NASSAU VOTERS SAY NO TO COLISEUM DEAL
Charles Wang, you have the next move
The proposal for a new $350 million arena for Nassau and the Islanders was rejected by county voters at today’s public referendum.
Charles Wang and Edward Mangano will have to decide on their next move. This referendum was their idea. The vote was set up purposefully on a summer Monday to give their proposal the best chance to win, and the final result still wasn’t close.
Mangano called it a “great day” because the people had their say. Wang said he was “disappointed” and “heartbroken,” but declined to discuss specific next steps. He also said he was really looking forward to a great season from his team this season.
Mangano and Wang could still try to work out a different deal with legislature and see if NIFA will approve it.
Or perhaps finally, for the first time since he bought the team eleven years ago, Wang will publicly dance with other municipalities.
Wang insisted on hearing “Yes or No” from Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead on his Lighthouse Project. The answer was NO.
The Islanders owner and County Executive Edward Mangano went to extraordinary lengths to hear “Yes or No” from the registered voters of Nassau. Today, the answer came back NO.
Now the question is, will Charles Wang take NO for an answer?
Personal Note: I’m very, very sorry for the Islanders organization and its loyal fans. There is no question that everyone who cares about the Islanders did the best they could to help with the referendum. Once again, this story is far, far from over. I would still suggest keeping the faith and I believe the Islanders will remain in the New York area – with Nassau still the leading contender.
Comments?
454 Responses to NASSAU VOTERS SAY NO TO COLISEUM DEAL
Charles Wang, you have the next move
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Chris in Great Neck says:
I feel like the time I found my (now ex) girlfriend cheating on me. Like I felt then, I want to be hopeful, but it just doesn’t seem like the future will be bright.
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misterpink says:
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dmen77 says:
Get out of Nassau. The politicians and now the residents have had their say, and they don’t want the Islanders. Find a way to get into Queens or Brooklyn by 2015.
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I’m calling all my legislators, State Senators, Assemblymen, etc, out here in Suffolk. WE HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT!
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Mark I says:
Ugggggh
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Patrick says:
Time for a new stunt.
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pritchett54 says:
I am disgusted with everyone and everything. Nassau County deserves for the Islanders to leave, for the County to shut the coliseum and for everyones taxes to go up.
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save-the-isles says:
HATE NASSAU….Bunch of clowns…This is not a reflectioj of NYers…What an embarrasment!!!!!!
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Zach Teller says:
I doubt very highly that we will go anywhere in terms of spending on this team between now and 2015 and thats the most disappointing from this.
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JBinNYC says:
Clowns. I left Nassau County a year after I graduated NYIT on Long Island. That was twenty years ago. I’ve been paying NYC taxes for all that time. Move to Queens/Atlantic Yards/Coney Island and I’ll be a subway ride away. And still paying NYC taxes.
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My only hope is that they stay in the Metro area………sad to say but all good things must end.
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91NYfan91 says:
If they move I think I might cry….
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Battfist says:
Thanks Wang for trying.
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Isle Be Seeing Ya says:
Certainly a sad day. As I keep telling myself, friends and family 40 years is a rich tradition no matter how old you are. For those ignoring the fact the recession does not affect everyone…today was the day. Enjoy the years we have left, for they shall be glorious.
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Les says:
Goodbye islanders. thank you for all you have done with and for long island and the community . we are all deaply heartbroken. and you will be soarly missed.
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Steven says:
I hear Charles was very angry. Charles should have been angry years ago. Let’s use that that anger for some real action.
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Michael Delman says:
I’m so heartbroken over this…I don’t have a good feel for what the future holds for our team and I can’t imagine not having the NEW YORK Islanders to cheer for every Fall/Winter.
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Adam John Marino says:
You know what CB Nassau does not deserve to be considered the top contender and defiantly don’t deserve this organization and my hard earned dollars, now i am on board for wang to royal screw them and leave it would put me at ease. Sorry for the rant but as a die hard fan i’m in flames right now.
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AJAX says:
We need to blast Suffolk count offices with e-mails.
WE WANT THEM HERE!!! -
Suffolk loves the Islanders and they would love to have them here, its a shame I couldn’t vote. I hate Nassau so much.
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mike says:
Wang would have paid for it last year if Kate Murray said “YES”. I still feel she is to blame. All of her Town of Hempstead P
arks are falling apart. She is the one that needs to go! -
doug says:
WANG IS DONE ! BODY LANGUAGE TELLS IT ALL
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NYISLES001 says:
The only way this team stays in Nassau is if Wang finances at least 75% of the new NVC himself.
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Dave B says:
I walked into my polling location this morning at 623a, very happy to be able to vote YES for my team’s new arena. I was wearing my Islanders polo, just for some extra support for the team. When I walked in, I was greeted right away by one of the 13 employees at the polls, and i was the only voter present at the time. I was told I was the third voter in my district. After all was said and done, it took me over 15 to vote do to the lack of organization and order within the polling employees. I was seriously doubting my vote YES walking out of that place because it just further solidified my opinion of Nassau and how things run here.
Now part of me is happy it didn’t pass. -
NJ Islander (formerly of Mineola) says:
LONG ISLAND should be embarrassed! What a joke. Jay Jacobs is a embarrassment.
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Cary says:
Crap – now we have to put up with more politics instead of just being able to enjoy HOCKEY!!!
Can’t see how CW could entertain Nassau any longer – can the Islanders still be the Islanders in Queens??
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Avi says:
CB, thank you very much for your hard work. I think I can speak on behalf of islander fans around the world we really appreciate everything you do for us.
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JT is on the phone now with his agent and probally wants to get the f*ck out of nassau how can you blame him….what a joke…Wish I was a ranger fan
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Mike From Philly says:
Move the goddam team to Queens, enough with this crap in Nassau County. I am tired of it, this is not what being a fan is supposed to be like. FU Nassau County
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Brian says:
Will the franchise’s toe tag be written in French?
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Ken says:
Get out of Nassau and let’s make plans with Brooklyn or Queens ASAP. This makes me sick, I have nothing more to say.
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Jonny Isles says:
Goodbye New York Islanders. Perhaps I can become a Quebec Revenants fan in a few years. I won’t route for a team called the Nordquis.
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Pat says:
This Blows!
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jj says:
Nassau doesn’t deserve the islanders… Brooklyn or queens
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whitby says:
see ya tavares!
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CM says:
Disappointing. Been an isles fan from Canada for over 30years. Thought the Nassau support would be there. This digital age has certainly opened up my naivety. It is obvious Nassau is not a hockey market.
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Isles2011 says:
If something isn’t done by the start of the season, Isles players, fans, and the organization will be in limbo mode. I’m sure if we ask Phoenix fans, they’ll tell us it’s not any fun not knowing if you’ll have a hockey team a year from now.
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Chris A says:
Wang may have to sacrifice himself to keep the team on the island, but the efforts of him, the Isles, Katie Strang, and you CB were and are truly noble so thank you
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Daniel says:
Chris, I am just so fed up with LI. The analyst on News 12 summed it up. He talked about LI’s reputation as a region of “no” to development and progress. It is just so amazing what you see happening in our middle class neighborhoods. This area is becoming rich and poor. I am neither, and being a 25 year old living at home, I will be leaving the area I love soon. I want to say thank you to all the fans on here I love you guys, we all share the same passion for this team. I will support the team until the day I die. I stopped supporting this area tonight. Goodnight guys, and thank you Chris for such a wonderful site.
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MikeInNYC says:
In my opinion, Wang can now prove that he’s not owning the Islanders for the Real estate around the coliseum.
Head to Queens or Suffolk, whichever. Whichever way, get the puck out of Nassau.
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elnino says:
iam from montreal and am so mad as i feel like crying and i don’t cry ..hopefully charles can get it done as maybe he can do the arenaa with his cash?
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John says:
I live down the street from the new Barclays Arena, and while having my Isles closer again, I really wanted this to pass and a new arena in Nassau. Now they need to look elsewhere. CB, do you know what the deal is with Barclays and whether it could have an NHL team? I have heard it is too small for the ice, but then Brooks said in the post that a rep confirmed it was big enough. Then I heard the configuration for hockey would have less seats than the Coliseum and that would prevent having an NHL team. There must be a definitive answer on this by now, they are pretty far along with construction. Do you know what it is?
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mbaNYC says:
Fools. Just one more example of how screwed this country is. Mis-informed people making bad decisions. Don’t raise my taxes…but fix my roads and pick up my garbage and educate my kids. A nation of morons.
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JT27 says:
Thanks CB! We lost the battle but not the war. Tell us what hill to take & we’ll sure try to get it! As long as its still in New York State!
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danny lofaro says: F*** Nassau County. Suffolk has a lot of potential. Yes I know there is Brooklyn and Queens but Suffolk is more Long Island than Brooklyn and Queens and the home team will be out numbered by Ranger fans just like in Nassau. But would be less likely in Suffolk.
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Willie says:
SUFFOLK COUNTY!!!!!
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Sean says:
How long are we supposed to keep the faith?
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Meant to say having Isles closer again would be great
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Joee says:
I dont understand. I hope this puts a fire in every islander belly to go out there and prove everyone of them wrong !
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isles316 says:
suffolk…lots of youth hockey out here
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No more waiting around, just take the bull by the horns Wang and move the team to an area in NY that wants them. This dream is over and why continue the torture of negotiations and political propaganda. It is time to move on. We can still be the NY Islanders in Queens or Brooklyn or Suffolk, etc…
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Dave says:
THIS WAS ALL JUST ABOUT THE TAX INCREASE, NO ONE IN NASSAU COUNTY CAN TAKE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS WANT THE RESIDENTS TO BAIL THEM OUT! I Hate to say it, but ive seen MR. Wang walk away from other projects I doubt this will work out. CB – Your a Positive person but i’m facing the reality the ISLANDERS may be gone just like ATLANTA to Winnipeg. The county has had 12 yrs to work things out and get everyone on board that – FAILED! Residents did not want Tall skyscrapers and an over populated property where the ARENA stands.
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AZS says:
1) It’s sad that the elderly people of this County had such a factor on its future.
2) This is one of the saddest moments of my life.
3) If the Islanders leave the NY area I will be devastated.This is an awful day.
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pookie from brightwaters says:
please god give me one glimmer of hope between now and oct. 8. please don’t make me go to opening night with this dark cloud hanging over the coliseum. please don’t let the islanders get off to a 1-10 start and still not have any direction on this arena.please don’t let mike milbury do tv anymore, please can you stop sean bergenhiem from scoring, and while your at it can you check the size of henrik lundquists equipment? i will say that prayer every night until this gets settled.please join me
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WM says:
CB, attendance will be worse than Phoenix-like this coming season. Really, why go to an Isles game?
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Any pride I had about this franchise going into 2011-2012 just got laughed out of a voting booth.
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LORDV8R says:
Queens and the cash strapped Madoff implicated Wilponzi’s are just waiting for Wang to say ok and the arena will go up right across the street from CITIFIELD. Why do you think they built CITIFIELD opposite that crappy corner? That land across the street has been condemned and ready to go if Wang says OK.
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Staten Islander says:
Brooklyn. I get the feeling that even of he had offered to build it with his own money, that the idiot politicians and other loudmouth jerks would fight him on it. I’m heartbroken.
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jbassman72 says:
Bring the boys to Suffolk County Wang!!! Nassau has spoken!!!
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Muggsy says:
CB…Thank You for all that you have done over the years, both with the Isles and with your blog. I hope your continued optimism prevails, but my mind says they are gone come April 2012. Thanks again!
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Real Estate developers must find a way to pay for the prject themselves but…
1. No bank is going to give out a load right now
2. Developers want to stay rich and have the middle class cover the bill.
3. It will take another 2 yrs before something is in the works, but by then there may be another County EXEC. and the Islanders will be gone for good.
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jeff wall says:
i sick to my stomach….as a canadian die hard fan from halifax, i cannot believe what has happened. NC has no idea how lucky they are and now it may be pissed away. I feel truly sorry for all islander fans everywhere in LI, NY, and Canada but not for the people of NC. You no longer deserve the privilege of the NHL team. The ball was dropped by your politicians and your people
(and sadly the islanders) -
IslesFan says:
Time to move on.
