move and get it over with.
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bleedorange&blue says:
oh and i live in NYC, so… right now my only hope is Queens. Ill be able to take the subway. And with this ultra talented team, im even considering buying season tickets. or at least some kind of package.
bumping the Crosby show out of the playoffs this year with our rally helmets.
GO ISLES!! -
sean says:
Does NIFA realize that the colisuem generates revenue and the islanders are the main tenant and if they leave nassau county they will lose that money and how will they make it up. Oh wait raise taxes more than the arena proposal would be. Unbelievable how nassau politics are, and stupid NIFA. If I were Wang I would stick it up nassau countys a** at this point.
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Isleman81 – The scaled down LHP made no sense for Wang because the whole thing was to be privately funded and the small zone left little to be desired in the way of revenue returns. Meaning Wang would have lost more money. And that goes not just for Wang, but no developer wanted to work within the parameters of the scaled down version.
This specific stand alone arena makes sense for Wang because he is not funding it until he begins to see some revenue coming in and he can pay it off over 30 years.
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#74 sad. It is about business. Wang was going to foot the entire bill for the lighthouse so that he could recoup some of his losses and turn a profit. It’s what good businesses do. He is NOT paying for only a new arena, he knows it would be more money down the drain with little or no chance of getting his money back. If it’s his wish to get out, he won’t move it to KC, or Canada. There is no market in KC and Canada can barely support the teams they have. He will sell to anyone paying his price and they will move the team. That’s whats sad, and these politicians don’t care. They have other plans for that space. You’ll see.
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vrinqueens says:
Why is everyone so shocked?, NIFA has made it clear from the beginning this wasn’t going to happen and needing a super majority vote of the county Legislature just assures us the Islanders will NOT have a new home in Nassau County in the near future, Charles Wang has to realize his team is no longer welcome on L.I. and should start planning his next move to Brooklyn or Queens ASAP to insure the teams stability so UFA’s will reconsider the Islanders as a destination in the future.
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Tom in NJ says:
UH BOY… :\
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I just can’t see why Wang and Mangano don’t have their legal/financial team talking to Nifa and other dems to see if they have a better idea. Meet somewhere in the middle and build it already! Political divide is ruining this county and this country. Totally disgusting! For once, can these selfish bastards think of anyone except themselves? Like I said before, look into Belmont. give the Shinicock indians a piece of the action and leave Uniondale area empty and baron, with the tails of the politicians up their a–. Can I get an I hate Jacobs T-shirt?
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jfnisles says:
Nassau County politicians needed help with their finaces so who do they bring in , NIFA which are MORE politicians…..our founding fathers are spinning like tops in their graves with the whole political landscape of this country…..
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Doug says:
If the Islanders were a good team I bet they would have their new arena.
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93 Miracle says:
How much more can Islanders fans take? I think I should just stop reading the paper or any news on this matter. I believe this will get done but not at the smooth level I was hoping for and that Islanders fans deserve! We do not need anymore Stress, we have faced WAY WAY too much the past 15 years on and off the ice. This thing should get done and the building should start in June as planned! EnOUGH IS ENOUGH this is not the only place in America where the arena would be finances by taxes. #82 canada does not support their teams? Seriously?? How can you say such a thing! Also if politicians had a plan for that site, why hasn’t anything been built on in for 30 years?? They have no plan give me a break. This is ALL politics. In the end it will get worked out but does Wang really have to have talks with Queens that make the papers?
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#71 you hope the team moves because POLITICIANS dont deserve a team!? Yea you are right they do not, but this team is for the FANS. DOnt we deserve the team? DOnt the diehards who watch every game and go to many games deserve a team? Stay spent upstate #71.
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Randy Wood's Porsche says:
This is starting to resemble what happened to the franchise in Quebec. The Nords got loads of young talent, left for Colorado, and won a Cup.
How will we all feel when the [new City Name and Team Name] wins a Cup in a different city?
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kevin says:
those thousand or so nordiques fans would vote yes
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lets not even think about that. please.
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Just a thought….Since there are MANY Isles fans that live in Suffolk, not to mention the number of people that even if they are NOT hockey fans visit the Coliseum for an event, why could’nt this referendum be a SHARED Nassau/Suffolk bond issue??? Suffolk residents are just as affected by this issue as Nassau residents!!! It’s a much further trip for them to have to travel to NYC should the Coliseum no longer be. Also, COMBINED, any taxes would be MUCH LESS as MORE people would be involved. It would cost less for EACH county then to have each county try to have to pay for it on their own. Like I said, this is just a thought that I have not seen posted anywhere. I believe Suffolk residents use the Coliseum just as much and will not be too happy when it is no longer there. CB, is there any way that you can get the ear of 1 of the pols and suggest this if all else fails?? Thanks!!!
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Stumpy32 says:
I want so badly to say that “at the end of the day, Long Island won’t let their only team get away.” But I know that, after the Lighthouse, they would absolutely do it, and feel absolutely no political heat for doing it.
Long Island is dying, and will continue to die – probably with or without a new arena. The population just doesn’t get the old mantra – spend money to make money – but continues to bitch and moan about tax hikes. Yes, the taxes in Nassau are obscene, but when a real honest-to-goodness proposal to help lift the tax burden comes in, no one in Nassau has the foresight to move on it.