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Mark says:
Quebec is building a new arena, the arena is to be completed by 2015, this is already in the books….
8-1-11 RIP New York Islanders
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Jon in Chicago says: I understand how someone could say “why go to an Islanders game?” but just think what the place would be like the if the Isles are in 1st place in January? Sure, it’s not gonna happen, but we all know the place would be packed.
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Jeremiah says:
At this point, seeing as how a new arena at the Coliseum site is a long shot at best, it’s time to aggressively pursue other possibilities in Queens or Brooklyn. I still think a solution can be found at one of the race tracks, Belmont or Aqueduct.
30 months to build leaves about 20-21 months for a deal to be signed, sealed and delivered. It’s well past time for Wang and company to actively engage in other options.
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Jeff from Smithtown says:
CB let it go. Wang will throw the towel in
He will sell No local buyer will be found and they will move to Canada. Atlanta was gone in 6 months once no local buyer could be found. Unfortunatley Queens is a pipe dream. -
The Pork Chop Express says:
Very sad day indeed. The quality of life in Nassau just took a big blow. We pay so much in tax and have nothing to show. The only way Nassau keeps them is to sell the property to Wang and forget the revenue sharing. Hopefully, he can work out a deal in Suffolk. If I was him I would be calling to get out.
I do hope all the great Islander fans continue to support the team and this young core of players. This might be our last hurrah of Long Island hockey and I am going to try to get as much of it as possible.
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Strummer's Army says:
I HATE NASSAU! It is just such a messed up and corrupt place. Everyone should move from there, you’ll be better off.
I want the Isles out of Nassau, don’t talk to them. There will never be a deal. Wang offered them two deals where he either paid for all of it or paid for most of it and was told NO. No one else will tell him know. I don’t care where they go as long as they don’t stay in the screwed up county of Nassau or the messed up Town of Hempstead.
Play out this year and break the lease and leave the scum to rot. What I think is so funny is the idiots who voted know just sealed even worse financial and living conditions.
One thing that never sat well with me is the Unions being supportive of something the Republicans wanted. Did they really all come out and vote and back it? I dunno. All I know is the Unions have always been deeply tied to the Dems and get more so every single year. No one has visited Obama more at the White House then the SCIU leader Sterns and other unions, do you really expect them to oppose the Dems on any level. Just remember Jay Jacobs and Kate Murray forced the Islanders out of Nassau.
I don’t want Wang talking to Mangano or Jacobs or anyone else anymore associated with Nassau or TOH. It will just lead to getting screwed over again.
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IslesFan in the Burgh says:
Sigh.
While this isn’t about finger pointing, while I appreciate your sentiment the isles organization did far from ‘the best they could’. They could have done so much more. The plan was nebulous, they release ‘possible’ renditions a day before the vote and really rested on their laurels beyond social media. They blew it. I do feel for mr. Wang but I hope there is some contingency though if I were him I’d cut bait after 11 years of stonewalling. Love my isles. -
sean says:
I can’t take this crap anymore rejecting after another and keeping the faith. I feel like I was punched in the stomach. It’s embarrassing.
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DonW says:
The only question now is whether the Islanders leave next summer or stay until the end of their lease. If Wang doesn’t get the $4M he asked for to get the building repaired, I’m betting on next summer — he’ll break the lease or sell the team.
If you voted “no,” enjoy paying the extra taxes you think you avoided when the Isles leave and the building becomes an empty hulk. And the next time you want to go to a show, circus, concert, etc., make sure you have your LIRR fare ready and that the trains are still running — you’ll have to go to Brooklyn or MSG (when the remodeling is done). With 2 modern arenas in the five boroughs and two more in North Jersey, don’t espect the Coliseum to do anything more than sit empty.
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Merrick says:
John’s Q on Brooklyn needs to be answered; we hear so many conflicting reports. It has been said before, but Wang had 11 years to put a credible product on the ice and show a modicum business sense beyond what was built at CA. He failed miserably in running a hockey team and has subsequently failed miserably in convincing voters that he should be a beneficiary of a new arena. We are sitting exactly where one should expect us to be.
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Hey Jay Jacobs! THIS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTIN IN NOVEMBER & IT MAY NEVER BE! EVERYTIME I VOTE REPUBLICAN IN A STATE OR LOCAL ELECTION I WILL THINK OF YOU! I HOPE ALL WILL DO THE SAME!
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Cammie says:
Chris, thanks for every single thing you did in getting information out to the people. I wish the Islanders had done a better job of marketing this, but water under a bridge; the Nassau Dems were bound and determined to make this fail. I obviously hope that they stay in the area, but I also hope that they kiss Nassau goodbye (the people have spoken, and they deserve the repercussions of their vote) and find a home in Queens or Western Suffolk.
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Bob says:
I’ve said it on this blog before. Nassau County does not deserve a professional sports franchise. There are plenty of places that would do what ever it takes to get an NHL team and support it. Unfortunately Nassau County is not one of them. The voters spoke loud and clear. Time to move em Charlie.
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on the bright side, hearing how worthless the Islanders are will be limited to the hockey season
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jisles says:
CB, just like this vote would win in a close yes? Your track record so far is a little off to be honest. Get out of your vaccuum. This is over you know it, we know it. Why in the world would wang bother with a place that doesnt even want them. I mean look at this board and all the videos you put up, yeah there are fans but they all live somewhere else! Team is gone buhbye
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bob says:
Grew up during the cup years, and moved to Buffalo (an actual hockey town) after college, but I always followed/supported the team. Came back to visit family a few years ago, and at least I got the chance to take my two older kids to a game at the old barn (and they actually won). Wish the team luck wherever it ends up, but my thoughts are with all the people that will wind up out of work.
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Eric S says:
I’ve seen some people here compare Nassau to Detroit. Please. How can you even insult Detroit like that? At least they have all their pro teams.
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David says:
Hey guys, Brooklyn is not an option, the bowl is not large enough for an ice rink
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Joe says:
CB, perhaps you can explain why Wang felt the need to say he would honor the lease until 2015? It just makes absolutely no sense. Is losing over $20 million a year actually a better option than breaking the lease? Am I missing something? Does he actually expect us to forget about today and move on like nothing occurred? I can’t justify going to a single game when there is a distinct possibility that my Isles may actually end up in Canada.
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Kevin says:
I’m at a loss for words, but this ordeal is far from over.
Either a new proposal will be negotiated, or the surrounding NY area will be explored. Let’s not sink the ship and automatically assume our Islanders are headed north bound.
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PuckDaddy99 says:
Suffolk Co. is not a good choice. Puts it out of reach for Isles fans in the 5 boroughs, Westchester or NJ.
Flushing Meadow in Queens is an EXCELLENT, centrally located choice. Accessible to anyone in Long Island, 5 boroughs, Westchester and NJ. They’ll get a lot more attendance in Queens, and it will probably heat up the NY rivalry more.
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JS EXpress says:
They need to find a way to keep this team in NY – Bottom line. Queens, BK, Suffolk… Keep ‘em in Nassau for all I care, but keep ‘em in NY!
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PSM1966 says:
Queens is perfect. Geographically it’s still part of the Island. They can still be called the Islanders. Logistically it’s a no brainer . LIRR, Subway, Buses and plenty of parking. The City will give Wang a sweet deal.
If it’s Suffolk, so be it. Still NY. -
first of all it is very clear. nassau doesnt want the isles. either does suffolk. that is fine. queens does.
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DWC says:
An arena in Queens would have to compete with MSG, Barclays, Prudential and Izod for events other than the Isles. The profits would not be there.
Brooklyn is the only NY option (if Brooks column yesterday was accurate). It takes events that once belonged to the Coliseum and has two anchor tenants. Nets and Isles there would solidify the revenues for that building for years.
Charles Wang should start his legal fund to break the lease with the $2.2M he was going to reimburse the county for the election.
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sammlo says:
Queens is where the islanders belong.
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chris kennedy says:
Unbeliveably disappointed- I have been a fan since the end of the second season.I feel even worse for my kids and my nephews(and people their age)who are big fans.Gotta believe something can still be done-just dont know what
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Hope jay jacobs dies…and hope all his camps burn down…What a creep
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nyislanders93 says:
The best option right now is to get out of Nassau. F politicians. Every single one of those scums. And F every single person who voted no. We need to look to Queens. Nassau County (as a whole) does not deserve this team.
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telli says:
I agree…screw nassau county. I live here and I now feel like moving out of this disaster of a hell hole.
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Andy says:
Anybody else hearing the Charlie Brown walkin’ around music in their heads?
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The Quebec government and Quebec City will fund the construction of a new arena in the provincial capital.
The $400-million project, which many Quebec City residents hope will attract an NHL franchise, will begin over the next two years, and is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2015.
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AM says:
Like others, this is one of the saddest moments of my life. Just heardbroken
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Jim Clark says: Just how bad would the defeat be if they held the referendum in November? The brilliant idea of Wang and Mangano to hold it in August so the electorate would be heavily union and Islanders fans.
Time for Wang to go to plan B: sell PSL to finance the new arena. Jay Jacobs will be the first buyer with Kate Murray second. When they balk, time to put the team up for sale on ebay.
The people of Nassau County have spoken a loud NO. Okay, I can do the same. No more shopping, concerts, restaurants, gasoline buying,
etc for me in your county. -
islesfan1972 says:
As CB said, next move is Wang’s. I honestly don’t see him moving this team out of state. Queens or Suffolk is fine with me. We as fans have to show our support for this team.
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Tony says:
SUFFOLK COUNTY !!!!!!SUFFOLK COUNTY !!!!!!
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I hope Nassau Rots like the dump it is !!
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GFC NVMC says:
Well I’m out of a job soon…thanks. But the worst part is losing this team. I’ve been working at the collie almost 15 yrs. It really breaks my heart.
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SCLI says:
I think in a couple of days some news will break regarding another plan or a short move. I still think the Isles will be part of LI. Maybe in Queens but technically. Part of LI. I really doubt Wang takes the team to Canada.
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jdun89 says:
Sure is tough being an Isles fan. You’d think we’d catch a break once in a while. But it seems like we’re always just getting dumped on. Im heartbroken right now.
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Maybe we should have tried the “HOPE & CHANGE BS” it works like honey on the drones , I BLAME George W. BUSH!
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Mike says:
The fans and the younger generations are the ones who lose. Mr. Wang we are disappointed and sad with you. Nassau doesn’t deserve the Islanders. Sell them to a city who will enjoy them, cheer for them and appreciate them because Long Island doesn’t, the vote made it clear.
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JC says:
Let Mr. Wang pay for the building and he can put the shovels in the ground tomorrow…not that this is totally his fault but if he really wants to build he can. Unfortunately he obviously does not care about the team and is only about the real estate. I hope that he proves me wrong…
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Brooklyn there’s the answer? The LIRR stops running to Atlantic Terminal after 12AM. So if you want to hangout after the game or if a playoff game goes in to OT better keep a close on the watch or you’re taking a 35 to 45 minute ride back to Penn on the Subway before heading out on the LIRR. So depending on where you live you could walk through the door at 2AM. Better not bring the kids & don’t fall asleep on the Subway or LIRR. That will just make things worse.
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Mike R. in Wantagh says:
The 2011-12 season will now suck…the whole thing before it even starts
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As an islander fan, I knew that this vote for a new arena wouldn’t pass because it wasn’t promoted well, and details were sketchy. I’m not upset with old people who don’t want their taxes raised, i’m upset with the owner of the islanders, Charles Wang, who continues to not dissapoint in dissapointing fans. He will cozy up to any politician Suozzi a democrat, or Mangano a republican so long as he doesn’t have to spend his own money to build a winner. When anyone wants to take their kids to the circus, all you have to do is take them to the circus that is the islanders dis organization
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Garthsnow says:
Please come to Queens. Enough of this.
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If Wang was smart, he would realize how demoralized the fanbase is, and announce whatever this Plan B is immediately. If not, he will be dealing with an even emptier arena come the season, becuase no one will care anymore about a team with one foot out the door. Plus, the longer this uncertainty drags on, the less likely it becomes to resign JT, or any other free agents. He will lose even more money. Unless that is, in fact, his end game: claim that things are so untenable that he has no choice but to move…
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Chris Stephenson says:
I am devastated. I thought the worst, but I just thought I was a typical, paranoid Islander fan. In my heart, I really thought this would pass.
Wangano did a HORRIBLE job, they set this up as a slam dunk and it was not just defeated, but RESOUNDLY so.
And Brooklyn isn’t an option. Really, hockey in a total urban area? Don’t compare it to the Rangers, they’ve been here since the NHL started, NO ONE will go to Brooklyn to watch hockey.
This is done. So very sad, but true nonetheless.
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I gotta look at it like this is better off for isles…Why would u want to be in nassau if they dont want u…Go to queens and automatically attendence would rise they will b better off in the long run..long islanders are shot i have family out there i know…
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tom in nj says:
10 years from now when the team is moved on, LI will realize they let the Islanders go for nothing. Voting NO will have not helped anything really and now the team will possibly leave. Let’s just hope they stay in the area. how sad.
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Joe says:
Why are we still in denial? This team is going to Quebec not queens!! Our only revenge is to vote every democrat out of office in November EVERY single one!
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i beg every fan on this site to show up come the start of the season. if the support is there, something good will come out of this!!!!
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it is very clear. nassau doesnt want the isles. suffolk said they dont want them either. thats fine. everyone should call the isles, the queens chamber of commerce, the queens borough president and mayor bloomberg tomorrow and say the isles should come to queens now. it is about time to be able to read about the isles in a real newspaper and to be able to listen to them on a real radio station. mr. wang for once be smart. move to queens. your team will own nyc and triple in value over night.
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lets win it says:
And this puts the nail in the coffin. I’m leaving Nassau once I graduate college.
Hope we get a Queens deal worked out this year and make the playoffs and shove it in Nassau’s faces
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
Suffolk or Queens I am done with Nassau
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Joe says:
As if the county couldn’t get worse…good job voters! Bunch of clueless idiots. How can people not want this?
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It really is a shame too because the 2002 games were Toronto were hands down the best sporting events I have ever been to (and I saw the Yankees win the World Series in 1996- it wasn’t even close with the amount of energy in the building). And those were first round playoff games!
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David @84
Brooks wrote in the Post yesterday that Brooklyn would be able to accommodate an NHL sized rink despite past reports to the contrary. If that is the case, it’s a solid option particularly with the LIRR access.
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First of all, I’m pretty sure this sealed the deal for my move to queens or beyond. Don’t want anymore to do with this county than I already have. I understand this may be bad for my business, but I will survive.
Secondly, I have little to no time these days and while I hate it I have no choice. With the time I do find myself having I will be looking out for any kind of organization or whatever to join forces with and make some noise. I’m sick to my stomach that I did not have a vote in this, and as a fan of this team I can no longer handle the pain. I will hang in there, but and prepared to fight. I hope the team comes out and tears it up this season…waiting for things to turn in our favor for a change.
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The extra frustrating thing is that people actually believe that voting this down will actually improve their taxes. Taxes will still go up …this is just so sad. I hope he really aggressively shops them in suffolk or queens or brooklyn …I can deal with the Isles leaving Nassau for any of those sites, but to leave the NY area all together would be too much to deal with
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Ethan T says:
There has to be a way… we can’t give up yet, this is our team people! As a young adult if there is no team past 2014-2015 I’m out of Nassau by 2015 for sure.
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Matt says:
First off, the Isles are not leaving NY. They are definitely not going to Suffolk county, that would make zero sense. How could Suffolk support the islanders?
Wang is going to wind up paying for this out of his own money and the deal will get done.
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I’d be on the phone with the folks at the Barclays Center right now if I was Charles Wang. No other choice right now. That stadium is actually on its way up!
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StevieL says:
Ignorance rules the day!Disgraceful! Wang is a proud man and I am sure this shook him to his core!
Having said that, it is probably the best thing that happened for his investment. He will end up being offered a “sweetheart” deal to stay! Nassau needs this team as an anchor tenant for any development. He will make demands for a private investment and Nassau will get very little in the way of realistic developers. They will cave!
I think Pilgrim State makes a good option, tons of surrounding industry, local to major highways and rail and a thriving airport down the road!
Calling Steve Levy! -
Bob E says:
Wang would be stupid to keep dealing with circus. Move the team. He’ll never win. Didn’t realize how dumb people really are.
Robo messages telling you to vote no? That’s all it takes. Sad.
Have no fear. Taxes still going up. More than you know.
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Larry Satler says:
The Rangers must have a relocation fee steep enough to keep the Isles out of the boroughs. Next stop out of New York.
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csk says:
up yours Nassau County – move this team to Brooklyn or Queens
Nassau doesn’t deserve it
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FourCupsin4Yearsnot60 says:
Thanks you Charles for trying. You did your best. I, as a long time Islander fan and season ticket holder, do appreciate your efforts. This is all so depressing. I guess I’ll find something more productive to do with my season ticket money after 2015.
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JT27 – I don’t know whether Brooklyn will materialize, but I’m sure the LIRR would do for the Isles what they do for the Mets. On game days the trains run more frequently and for longer hours …
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Tom D in NJ says:
Thank you Chris, fine sir. True Islander fans cannot thank you enough for your passion and loyalty. IMO, Charles Wang owes you a debt of grattitude.
I am extremely dissapointed in Nassau County and it sure feels like the Islanders future doesnt belong there.
Perhaps a good opportunity for Prokhorov to jump in. The Winnipeg arena has a small seating capacity. Why couldnt the Barclays center work?
At the end of the day, the Islander fan base has eroded in their own backyard. Too many loosing season and although there hasnt been much to market, the small market mentality of ownership has long been a big mistake. Charles PR tour was too little too late. Funny, his efforts did seem to make him much more likeable though.
It has been proven that the Isles fan base extends outside the borders of Nassau
County and I do believe the fan base will support a team that wins and plays in a respectable arena. I dont see them leaving the metro area so easily.Anyhow,Tom D from NJ will honor his committment of half season tickets, as lonely as I may be. The 40 mile drive will just seem alot longer this time around.
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Joe says:
My faith is done. I am 31 and a life time islander fan. My father was lucky enough to see the greatest dynasty In sports. I live in staten island with all rag and devil fans. In high school I had to deal with the rags and devils win the cup while the islanders traded their players away after going to the semi finals. There is never any good news from this team. I have chest pains while I write this. It’s going to be sickening to watch this team win the cup somewhere in Canada.
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davidNYC says:
I am sick to my stomach. Today is such a sad day. Mr. Wang has gone over and beyond. He loves this team and has created a family atmosphere that is genuine. He saved the team when no one wanted it and spent a ton of his personal money trying his best to do the right thing. I hate saying this and it will be the true dagger in my heart but he has to do what he has to do and this is a business and business is not good. If he sells, I will never blame him. Nassau does not deserve this team or a top facility for events and concerts. I feel horrible for all the jobs that will be lost but I do not feel bad very all the LI residents that will have to pay through the nose when talking their little ones to Ice Capades or seeing the top act of the moment. I hope they demolish this sorry old coliseum which will quickly become an empty sorry shell that is an embarrassment to LI. Wait, you need pride to be embarrassed. One of the richest counties and $58 bucks a year was too much for a destination we could be proud of. This is truly disappointing as Garth said and I am truly heartbroken as Charles said. This sucks!!!!
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Why do I have to pay? says:
The answer is not really a “NO.” Wang should open his ears and listen to what Nassau is really saying… “PAY FOR IT YOURSELF!”
Why do I have to pay for his arena? My taxes have to go up so that he can then price me out of tickets to that very same arena? No thanks! Taxed Enough Already!
I want them to stay here. I would also love a new arena. Just keep your hands out of my pockets Wang, and don’t build an embarassing monstrosity…
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Islanders Fan in NJ says:
To all of you who voted NO: You just voted against people like me coming to your neighborhood and spending thousands of dollars. I’m a season ticket holder. I grew up in Suffolk. I love Long Island, but left because my job moved. But, I still come back because of the Islanders and for other events at Nassau Coliseum. You just helped drive another nail in the coffin of the pit that has become Nassau County. Guess what…your taxes are going up anyway. Nice job. Thanks for ruining the day of many thousands of people who truly love this team, and what it represents to Long Island. Just when things looked like they were turning around for the team, you voted to oust them from their home. I hope you choke on your $58 per year savings…if that’s what you think you saved. What a joke.
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isles71 says:
A few years ago, for Fathers’ Day, my gift was to take my kids to a Mets game at Shea before it was torn down, I live in Atlanta now, so it was a big deal. Hate to think I have to do the same with Isles, before they leave town. The sad part, is that I don’t think I could go. One of the top 5 saddest days in my 45 yr existence. Win the cup this year, that’ll learn ‘em! go isles!
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drive45 says:
CB, Nassau is no longer an option. I feel bad for the folks in Suffolk. The team will never move there, too far away from main population of NYC metro area. But Suffolk residents will have a long trip to go to Brooklyn or Queens. Sucks for these folks. On a personal note I grew up 10 minutes from NVMC. I now live in NJ and moving the team to NYC would allow me to attend many more games. Still wished they would have stayed in Nassau. Oh well.
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Colin M. says:
Enough of Nassau County. If they don’t want the Isles, F them. Short-sighted fools.
Suffolk County (my home county) would be great, but it’s unrealistic. Barclay’s apparently can’t accomodate the Isles. Queens it is, I guess?
Chris: how about a post about our options from here? What’s the inside word?
And moreover, how on God’s green Earth can Wang go into this season without a plan in place? NO ONE WILL PLAY HERE if this isn’t sorted out. And good luck keeping Tavares.
Whatever “Plan B” was that Mangano spoke of… it’s time we hear what it is.
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Stumpy32 says:
Queens is the best option now for the Isles. I live 10 minutes from the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but I can most certainly recognize that the Isles need to remain linked to their roots, and Queens is far more of a Long Island borough than Brooklyn. Chances are far better than a decent population of Isles fans live in the area around Citi Field. I’d be shocked if there were 10 other Isles fans within a 20-block radius of my apartment in Park Slope. I feel like a zoo creature walking around in my Isles jersey.
Move it to Queens, and hell, get it done ASAP. For once, lets actually do something successfully and quickly, so we can have some fun in what could be a fun season. Please. No more going back to the well in Nassau. I wish the Isles could have won their next Cup in Uniondale, but the ship has sailed. No more working with Nassau. It’s over. Queens in the next step. Let’s go already.
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Larry @ 133
I’ve heard many times that the Rangers and Isles made an agreement in the mid 80′s that the Isles can move anywhere on Long Island including Brooklyn and Queens.
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Jet Plane says:
I’ve had many misgivings regarding Wang’s ownership but I do feel very bad for him tonight, he certainly has paid his dues in losses. Please Charles, sell the darn team to the highest bidder and let them break the lease and move this team wherever. Long Island does not deserve this team.
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Agree, Nassau will end up offering Wang a deal to stay.
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Dmoney22 says:
I am still crying, i love this team and thought we had this vote. Please keep the Isles on Long Island!!!!!
BTW Thanks for all your work CB. -
If somehow Suffolk get’s the team…My Fmailly wins…..but it likely seems that this is a very sad day. I am mortifified, and have no idea how to explain this to my children.
I grew in rockland county and left …without the NMVC this Island is no better.
Why am I here? -
anthony c says:
My heart is breaking. I just wanna get drunk and forget this day ever happened. To hell with jay jacobs, the democrats, republicans, kate murray, d’amato, mondello, toh, garden city and all of nassau. I hope they rot.