NIFA is indicative of the crap that Nassau has become. While much of the rest of the nation understands how important civic pride and big ideas are, Long Island remains stuck in another time. I would like to believe that the Isles will stay – to me, nothing in sports beats a local team like the Isles, a real community outfit, beating the big boys – but logic and reason have continually failed to prevail.
I just need to stop getting so damned excited when I hear a new proposal. Apathy is gold to Long Island’s political class.
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NIFA could care less about Islander fans and the many other thousands of people who go to events at the old barn. It’s dollars and cents with them. If the vote passes, I say Mr. Wang is holding something back to give the Dems and NIFA, to try and seal the deal. At some point, he will stop throwing good money after bad.
Let’s all stay positive and get the yes votes out.
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I like that idea sir! IF, this thing fails, i say bring it out to the old Bellport outlet. Short drive from the LIE and right off Sunrise. please, they have the traffic infastructure there. Hospital Rd and County Rd. 101 + sunrise and LIE. Equal distance from the hamptons and Islip. Plus… they could put a train stop off the LIRR directly between Patchogue and Yaphank. Its a little deep in the woods but i think it could actually unite the Island. Check please!!
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kevo says:
Just move to Queens! screw nassau county
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TM says:
This was inevitable. There’s just too many hurdles to overcome in Nassau and I’m glad I don’t live there. The finances are a mess, zoning needs to be approved 3 times more than anywhere else, wacky selfish politicians, the reasonable factions that are outnumbered because of red tape and bigotry.
Republicans have destroyed Nassau and Hempstead the last 20 years and can’t realize long term growth for short term satisfaction. If I was NIFA I wouldn’t approve this either. Lay off cops and teachers yet build an arena with fuzzy revenue returns is insane. NYI has a history of low attendance and the current plan is counting on decent 15K average attendance for revenue projections? When they get 6k on a Tuesday night? And the taxpayer will pay much more than $58 annually.
Wang should’ve looked to QUEENS long ago as Nassau is a mess because of Repubs greed. (Highest property taxes and they can’t control their own finances etc.)
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DD says:
Well, “a lot of questions and plenty of criticism” doesn’t exactly say no approval, YET. So there’s that.
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JBinNYC says:
Nassau County doesn’t deserve a new Coliseum. I’d die if there was a ribbon-cutting with these pathetic politicians attending, smiling.
I hate to say this, but Charles Wang looks awful pathetic the way he’s been treated.
Besides, Queens has the mass transportation. No brainer.
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frankieD#83 “He is NOT paying for only a new arena, he knows it would be more money down the drain with little or no chance of getting his money back.” Okay – so it wouldnt make sense for Mr.Wang to foot the bill because he wont make any money. However, if the county foots the bill everyting will be okay? I never mentioned KC. i advised Candada is the destination. “and Canada can barely support the teams they have” – didnt Canada receive another team just a short while ago and sell out three seasons worth of tickets? “He will sell to anyone paying his price and they will move the team.” – everyting is ALWAYS for sale for the right price. Regarless- there are not people lining up to by the Isles. Once the team moves to a market where it can generate a profit and the previouses losses are no longer in the red but into the black is the ideal time to sell the product at the best price. He will move the team, make his money back and then sell the team for a profit. i want them to stay more than you do, it just is not going to happen. itdoesnt make sense from a business perspective.
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cjcb says:
Is there anyway the 2 counties Nassau and Suffolk could come together on this and maybe split the burden of the taxes? I cant believe the fate of the Isles lies solely in the hands of Nassau county. We are part of that logo as well and maybe its a way to bring us together and get this done!!!!
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Nick says:
The effort and commitment to the success of this referendum has been an embarrassment thus far. How can Charles Wang spend all that money over such an extended period of time trying to pass the Lighthouse and now with a vote determining the team’s future only 2 weeks away the best PR the Isles have put forth is a lame Kevin James clip about wanting to see the Isles stay. If Wang was serious about this he would have never petitioned the county for 4 million. And ask yourselves this: if the lighthouse vote was in 2 weeks would he have asked for the money? no chance in hell.The people involved in this are not acting like people who actually want a positive resolution for Isles fans…they are acting like people who just want to be able to say, “hey we tried” when the moving trucks roll out of nassau.
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Jeff from Smithtown says:
I have no faith in Wangano to get this done. I am afraid they did no due dillegence. Same with the lighthouse Here is the project, take it or leave it. Unfotunatley Plan C is Canada
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TM, since you are not a resident of Nassau, you should know that the real truth is both parties in Nassau stink. They have for years. Mr. Mangano was left a disaster by Tom Suozzi. NIFA ripped Suozzi in a May, 2009 report. Look it up.
The heck with the political parties. Lets focus on the YES vote!!!
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Steve M says: If the Islanders leave I’m out of here with them. Long Island is NOTHING with the Islanders, it’s just an overrated Island.
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I am from Va and visit once or twice a year to see my dad in Hicksville, we always go to a game and spend, spend, spend, Guess what, no more, no more, no more if this vote does not go thru and if NIFa and the dems reject it. Stay positive and vote yes on Aug 1. i believe the Dems will vote yes and just rely on NIFa to be the bad guys..
Still think this is going to get approved?
If your question is directed at me, Michael, I never declared that it would. All I’ve predicted is that YES would win the referendum. Whatever happened after that with NIFA and the supermajority needed from the legislature is a very big question mark…CB