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eric r says:
Whether you like Wang or not he is a very successful man and to be that successful you must have confidence and pride in who you are. He in no way or should he now pay for the arena and make jay jacobs happy.He is I believe to proud a man to kiss the hand that just slapped him in the face. CB do you really believe he wants to continue this circus? Do you think he wants to spend more time and money on people who dont care ? I think he will hold his head up high and walk out of nassau and live well with the team somewhere else hopefully brooklyn or queens.There is so much one man can do before enough is enough.He would look stupid if he turns around and now decides to build the arena himself or someone else finance the project making jacobs look like the hero of long island saving them all that 58 bucks.Wang does not deserve to be made a fool . He is to proud a man I hope for that.
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CG in SC says:
To all the “yes” voters, thanks for showing up. For all the “no” voters, you suck. This is what you show up to vote for? How high have taxes gone up over the last decade? And for what? Nothing. One of the reasons I fled to the south. At least we get all the nothing we pay for. There are a lot of residents paying crazy school taxes who don’t even have kids. I’m willing to bet the demographics of the no votes are comprised of the following sect:
You already pay enough taxes so you can say you live in a nice zip code. You’re already over extended paying for your 2 luxury cars to keep up with the Jones’s and the ridiculously high insurance on both. God forbid you miss your daily appearance at Starbucks for your venti chai latte, which in itself would have paid this tax increase ten fold. The last time you went to a show at NVMC, people actually wanted to see Blue Oyster Cult.All of you in this category suck. And when Nassau County needs to make up for lost revenue when they condemn this arena, you will have no one to blame but yourselves, and the idiots you voted for to mismanage your money.
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FTJ WH/LI says:
was rag$ fan as a kid (only game in town)
1st Isles game v. Atl Flames 8th grade
season tix for a LONG time
NVMColiseum to become a boarded up ghost town – nice tribute to the Veterans of Nassau
Uniondale is already North Roosevelt
Hempstead Village illegal latino pop
Garden City & RVC beef up your PD and build your walls!!
The Elderly and the Orthodox voted this down!!
Murray and her ilk cater to the Wealthy the Elderly and the Orthodox – the ONLY voters.
Minorities don’t vote and the illegals can’t!
I will always root for MY team wherever they may be!! Nassau does NOT deserve the NY Islanders. -
jerry says:
I feel like listening to that lame song “Please don’t go”.
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Orange&Blue says:
There is no reason for this team to leave the Metro area. There are plenty of fans who love the team and there are places that have already said they would welcome the Islanders.
With all due respect, I do not understand how CB can say he still believes Nassau to be the area where the team will finally settle? They have already said NO twice. Unless Wang decides to build it with his own money, how can we stay in Nassau? Why should we?
I think the Isles should move to Willets Point in Queens. If Wang wants to give up, sell the team to someone who wants to keep the team in the area. Maybe a fresh start with a new owner and new faces is what this team needs.
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JT-27 says:
Get Queens on line 1 NOW! I’m sure that’ll be more years of red tape but like Brooklyn it will eventually get done. Move to Brooklyn on a temp basis if Queens is not done by 2015.
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Nick says:
I live in Nassau and I drove through a literal hailstorm to vote yes.Lets put the blame where it belongs… in the hands of Charles Wang, Kate Murray and Jay Jacobs. Charles- you didnt put a good product on the ice for the 5 years before the vote… did you expect the Isles to have an engergized fanbase after finishing among the league’s worst 5 straight seasons? Kate you are a political hack. You killed the lighthouse with no alternative and Jacobs- you stamped out the last vestage of professional sport and exhibition on long island. I hope you’re all happy.I say f*** Politics and F*** all politicians. We are now hartford.
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Ari (Not Haanpaa) says:
And thus ends a perfect hail filled day. First my car gets messed up and now this, which is much worse by the way. Congrats to the politicians in Nassau with 2 left feet. You’ve managed to screw up once again. I actually had a bad feeling going into this thing, especially last night I just had the feeling it wasn’t going to get done. During the day, I wasn’t sure if the bad weather would help or hurt, but it seems more of the latter.
Now looking back on this thing I think you can vent your frustrations at a whole host of people. Obviously take the political opposition for starters, but the residents of Nassau also have to take some of the blame as well. True Islander fans are as good as any in hockey, but we’ve always had a problem with numbers. Sadly, today showed the reality is that not enough people in the general populace of Nassau County may care about the team. Wang also has to take a hit for several mistakes in my opinion. I think you can look back and say all the losing of the last few seasons didn’t help things in the least. The slow as molasses rebuild could have been jumpstarted by a few key signings and I think that would have revitialized some of the fair weather fans out there. Face it, losing builds apathy. Second, I think Wang made a critical mistake of taking a vow of silence for too long. Yes, he came out of the woodwork the last few weeks, but his long vows of silence over the past two seasons, especially while the games were being played, really hurt things.
Finally, I think we had real bad luck with the whole timing of things in general. The state of the economy hasn’t really picked up that much, and it’s always a hard sell to raise taxes, even if the bottom line figure isn’t that much, a fact I’m sure Wang is well aware of deep down. Maybe the vote should have been put off until next summer. I guess, at the end of the day, you still have until 2015 to save things. A real strong regular season and an improving economy could have really changed the outcome.
I retain a glimmer of hope, but things really look bleak right now. I just hope all parties involved don’t give up on things and continue to work toward a solution or compromise.
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Pauly says:
A democrat now turned to Republican…a sad sad sad sad day indeed.
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Why do I have to pay? @ 138
Have you followed this issue at all?
He will not and should not pay for it himself. The county owns the coliseum and the county just decided it no longer wanted an arena or a hockey team. To their detriment.
Go pay more of your taxes into thin air instead of for once paying $13.80 or $58 or anywhere in between per year and actually knowing where it went.
Or go twitter with Jay Jacobs. Either way, no one here wants to read that propaganda any longer. We get it.
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Paulunde says:
This is very sad, indeed. The outcome of this vote may be more a reflection of the times we live in, than anything else. I have a feeling the public is simply exhausted and broke from all the spending and taxes heaped upon us every day of our lives. Government and spending is so out of control that I think this vote gave the public a chance to say “no” to any spending of any kind.
The arena is rarely filled to capacity and things ain’t like they used to be. Having a hockey club in the county is not essential to many of the voters. It will be interesting to see what happens to their taxes once the Isles move on! Perhaps there is another deal out there for Mr. Wang to look into. I hope so.
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@ Why do I have to pay? Do some research. Wang DID offer to fund it himself. It was called the Lighthouse Project and it was killed by the Republicans, which given your tea party reference are the people you vote for. Why? Who knows. The NIMBY crowd who lack any sort of vision? To “protect” some mythical suburbia that doesn’t exist in that area? Because it would have been a “win” for Suozzi and the Dems who were in office at the time?
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Steve says:
Nothing ever gets done anymore. It does not matter what Wang does Sven if he built the dam thing with his ownbare hands out of jis own pocket some group would still find a Reason to oppose it. When it’s a vacant lot used for nothing but dumping trash then they will b**** and moan about needing to develop the site. I guess I better start to hunt for good hotels and restaurants in Quebec or Kansas city if I ever want to take my 1 year old son to a game because it still won’t be a devil or ranger game
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Chopper says:
Just purchased a home in Nassau this month. Lived in Queens my whole life. What did i get myself into? This is BS. Its so hard rooting for this team , guess im just addicted to the heartbreak…a big F.U to Nassau ,wish I could have afforded a house in Queens.
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vlo brooklyn says:
FU long island. Thanks for ruin my Vegas trip. You are a disgrace to human kind. Islanders are welcomed in Brooklyn with open arms. Coney island baby. Suck my you know what long island
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simtuation says:
@138, you won. have fun going to an Islande… oh wait, you killed them. Thanks
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Move the team to somewhere in N.Y. PERIOD. Get out from under the ignorant scum that is Nassau politics.
I am ashamed to be a Nassau county resident today. I really thought I lived in amongst hard working, informed people. I was wrong. From getting angry tele marketing calls in poor English, to having my car scratched because I had a YES vote poster on it, just shows me I should move from a place that is obviously incapable of any progress. I feel depressed that I have given so much power over my life to idiots. It is clear to see that many of you have already moved out of the area–good move…I may be joining you! -
71,000 – 58,000 ouch
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kb says:
There are people commenting here and on Facebook and such about how they will no longer attend games this coming season because of this – how does that help anything? Assuming that the team can stay on track, keep the momentum it created in the second half of last season, how does boycotting *the team* now help? It doesn’t. Vote with your dollars – go see the Isles, but don’t give Nassau your money in any other way if possible. They don’t deserve it.
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still can’t believe this sh**
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i have to add again as 143 said and it is correct. the isles made a deal with the rags in the 80,s that they can play anywhere on long island or queens or brooklyn. i like the dig wang said at his concession speech about for 4 more years nassau county residents will have for there hard earned dollars entertainment value and shows and concerts etc. remember charles, you did not grow up in nassau county where you are not wanted but you grew up in queens county where you are wanted.
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islesinoside says:
Doesn’t anyone get it? All those who voted no because they didn’t want a tax increase? – your taxes are gona go up anyway now. Without the revenues the isles and the Coli did bring in the county and the town will have to make up for it somehow. Those saying that Wang shouldn’t build it with their tax money and should fund it himself are completely clueless(go ahead Chris ban my post you seem to do that quite often). Would any of you foot your own money to put a second floor on a house that you didn’t own? Didn’t think so. What the shame here is that people weren’t voting on a coliseum or jobs, they were voting yes or no to a tax increase. The county can’t afford the property they should do the right thing here and liquidate the property to Wang and use the sale to pay down the county debt. Private ownership fixes everything.
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average home price values in Nassau County probably just went down 5%
how’s that vs. your $50/year in taxes?
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drew says:
What a joke! This whole thing was sooo low budget. Where do I start? 1)You couldn’t give us details? I wanted to know exactly what I was getting into, not once did I get how the stadium would look like(until Sunday’s newsday), how many seats,true costs etc. 2)minor league stadium for an Atlantic league team. There are 3 minor league teams within 30 minutes drive(Ducks,Cyclones,& Mets-lets be real I’m a mets fan too!). Tell me it would be a Mets or Yankees AAA or AA team and I’d be interested. 3)Taxes!! This is a huge issue, how can Mangano put this out there when there is so much unemployment? I understand that the the arena is needed, but how can he justify spending so much $ when he is laying off county employees? I know for a fact that many of my county co-workers were going to vote against it. 4) Where was the support? The Islander’s Alumni were non-existant. Why not have celebrities (Billy Joel,Jerry Seinfield etc.) do a rally concert or a benefit concert(to raise $ for the arena) I mean Blue Oyster Cult is good but they are not the A-list act needed for this vote.5) Wang would only pay for the vote if it passed- what a clever attempt of a bribe. If he was truly sincere he would have paid for it either way. 6)County only gets 11.5% of revenue on top of lease payments from the islanders. Most people I know couldn’t understand why Wang was getting the lion’s share when the county was putting the bulk of the $ up. 7) County was to pick up the cost of any repairs over $500,000 per year. Jay Jacobs was kinda correct there are alot of bills on an arena, look at the coliseum, it needs several million in repairs now. Would the county have to float more bonds to pay for repairs in 10 to 20 years? Now I voted for the project as an islander fan but it wasn’t a slam dunk. If there were too many questions for me how could someone who has no interest vote for this? Now I pray that something can still be worked out. I am extremely ticked off at the citizens of Nassau County, the County portion of your taxes is only 17% of your total tax bill. If people understood why the taxes are so high they would be and should be fighting the school districts and the lawmakers in Albany. When more $ is sent upstate than what we get back something is wrong. Too bad people don’t vote down crazy school budgets they way they voted this down, but I digress. Where’s Nystrom to save the day?
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SB says:
#160. Sorry to hear that. After tonight, my house search in Nassua officially ends.
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kbulger222 says:
Wow. Mr. Wang during the press conference, regarding the team:
“…a young core of talent sprinkled with the right mix of veterans. This combination will bode well for the last 4 years of our lease.”
In other words, this is what your’e getting from me until I can get the hell outta here. Don’t expect any improvements.
If your NHL team was to trade for, I don’t know, Ovechkin or Malkin or someone of that caliber, or even a Brad Richards or Zach Parise, would you say your team was “sprinkled” with a veteran presence? Just sayin’….
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question…can the NHL step in at all here?
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Aram says:
Islanders should sue Nassau County for having a substandard facility to play hockey in, lack of any effort to make any repairs on the facility and punitive damages due to a decrease in the value of the franchise due to free agents not wanting to play here and fans not attending games because of the substandard facility. All this should be done to get out of this lease before 2015. Starting next year, play in Brooklyn or even the old Devils facility in NJ. The goal should be to move this team to Suffolk county, which is the new center of Long Island. Targets in Suffolk should be Melville or Islip. If I were Wang, I would not want to do any more business with any of these clowns running Nassau County. Today is a very said day for the future of Nassau. The Islanders will bounce back from this. Nassau will not unfortunately.
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I’ve already posted once, but I keep refreshing and reading all of your posts because it’s nice to feel like I’m not alone in my love for the Islanders even though I’m way out here in CA now.
I believe most of the people who voted No were older citizens of Nassau. I’m just surprised they would risk losing a franchise with such close ties to their community. I don’t blame them for not loving the Wang/Mangano plan…I mean it was far from perfect…but at this late hour (so to speak) it may have been the last best option to keep the team here and make good use of the arena and land.
Amazingly, I still don’t think the Islanders are going anywhere. The powers-that-be are not as dumb as you may think. They know that if the Islanders leave, a gaping hole of money will exist where NVMC now stands. An attempt will be made to keep the team right where it is now…the question is, Will it be too late? Queens and Brooklyn will most likely reach out to Wang in an effort to entice him to move the team. I am fairly certain he is now prepared to listen to those offers more attentively than he was prior to this vote because he (like many of us) can’t imagine the Isles vacating Long Island.
If Wang does receive offers to relocate the team to other parts of the metro area, he will find that the majority of fans would still identify with the Islanders and attend games more oftenthan they do now. The information will come out in polls, TV news segments, etc. this will scare the hell out of Nassau County officials.
The worst thing any of us can do now is abandon the team we love so much. Go to the games, support the team by watching them on whatever channel you can. Buy their merchandise (if you can afford it). I guarantee Snow will not give up trying to improve the team (yeah I’m not thrilled with his moves this offseason either). Wang still wants to win. We still have a solid base of young players who want to win every night also. They aren’t giving up, so I implore you all to stick with them. From CA, via NHL Center Ice, I know I will.
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hangover3 says:
Tonight everyone should thank the Dolan family because the Dolans and MSG are the only reason the isles won’t be leaving the NYC area. 30-40 million in tv money when most teams get 2 or 3 million a year.
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DocDuke says:
Let’s be honest. There is only one person to blame and that’s Wang.
His Lighthouse proposal was not about a new coliseum. It was 3.5 billions dollars worth of crap that had nothing to do with the Islanders. He was just using the Isles as an excuse.
When it came to making a deal just for a new coliseum, he wanted bankrupt tax payers to pony up the cash.We have to remember that being rich, doesn’t mean your smart. His ideas from day one have been embarrasing.
I just joined a hockey league a month ago. When everyone asked me who i root for, i expectedly received the usual laughs when i said the Islanders. But no one was laughing cause of the on ice product. In fact, they all thought the Isles are the next big thing. They laughed cause of the usual Milbry/Yashin/D.P. crap. All Wangs doing. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was his idea to take away C.B’s creds.
So, my fellow fans. Please stop blaming Murray & Jacobs. Focus on Wang. JT’s contract is coming up, let’s get him out before he messes that up too.
I’m sure someone will buy the team, build a new arena, and keep the team on L.I.
In reality, this is the best thing that could have ever happened to the Isles. This is are blessing in disguise. But we must act quickly. Let’s make it known that Wang isn’t good for the Islanders. The longer he’s there, the worse it will get.
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!
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Hockeypuck11 says:
The Islanders should just pick up leave Nassau!!! Do what the Walers did. F and a U Nassau!!!
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rymel76 says:
Good job today Nassau county. I know most of you don’t care about the Islanders but you just fired 2000 people and lost the opportunity for another 1000 jobs plus the jobs for the construction of a new arena. No more revenue from concerts, circuses or any other events that now wont take place in what will be a giant empty hole in the middle of Uniondale come 2015. The Islanders also did a ton of charity work in the community and supported a lot of local businesses that will be hurt. For those that voted no to avoid a quoted $18-58 a year household tax increase just wait to see how much your taxes go up with the coliseum revenue gone. The political BS that they have gone through to try to get a new arena is disgusting and makes me glad I’m not in nassau anymore.
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Jeff says:
Chopper, I am in the same boat as you. Just bought a house in Nassau, and it killed me to not be able to vote in this election. I also lived in Queens my whole life. I do not know what the next plan is, but Wang owes it to the Islanders fans to tell them what is next. We just want to know where thye will be playing come 2015. I am sure Queens would welcome the Islanders with oen arms. Maybe another Lighthouse offer with Murray to make her look bad. But you know all the politicians will come out with all the BS about this if the team leaves. We all hope to know soon what the outcome will be.
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Ryan says:
I am 30 years old, and for the last 22 years or so I have been a die hard Islanders fan living in New Jersey. I am devastated today. Unfortunately, I don’t think Nassau county really deserves the Isles anymore. I am switching my hopeful thoughts to a deal for an arena in Queens. I am so tired of all the arena nonsense that has gone on for the last decade or so, so I can’t even imagine how Mr. Wang feels. The real question is, if they go to Quebec or KC, do I buy the center ice package and continue to root for them, or do I stop watching the NHL altogether? Truly a sad day for me.
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To the ignorant fools posting about “why should my taxes have to go up” & “Let Wang build it himself”. You are so misinformed on the issue it isn’t funny. Now I know you were a good little fool and did whatever the Dems told you to do and did not educate yourself on the issues. Your NO vote tonight just insured your taxes are going up and more then they would have if you’d voted yes. Oh, FYI NC is BROKE, so in 2015 or 16 NC will be raising your taxes again to pay for the demoliton of the NVMC and it only gets worse from there.
Guys I’d luv the team to go to Brooklyn but it isn’t realistic. #1 Brooks is an idiot and a huge jerk. His tweets on this issue were simply mean and spiteful. Even if the Brooklyn arena could have ice, no owner is dumb enough to get himself into a deal as the 2nd tenant. I believe the Nets owner owns the arena too right? What you are looking at is losing all the concessions, suite, and everything else to not only the arena but to the primary tenant. Worse, you get all the crap nights, so it makes it very hard to make a profit.
Hope Isles don’t move to Quebec because the damn broadcast will be in French.
I just want the team out of Nassau as fast as they can. They ignorant people who voted NO believed Jacobs when he said if they vote NO then Wang will be forced to build it himself and then they’ll get a brand new arena, tons of new tax revenue, jobs etc. and it won’t cost them a dime. YOU ARE IN FOR A RUDE AWAKENING! I’ll never vote Dem again EVER!
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TW says:
#138….You vote NO and then you come on here and tell Wang to pay for an arena himself but not to build an “embarrassing monstrosity”? Hahaha, you worried about it obstructing your view of the L.I.E.? Get over yourself. I hope he takes this team out of Nassau County and you can go back to spending your tax money on failing school systems and red light cameras.
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i have already posted this once, but if we stay away from the coliseum, we are just as bad as though that voted “no” today!!!
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Pingback: Islanders arena referendum voted down by Nassau County residents | ProHockeyTalk
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Here’s an idea…….call Mark Cuban and see if he likes hockey. (I’m actually serious about that one).
I’ve debated other Isles fans on here regarding various issues. We all believed we had the right point of view and it was fun to debate. One thing, however, I know we ALL can agree on is that this once proud organization has become an abject failure. Today’s vote was just one more disappointment to add to years of frustration. Assigning blame as to why or how this happened is an exercise in futility at this point.
If Charles Wang expects us to actually continue to buy tickets, he owes us a plan of action for the next step. Seriously, Isles Nation….are ya really going to attend games knowing that the team may be close to leaving New York for a place such as Quebec? I understand that Wang is very disappointed but saying he won’t comment on any next steps is unacceptable. Not only must he comment but he needs to do it ASAP if he expects us to purchase any tickets for the upcoming season.
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KOkid21 says:
Willets Point Baby ! We (Queens) will build it for free, F Nassau County ! In 4 years they will be sorry for what happened today! When they board up the Mausoleum, they will be truly F’d finacially ! Wherever my Isles go thats my team ! QUEENS ! Eassier for me to get to. F U Long Island !
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Dan C. says:
2011 is not the time and Nassau County is not the place for a publicly funded arena. It was going to take a major effort to stem that tide, and such an effort was not made. A weekday afternoon rally and a couple of appearances on WFAN doesn’t cut it. Where were the mock-ups of what the thing would look like? Where was the big transaction that would motivate the fan base? This team had a lot on the line this summer, yet the only NHL franchise that did less in terms of personnel was the team that just relocated, the Winnipeg Jets.
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Tonyd says:
Can they put a top level on the Bridgeport arena?
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guys ya gotta come to the games…through this bull there will be a silver lining somehow and that’s the Isles taking the Cup! Then see all the NO voters faces covered in egg…f em
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Bill From Oceanside says:
Well, I voted yes but I still had the feeling in my stomach that the deal was not a good one. For years, Wang was saying that the Isle cannot survive just on hocket revenue alone. Then overnight, when Nassau County decides to foot the bill, he changes his tune and the Isles are a great moneymaker for the taxpayers.
Something just didn’t fit there.
So here’s plan B, as I see it. Nassau will give Wang the land to build the Colliseum and some kind of go ahead to build a smaller LightHouse project. Wang will partner with whatever State and Fed developement agencies will give him money and the thing will get done. Nassau will get rent on the land, the sales tax and perhaps a ticket surcharge out of it.
And the whole thing will eventually work out.
And anyone who is leaving Nassau County because of this vote….goodbye. We will get along just fine without you. Too bad if you don’t like the way democracy works. A vote was taken and it lost. The people have spoken. Get over yourself.
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Guys,
I don’t think Queens is a viable option. No way the city will put a brand new arena with the Barclays Center being built in Brooklyn. That would be 3 areans in NYC? No way. I don’t think Wang would be making the money he would in Suffolk because he would have to compete for other events (circus, Disney, etc…)
I think our best option is in Suffolk.
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Ditty says: Now the islanders NEED to make a big splash in the playoffs for the next few years. That will get us a new arena
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seriously i’m on of the 3,000 that;’ll be out of a job collecting UN E and taking your money that way
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freakn greed
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my 185 post was towards the NO voters…i saw u today u old timers…thanks for crushing mine and other young peoples futures
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you can forget queens/wilpon he is financially spent he just had to sell part ownership of the mets
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Sidd Finch says:
House is sold, boxes are packed and moving to Dallas. Much as I hate to leave, this vote just makes it easy because of the NIMBYism on LI. No one is trying to make LI better, just trying to protect the status quo. kate Murray can keep the cronyism alive in OTH anf the Nassua Legislators can piss and moan over partisan issues. Hey Jay, maybe you can build a huge day care center in Uniondale. Apparently you seem to think you are pretty good at that stuff. While you are at it, you can charge all the campers for PSLs. I will always love the Islanders, but I am beginning to hate LI. Good riddance!!!
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Joe: If Mark Cuban wants a hockey team, the Stars are already for sale, they play in the same building as the Mavs. That’s why they did not re-sign Brad RIchards.
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Anthomny says:
Long Islanders don’t care about hockey… No one goes to the games no one cares! Wang you did everything you could! Take the team and move it out of NY you are wasting you time!
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Adam from Astoria says:
I just have to say I agree w/ #161– and Joni Mitchell who said many years ago, “Don’t it always seem to go/ That you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone/ They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”
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93 Miracle says:
CALL QUEENS! Better yet, let them call you because you know they will in the next week just to figure out what they’re options are. Look we need something in the ground by next summer…this is where Wang says “no more Mr. nice guy” and will make more threats I believe. He will honor his lease like he said but not for nothign to be done by nassau in the next year thats not the case. Now its on the Nassau County Politicians to figure it out. Its on them now! They are 0 for 2. Dont make it 0 for 3 because that will be it. No more Voting! Get it done and I believe it will get done. I agree with Botta, this team will stay on the island, but if not queens looks pretty.
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Nassau County — 75%
Queens — 10%
Canada — 7%
Brooklyn — 7%
Elsewhere — 1% -
James says:
what a joke nassau is. I work at the colisuem and im so done with nassau everyone is such a joke BRING THE ISLANDERS TO SUFFOLK COUNTY WHERE PEOPLE WOULD ACTUALLY ROUTE FOR THEM..thank you to all the nassau people that did vote yes but im done with nassau and there bullsh*t bring the team to suffolk so there still on the island…LETS GO ISLANDERS !!!!!!!
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wilky29 says:
16 cents a day..we are going to lose a professional sports team most likely the marriot hotel for 16 cents a day..the people of nassau county should b ashamed of themselves..this wasnt about a hockey team people this was about progress..whats the old saying u have to give to get..well we gave a no vote and guess what we are gonna get higher taxes anyway..we should all call out jay jacobs and desmond ryan..if they can get developers to come in and build something lets see it..the place has looked the same since 1972..in 40 years nobody wanted to build there.oh wait like i forgor..north roosevelt and little elsalvador..thats why the dodgers left brooklyn and it took what 50 plus years to get another pro-team there??..trust me the isles wont sell in brooklyn..all they no is basketball..if u catch my drift..please go to suffolk..16 FREAKING CENTS A DAY..
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184 what dont you get we dont have a few years maybe 1 more year to get a new arena and thats it after that so long to the islanders
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Denis says:
Queens (at least certain people in Queens) want them. NetsDaily reports that talk within the Nets has recently shifted to saying that NHL at Barclay Center might in fact be possible. Suffolk remains a possibility as well. I’m fine with any of those. As far as Nassau goes, well, that’s better left unsaid.
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saywhat? says:
Forget queens unless you have a food idea of how an arena in Manhattan, an arena in Brooklyn and one in queens could possibly make money. And the one in Manhattan will. So how do both of the others make it? Answer is they cant.
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Andre says:
There is NO way I would even consider doing business in Nassau County or spending another second listening to anymore BS from Nassau County politicians. I would make every effort to break the lease for “substandard facility” and play in the Meadowlands or Brooklyn for a couple of years until the new arena is built (if it is queens or suffolk). I think the Islanders could very well end up in Quebec. At the end of the day, the Islanders need to have a shovel in the ground somewhere by the end of this upcoming season. Under NO circumstances would I keep the team in Nassau County. If I am Wang, 8:00am tomorrow I begin to negotiate with Queens and 8:00am the next day I would have discussions with Suffolk. I would then inform all the Nassau County politicians via email that they have done a wonderful job destroying more jobs and running the county deep into the ground and that the Islanders will no longer be part of Nassau County after the lease ends.
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JK says:
Nassau, Suffolk, Queens & Brooklyn are all fine with me. If this team moves to Quebec I would be crushed.
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Billy says:
This was the first vote I have been involved in since 2000, come november, democrat or republican it does not matter, I am voting for anyone who is in office right now. I know I am only one man, but we need a change, and I will start with myself
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Hey 138 in case you missed it, Wang wanted to pay for this(remember that thing called the LHP)? This wasn’t his idea to have the taxpayers fund it it was the pols you voted into office.
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The Rock says:
There is 1 REASON our loved ISLANDERS are not leaving the NY METRO.
ANSWER: the richest cable deal in the NHL and it doesn’t expire until after the 2030-2031 season. Wang gets 22 million a year ballooning to I think 34 in the final year. He will get 5 mill in a different market.
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Jzimm says:
It’s interesting CB, because even if this had been voted up, it would still be far, far from over. I’d still bet dollars to doughnuts that the Islanders stay in Nassau County. With all of this red tape adn all of the political opposition, no one wants to be the reason why the Islanders play anywhere but Nassau County.
Last week, I reall wanted to give Jay Jacobs a black eye or two. But honestly, tax payers shouldn’t have to pay for what is essentially a professional sports team. I know about all the other stuff like concerts and the circus, but all things being equal, that should not be paid for on the tax payer’s dime.
For me, personally, hockey is far and away my favorite sport. Almost to a point where it’s an illness. I’ve put hockey ahead of baseball playoffs and girlfriends. I even qute my travel baseball team in 1993 so I could watch Game 7 against the Penguins. But being fair about it, I’ve never watched a basketball game in my life. And if I was a county resident, and the referendum was to make sure the Knicks got a new building, I wouldn’t want to pay for that. So you bet I would vote it down.
There’s a certain charm to the New York Islanders. It seems that nothing can go right for them, but I think it’s that charm that’s going to help them stay in the end. Even with the referendum getting voted down.
Jay Jacobs Tweeted, almost immediately, that the Islanders will stay and they’ll start working on that tomorrow. He believes it can be figured out in a month or two. As much as I wanted to crack you last week, Mr. Jacobs, please make this happen, or help make it happen within the next two months. Being on Twitter and seeing Matt Moulson being very involved along with Michael Grabner, Ryan Strome, and Scott Mayfield; these guys care. And while it may not apply to the two recent draft picks this season, the Islander players not knowing what there own future holds, could very reasonably come as a distraction. So I hope all is settled before even training camp opens. It’s emotionally draining for the players, too.
And as for Charles Wang, he gets a lot of grief for being a “bad owner” – Some of his methods may be rather unconventional, but he can afford to pay his players, he has money, has never mandated a mass exodous of his better players, has not had to borrow money, and he’s a sole owner. He is by far the wealthiest owner that we’ve ever had. This even getting to the referendum stage isn’t his fault. He tried to pay for the Lighthouse free and clear, but local politicians weren’t having it.
We’re Islander fans. Things have been tough for us since Denis Potvin retired. We’ve had a few nice thngs here and there since then, but we’ve been frustrated with huge player turnover, several owners, fraud owners, unethical owners, threatening owners, and so on, in addition to shady politicians. But we have to keep things in perspective. Charles Wang has bent over backwards to keep the Islanders here. This failed referendum may ultimately be the best thing. I’m not a Nassau County resident. But I am a life-long conservative. And I don’t think that residents should have to pay for new arenas. But because it’s the Islanders, I really wanted this to pass. If things can be worked out, and Charles Wang can buy that land from the County, that would really be the best thing possible for everyone.
I may be delussional, but I have not given up any hope that the Islanders stay in Nassau, on that spot.
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Wang needs to get tough now and stop pussy-footing around this anymore. It’s time to put up or shut up. Tell the county to shove it and publicly open up all your options….let others try to woo the team instead of the other way around. If NC really wants to keep them they won’t let another place steal them away.
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R.I.P N.Y Islanders 1972-2015
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Dave says:
The Islanders are a treasure & one day when they’re gone, people will realize what they lost… I love this team, it is a bond I have had w/ my father for 27 years & I pray that somehow they will stay on Long Island, so I can enjoy another 27 years of great memories. Every Islander fan did their best and unfortunately it didn’t work out, but as they say… When the going get tough, the tough get going… Let’s rise & grind, tomorrow is a new day. A new opportunity. A chance to fight to keep our team in its rightful home.
Let’s Go Islanders
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Roop says:
Don’t even give Nassau the option, lets face facts: Nassau county sucks. Cut your loses Charles and sell the team to Prokhorov or just lease his place in Brooklyn. I must admit…I almost pray that Mayor Moneybags says something about this.
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Mikey says:
Well, i can’t say I’m not surprised. I really wanted this thing to pass, but when you’re asking an already cash-strapped, over-taxed county to pay for an arena, the end result makes sense. No.
Is this the end of the Islanders in Nassau? No. Something can still be worked out.
Is this the end of the Islanders in Long Island? No.
Queens, Brooklyn or Suffolk. Too many options, still time to GETERDONE.
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If Quebec City had an arena right now, I would bet this team would be there tomorrow. However, since that won’t be ready until 2015, there is still time to get something done. Plus the Phoenix Coyotes are even closer to bolting, and the huge Cablevision deal would be left on the table if the Isles relocated. On the other hand, if the LA Rams and Seattle Sonics can move then certainly this team could. Plus, the NVMC clearly needs some significant work just to get through 2015. In other words, WHAT A MESS!
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I guess the deal for Zack Parisi and Shea Weber will not be announced anytime soon…
Seriously, though, We cannot stop supporting this team, they will stay local if they are a draw and do well. Wang needs to make sure they are good THIS year or their value will disappear no matter what he wants to do with the team. When a team is winning, they sell out. I can’t for the life of me understand why Wang does not get this concept. I truly believes he fell in love with this team, and I am greatful for that, but I have never before met such a successful business man that takes such poor P.R. advice! His reputation is killing him! Mr Wang, Hire Chris Botta!!! I agree with others, we must seriously involve Queens, Brooklyn, and Suffolk. Queens would be best. Great transportation, area is developing, The area will enjoy an economic growth in both summer (Mets) and Winter (Isles)! They will still be our beloved Islanders! Unless Nassau comes up with a favorable option like THIS week, I would look elsewhere. Not holding my breath…already did that all day long…surprised I am alive! -
BeeDubbs says:
As long as I’m watching the “New York Islanders” after 2015 I don’t care where they play… Number one priority is keeping that crest on the jerseys.
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Al L says:
Bill from Oceanside #195! You fail to consider one important point. The greater People of Nassau County(my guess you are included) have indicated they would rather not paying 26-28 cents per day to have Charles franchise apart of their Community. That is how unimportant they view the Isles. If this is the projection of support Charles can expect,why would he even consider a sweetheart deal in a place he isn’t wanted?
It is quite feasible he could get the same deal at Willets Point,but even better.
JC #109! How many times must you and many other people be told,Wang doesn’t own the Coliseum or land it sits on. A tenant with sound mind cannot invest 350-400mil building a house on a parcel of land not owning either. This proposal did not offer him any ownership whatsoever so for you to say this was all about real estate is another example of the misinformation that was probably responsible for the result we saw tonight at the polls.
GFC NVMC #104! My heart breaks for you! 15 years of your life assisting in providing the wonderful entertainment the Old Barn had to offer and you are more upset about the potential loss of our beloved than the imminent loss of your job. G-d Bless! I have faith you’ll be okay.
And to you #140-Why do I have To Pay? Because in this World,you get nothing for nothing! That is what you are going to get within the next 4 years,but you can expect to pay dearly for NOTHING instead of SOMETHING commencing with your precious dollars needed to demolish the Coliseum!
If the fee for keeping the Islanders in your County was $100 a year it would have cost you 27.5 cents per day or 8 dollars a month.Show some guts,why don’t you, meet with GFC NVMC #104 and tell him your 28 cents per day isn’t worth seeing him keep his job assisting in providing entertainment for your sorry butt along with your wife and kids if you have a family.
Please,CB,don’t delete this post. It isn’t meant to be meanspirited,but rather sends a message of enlightenment to those who are proponents of sending Nassau County into the Dark Ages either too ignorant and shortsighted to see what they have begun or too selfish to care about how much pain the may have contributed toward prople such as #104!
This is a sad night. At this point Charles such pick himself up and take his franchise to a place they are welcome. I pray it will be in the Metro Area so that the Islanders name,crest and colors will not die! -
IslesHostage says:
It’s not over. Wang can sell and there are more billionaires in NY than in Kansas City, Quebec and elsewhere. The cable deal is guaranteed so long as they stay local. Bettman said he will keep the Isles in NY as they are a historic franchise. Wang, though a buffoon, can stay on and pay for a renovation of the existing building with private finance that will be far cheaper than the bond measure.
Peltz?
Gutkowski still around?
It’s not over. It was a poorly crafted effort that went wrong. The case made resulted in voters turning it down. MAKE A GOOD PLAN/CASE and people pass it.
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I would be remiss if not expressing a plea to Charles. Prepare us for the season and future. Give us some hope. Is Queens an option? Ditto Brooklyn? Would you consider selling to Prokhorov? Is he interested? Is Barclays going to be suitable for NHL Hockey? Don’t allow us to twist in the wind for a year. The same applies to you. Move foward. Just as you need certainty,so do we. You cannot expect further investment in passion for a Lame Duck Team. Give us direction!!!!!
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If the NYC metro area is the landing spot for the Isles with the name and logo intact,sign me up! At this point Nassau County,its people and Government should be the last to benefit from the quality of life a professional sports franchise has to offer both in itself and the imminent growth surrounding it! They’ve been told NO too many times.
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Bryan says:
Charles should stop talking to Nassau County all together and start talking only with Queens. The politics here in Nassau County and throughout the United States have turned into a disgraceful circus. Whoever comes up with the next plan Democrats or Republicans no matter how good or bad it is the other side will just cry until it is shut down.
Charles I love this team as much as anyone else but it is time for you to leave.
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D. says:
To everyone saying they can’t fathom going to a single game this season with uncertainty looming — WHY? This should be EXACTLY the reason you go to MORE games. Show them the support they need to prove that New York wants to see them play. They’ve consistently been in the bottom five for attendance for the last ten years. Obviously it’s tough to want to continue supporting a team when they’re not always playing well and their management is not making beneficial decisions but without the fan support… buh-bye.
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A Real hockey fan. says:
…what happens to those jobs at the colisuem? the vendors and parking people and so forth?
….what happens if the team leaves the area, what happens to the taxes? what happens when theres no revenues, how about the lost jobs from those who work there?
…YET, YET they pay the bloated school officials 100+ K a year ub the area and BLOATED pensions! — this is the typcal NIMBY attitude we have in this country and its SOOOOOOOOOO short tighted
…U REALY think the taxes will go DOWN? cmon be real,
.. I hate to b critical but the Isles could have been a lil more progressive with the media and brough back older isles from the 70s and 80s, etc, they should have reached out more!!
.. keep fighting Isles fans keep fighting and keep the faith!
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matt c says:
Nassau does not deserve the team, best option is move to Queens, better transportation, better marketing, more exposure, it is a no brainer.
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jack blakc says:
i am just absolutely sick to my stomach
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Sumo Goalie says:
Turn out the lights, the party’s over. All good things must end. I’m hoping for Queens at this point but I’d bet a buck our team will be out of the Tri State area in 2015. Sigh.
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Jake says:
Devastated
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Carol M says:
It’s funny how all these people that voted no because their taxes will go up $58 a year will then vote yes for their school budgets which will raise their taxes a couple of hundred dollars a year.
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jo says:
Just another sad moment in the Isles last 20 years of futility!
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Hoser14 says:
The taxpayers of Nassau County have spoken and the answer is NO!!!!
This wasn’t even close.
It’s Bye-Bye Nassau County.
One question: where was Gary Bettman and the league? They should have make it very clear the a no vote is a yes vote to move and leave the taxpayers with a non tax revenue producing empty sport venture.
The best place left on “The Island” is Rt.110 and Conklin by the airport near the old Racquet & Rink site. The LIRR’s Ronkonkoma line is right there.
I don’t see the Citi Field arena being built anytime soon, with all the impact studies, the lawsuits from the chop-shop owners, the financing and other things must be cleared before the first shovel is dug.
If not, there is a new arena in Brooklyn, which is still on Long Island the last time I look, and the best part, it’s being built and will be open next year.
So it’s Brooklyn or Bye-Bye!
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shlo says:
Stupidity all around us…we are surrounded by morons who fell for scare tactics. Now they’ll pay higher taxes because there will be no coliseum income….move to Suffolk, plenty of land there. Will never vote Democrat again. Done.
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Isles Fanatic says:
CB,
I am sorry to all that still believe the Isles will remain to Nassau after 2015… They will be gone. If we thought it was hard to sign players, wait and see the next year or two…this is gonna be very difficult…
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gary91922 says:
If I’m Wang, and believe me I’m smarter that he is by a long shot…. I would be pissed. No matter what he does he gets screwed. Mostly because he does not know how to play politics, doesn’t know how to promote and to top it all off, is a bad sports team owner. However, I would do the following in the best interest of my business.
1- I make it public that the Islanders will look outside Nassau. The politicians and public have spoken. We have done everything we can think of to make it work here. We must explore our other options.
2- I go over board in praise to the Islanders fans. Make a public promise to continue to make best efforts to stay in Nassau.
2 – I go over the NVMC with a fine tooth comb and demand repairs to every little thing that is wrong in accordance with their lease agreement. The place is a hazzard and the Nassau Countu slum lords must keep the place in good repair.
3- I contact the History chanel and get the show that looks at old bridges and stuff to ddo a show on the NVMC.
4- I secretly contact Mikhail Prokhorov and see if he wants to buy the team. -
gary says:
Say goodbye to the Isles–in Nassau county for sure–They have nothing to offer the Islanders other then the land/development rights–Theyblw that plan thanks to the TOH, now this plan is done–Hes gotta move now…that area will be parks
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TONYSAC says:
There are only two things in my life that I truly love and care about. My family and THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS. I am completely devastated by this NO vote and also completely disgusted by the small minded people of Nassau County. I want to personally thank Charles Wang and Co. for the extreme effort they had put towards building a new Coliseum and keeping the Islanders on Long Island over that last 10yrs, and today Charles Wang and Co. must keep their heads high.
I want to personally thank all Nassau Residents who voted YES and for all Nassau Residents who voted NO, you now get what you deserve. I truly believe now that Wang needs to have an immediate conference this morning and say. “This has been a very long hard fought battle with Nassau and Residents to keep the Islanders in Nassau, to build a destination for Long Island families, and today on this morning I announce that their will no longer be talks with Nassau County and keeping the Islanders here. I have now opened my phone to all other options and will be looking to relocate the team after 2015.”
I am so heart broken right now, so disgusted that I really believe Nassau deserves everything that will happen after 2015. I will NEVER spend another dime in Nassau County. Here’s to the beginning of the end of Nassau County. Enjoy having your taxes increase, enjoy losing 240million a year, congratulations for adding over 2000 people to the unemployment, and enjoy losing 8 million dollars in tax revenue. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for being so selfish and uneducated. You are all the sole reason Nassau is now going to become a SHITHOLE!!!
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So how do our politicians explain how they will make up $248 million in revenue Nassau after they leave?
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GeneF says:
Hey, idiots in Nassau – check your tax bill after the Isles move. I can’t believe people can be so blind and stupid
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I honestly can’t take this anymore. Mmy heart is broken too. Even if we stay on long island it still looks like nobody wants us. $four stanely cups… four of them. I hope we end up in suffolk, I officially hate the place I was born in now.
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UIF says:
Boy, it’s just too much with this team. Nothing ever goes right for it.
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tond24 says:
long island dosnt deserve them, QUEENS here we come
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JKP on LI says:
The whole “Wang doesn’t own the property, so he can’t pay for the arena” argument is spurious at best. The county would rent him the property for $1/year if he agrees to a 30 year lease and pays for the arena himself. If Wang was serious about how much money the arena should make, let him assume the risk himself and build it. If it does better than projected, he gets to keep more of the money.
It’s understandable to be angry about the vote, but it’s genuinely hard for a lot of people to support millions for the billionaire. It’s also true that public funding for arenas is often awful for the locality–that wasn’t true in this case, but Wang didn’t do a good enough job providing details to show that it would be different.
If Wang were so sure this would pan out as promised, I’m not sure why he didn’t offer to call Jacobs’ bluff and agree to fund the arena himself so long as he could keep the profits himself. That might still be a solution here.
Fundamentally, Chris is right that there are still 4 years left before the team leaves. This is probably the sort of thing where they need to have one foot out the door before anyone really takes action.
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VA Isles says:
CB, your skeptic optimism is strange. What exactly is the next move? There is one, but it is in French, Quebec to be exact. Bettman wants this, otherwise he would have stepped in. (ahem, Phoenix)
Screw Nassau, screw long island. So effing glad I left in 99. The place is a sh*thole and when my parents go on permanent vacation to the sky, I’ll never set foot on long island again.
Have fun with your strip malls and run down schools. Ten bucks says they put a new mall in Mitchell field because fat housewives need shop, right? I don’t usually wish bad on people, but I hope Kate Murray dies, along with PSL Jacobs.
Sadly we’ll be seeing the return to greatness on a french simulcast.
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bob from bethpage says:
yea ed it was a” great day “.. too bad it wasnt a great plan gettin out the facts…oh yea we dont really need clear details when asking for 400 mil just a monday in the middle of summer should do the trick…. just plain genious
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islesfan03 says:
Im from CT and still will be attending the games. Dont stop showing up now you are just gonna make it easier for the team to move to canada. Still suppourt the team no matter how sickening it will feel not knowing if we will have our islanders after 2015. Fight for our team and suppourt it my biggest concern is getting something done before christmas time. What i mean is a new plan somewhere because by the time all of the voting and negotiating it will be next summer. We need to no the state of our franchise before FA so we can reisighn Tavares. If we lose Tavares then that will be the end of the fanbase and our loved new york islanders.
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Ok after some sleep I see that this was his plan all along and he strung the rookie mangono along for the ride. After all it’s just politics. Now Jacobs is forced to go hat in hand and offer Wang a sweeter deal that will line his pockets proper or be the next blame guy the unions will come down on in the election. You can’t expect the unions to blame the demacrats. Now Wang has the trump card and nc can put up or shut up because he owns something every wants besides apparently nc.
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Marc says:
Wang failed to make threats along the way, but needs to start. Enough of this “we’re focusing on hockey now” — want to be realistic? Most teams in the league/conference improved and the Isles did not — unless you want to use the “Streit will be back” and Nino should make the team. How long will it be before we hear from Wangano about the new arena… days, weeeks, months, longer? UGH… this sucks.
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Winning says:
Here is an idea, Wang takes the blame for his own mess, admits that offering last place is not good for business, admits that hiring friends n family instead of qualified profesionals doesnt work, understands that yankees box seats were 25 dollars in 1994, and now cost $2,400 a game because steinbrenner hired qualified gm/coach/players, instead of the cheapest coach n players he could find. TURN the ISLES into a WINNER n watch the $$$ come rolling on.
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The longer this is up in the air, the worse the team will be. No certainty = no free agents = no winning = no fans going to games. Wang, it’s in your best interest to immediately come out and say “this is my next step…”
But when has Wang ever been a good businessman when it comes to the team?
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I’ll be in attendance on Oct 8th. Im a fan of the team, not the building, not Long Island, etc…. I think our anger will be misguided if we stop attending games. Low attendance will just make it that much easier for someone to move them from the region. I feel like i owe it to the players that agreed to stay here to be in my seat supporting them. Having said that…I’ll eat dinner in Queens beforehand and wont spend a dime on Long Island.
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IslesFanInTN says:
Hopefully the Isles might possibly be going into one of the best seasons they have had in a while. Maybe some positive buzz will be generated around Nassau, Long Island, NY and the NHL if they have a good season. I think this vote may have turned out differently if the Isles made it a couple of rounds into the playoffs last season.
With that said, I am almost in disbelief that the people of Nassau county care so little about the Isles. With all the things the Isles do to support the community, the community said F U instead of thanks.
I said it 1000 times since I moved to TN but I am so glad I don’t live there anymore. One of the greatest places to live has been ruined by politicians, corruption and greed. -
isles40 says:
this is what happens when you get into bed with the worst county exec in the history of Nassau. you could tell by his tone and the look on his face. Wang is done with this county.
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ul says:
The people of Nassau get what they deserve now. I’m sorry to say until my children graduate from school I will be stuck with them. However I will rush to spend any discretionary money in Suffolk or NYC. Nassau will not see another penny from me.
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dose says:
Noone should be shocked by this. Not in this economic/political climate. Deep dissatisfaction with the whole state of things and the emotions it stirred ruled the day. I hope we all get – most importantly the owner – that this in no way means the people do not want the team. This was a collective “You’ve got some nerve,” from a smattering of people that care nothing about the Islanders and some who for various reasons are looking no further than tomorrow. But I suspect this came even more from people who want the team to stay, but demand a better way to do it.
If Charles Wang has not given up and a new plan emerges, maybe it will involve partial funding by Mr. Wang (perhaps with partners) in return for a share of the revenue that is generated. I know nothing about private/public development finance matters, but this would seem to make sense, and I am not ready to give up this team the way my parents gave up the Dodgers. I can’t imagine watching games this season and next, knowing that the team has one foot out the door with the second right behind and certain to follow. -
Hollywood says:
No offense to the Long Islanders but this was plan B. No way this team stays on the island. This team has little fan support on LI. They should no longer be subjected to Sat nights with barely 10,000 people in the stands.Wang just gave Nassau their last chance and the senior citizen vote won. Plan A has to have been Queens, it just has to be.
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JEFF in MD says:
This is Pathetic All these same idiots who voted no because of taxes , I am sure and will run to the polls and vote for OBAMA who will for sure will be raising their taxes for sure mark my words what in imformed idiots WOW
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Nasaau County and the Islanders did a horrible job at putting out information.The publicity through the media,newspapers,t.v. was a disaster. What is it going to cost me,the taxpayer annuallly ? And if it was $50.00 does that stay the same or does it have the possiblity of going higher year after year? I am a homeowner in Nassau county and my taxes are already out of control.
I love the Islanders but should my taxes go up again with no knowlesge on what the final coast could be ? -
Ethan K says:
Move out of Nassau County and don’t even give them a chance to try to speak about it otherwise.
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Bruce says:
I am from Northport originally but am now in upstate NY and have been a loyal fan since day 1.
The result of the arena referendum could/should be the best thing to happen.
It doesn’t matter to me if they are in Queens, Suffolk, Hamilton or Quebec City. It is still the Islanders organization – the same group of guys.
If they left town – what true Islanders fan would switch to become a Rangers fan? What true Islanders fan say they are not going to support the team of guys you’ve grown to care about and made a part of your life?
I am proof that no matter where they are, you can still be a fan. I may catch 1 or 2 games a year at the coliseum but I am on every Islander related site CONSTANTLY.
Having them in your backyard is only for convenience. Obviously, Nassau residents do not want them in their back yard.
TO CHARLES WANG: STOP DRAGGING THIS OUT. BE PUBLIC ABOUT YOUR “PROGRESS” TOWARD A NEW HOME TO RUB IT IN THEIR FACES. You have done your best to keep them here – you owe them nothing now (or for the past 10 years)
Let Nassau County enjoy their parking lot and rundown facility.
I feel sorry for the loyal fans that wanted this to happen – but this is the reality – face it and move on.
DO NOT BE ENTICED BY MORE TALKS/ SUGGESTIONS ABOUT OTHER AVENUES, OTHER POSSIBLE SCENARIOS.
MOVE ON CHARLES – YOU A BUSINESS MAN. IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO STOP MIXING EMOTIONS WITH BUSINESS.
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264 Hollywood on Aug 2nd, 2011 08:05:25 said:
No way this team stays on the island.With all due respect, how the hell do you know?
In the end it may turn out that way, but you don’t know anymore than anyone else what will happen. -
BringBackNyles says:
So much for the “mere formality ” this vote was reported to be on this site awhile back. The people have spoken, they do not care about the Islanders. Why should Wang even try a next move?
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mike says:
wang will have to tell us soon what is going on he will have no choice. were ever he going most likely a new area has to be built.
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Jim Clark says:
A wise guru once noted that people and nations seldom get what they want but almost always get what they deserve. That will apply to the 57% of Nassau County voters.
As CB noted on his interview with The Fan 590, did anyone hear John Taveras (or a whole bunch of other former and present Islanders) speak up in favor of this?
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TL says:
Nassau County is now a piss break on the way to the Hamptons. What a joke.
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Blizz says: Mr Wang, its time to abandon Nassau county. COld hard reality is they elected poilticians who blocked the effort to privately develop the hub, and now they voted no on the arena deal. At this point its time. Let Nassau county ROT!!!!
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Steve J says:
Is anyone really surprised about how the vote went. Other than Newday’s endorsement and a few hockey blogs there was no support anywhere in the media. Between all the Dems being told to vote NO, the Tea Party types who don’t even want a dollar spent on a new school let alone a new arena, and all the Seniors in Nassau who don’t want another car on the road to prevent them from getting to the next bingo game early, its not a surprise we lost. Wang is crazy to think the team can just go out and have a great season after this. Attendance is sure to drop and how focused can the players be knowing they don’t know where they will be playing anymore. If I was JT I would ask for a trade away from this mess. Queens sounds great and all but does Wang have the time and patience anymore to deal with more politicians and residents that may or may not even want another arena in NYC. It would have been better if a tornado went through and just destroyed the Coliseum. It would have save everyone a lot of trouble.
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Maybe the Town of Oyster Bay can find some land to build an arena. They seem to find a way to build structures. Unlike the Town Of Humpstead!!
Nice piece of land available along Robbins Lane in Sysosset. Within easy distance of Ice Works.
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T-1 Sella says:
Taxes will go up either way…..shame..just a shame…
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Claude says:
It’s CW fault . Besides a couple of years , he has produced a lousy product year in and year out. Any other legit business person would have bowed long ago unless your writing the loss against your other profitable business. Nobody wants to fund a loser. As long as CW is at the helm we’ll be the NHL’S titanic
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TimQ says:
Devastated is the word that immediately comes to mind. I couldn’t sleep last night after hearing the result. Really is a shame because for those of us that grew up during the cup years, the Islanders were THE source of pride for the area.
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Isles86 says:
Nassau doesn’t deserve the ISLANDERS or any other professional sport team!
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CG says:
In the long run, maybe this was for the best. They always said a standalone arena was not the best solution there. After a few years in the new building, they may have been having financial issues again. I still think a deal will be made in Nassau. Hopefully one in which Wang or another owner can generate revenue in addition to the arena. Both political sides have killed a project now. They are even. I think there actually may be bipartisan attempt to make something happen now. There is pressure on both sides to get a deal done. Trying to stay optimistic.
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Nyslefan says:
I disagree that everyone did their best. I don’t think Wang and the Islanders handled this well. Where were the 80s Isles, Arbor,the 90s Isles, and today’s players? (I’m thinking mainly of Tavares and franchise-player Rick DiPietro.) Why weren’t they appearing in TV ads and going door-to-door? Particularly if the Islanders’ home in LI was at stake – I would think they could do this. Was there even a get-out-the-vote operation to offer rides to the polls to likely YES voters? And the rally should have been this past weekend when people could show up! They gambled on this referendum, which itself wouldn’t have guaranteed the project, and they lost miserably. George Vescy had at least one good point – what evidence do we have they Charles Wang can run a hockey franchise? He certainly can’t make that case to the people of Nassau.
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JimfromStJames says:
I for one will never spend another dollar in Nassau County. No reason to, I’ll just be like everyone else in Suffolk and pass right through on my way to NYC. That is what they missed, I now have no reason to eat at any of the restaurants on Heampstead Tnpk. Take a cab, or drink at a local bar.
Idiots…
I agree that Wang should have been more vocal, and should be even more vocal now. -
Paul says:
I agree, this is Wongs fault for running the team into the ground. For putting out a losing product for so long that Long Islanders just did not care anymore. He got what he deserves.
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Tom NYC says:
At this point, i feel like Nassau doesn’t deserve the Islanders. Hopefully they will wind up in Queens so the fans can still get to see them play while Nassau misses out on all the revenue.
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Scott K says:
58% of Nassau does not deserve the Isles. 58% of Nassau does not deserve a revitalized community.
STOP WASTING TIME in Nassau. Enough is enough! We’re holding on to Nassau for this team’s history at the expense of its future. The past is well worn with this team. Start somewhere else (in NY) and build a lasting future.
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Bye bye DP says:
Nassau doesn’t deserve a pro team.
Move the team already. Brooklyn, Queens, Canada or anywhere else, it’s embarrassing to the team, fans and NHL that they keep them in limbo.
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Thank you Nassau County for a lousy nights sleep and a sad mood to start the day. Way to ruin my week off.
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Mark from massapequa says:
This was all smoke and mirrors. This was designed to fail . Now Mr. Wang will try to purchase the arena and surrounding acreage and aim for a scaled down lighthouse style project. If that fails – he will move the team and then he will sell the team. I cam assure you the Isles are not going to Queens, Brooklyn or Suffolk .
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Chris says:
The Arena vote was a waste of time. Nassau problems are a lot deeper then this issue, but it’s the Islanders fault for basically abusing their fans the last 10-15 years. raisng prices, poor & exspensive food & drink & the worse franchise out of the 4 major sports. I’m truely embarassed to root for this team. Arbour, Torrey, Westfall, Gillies, Nystrom, Potvin, etc. I almost wish they never came to the Island. If Wang is upset, maybe his friend Yashin can take him out to a nice dinner in Suffolk County
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With Wang getting up there in age, (gonna be 75 by 2015), there is no way he can continue to own this team indefinately…. It will be sold and it will be moved…likely destinations: Canada, if not Quebec city.
If we as NYI fans deny this eventuality, we are only kidding ourselves, this was it folks… As Wang stated, shovels need to be in the ground by June 2012 to ensure it is completed in time… Regardless of where you are saying, (ie- Queens or Suffolk)… it ain’t gonna happen in time.
NHL has stated on numerous occasions as has Wang, the Islanders will not play one day longer in that pit the Isles call home. If we as fans thought it was hard to sign players before….boy it is gonna get doubly so now… when the organization does not know where it will be in a few years, do we thin we can retain players such as Tavares, with all the upcoming uncertainty…. I think not.
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DrewPaul says:
#287 What’s wrong with letting him purchase the arena and surrounding acreage and a scaled down lighthouse?
The problem that most people had with the original LH was that is was too big. Now that the voters have rejected a taxpayer funded arena, why not push for a happy medium?
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LouD says:
I’m so sorry to all of the loyal Islander fans from Nassau County. Unfortunately for you living in one of the most progress stifling areas in the country has interfered with your lives and futures once again. I seriously urge all of you to look into moving to one of the many areas in our great country that actually want progress and change for the betterment of your future. Most of Long Island is obviously clenching on to the past and seem to be happy with slowly fading away into obscurity. I would think at this point, with all of the money he has lost, and all of the political hurdles he has run into like brick walls that Wangs only choice will be to move the team.
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Lastly, all you can do now is watch VERY closely at what happens to your taxes. At some point one of the political parties will have their way and someone will be able to build whatever they want at your expense. When the Isles move the town will have to allow whomever is lining their pockets to build so they can make up the lost revenue. Unbelievable.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
I am all for a brand new arena and keeping the Isles here in my lifetime. I voted YES because I want to see something productive built from my taxes and have it not go to all this other nonsense. But I don’t want to get killed by saying this and I would much rather a new building than a rennovated one. In Wang’s LHP he developed the entire property and left the existing coliseum and only rennovated it. What has changed that much in the past few years that now the building would not be able to be rennovated? Did he project such extreme revenues from the LHP that any sort of rennovating the coliseum could be done? That has been in the back of my mind and can’t make everything add up.
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While the vast majority of people on this site are huge hockey fans, the fact is that the vast majority of Nassau residents are not. At least not to the extent that they are passionate about baseball or football. When the Yankees threatened to move, the did so because they knew what the public outcry would be. The Isles simply don’t have that kind of credibility anymore.
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Lance says:
The reality is during a national debate on spending, passing this Vote was doomed from Day One. Im a die hard, and I voted NO. Why? The fiscal restraint I beg our leaders to show must apply to my own passions, no matter how much it hurts. The playing field is level now–make the choices based on fiscal reality. When a team pays a guy like Rolston simply to get to the salary cap floor, why would I lay down for that team? The fans deserve an arena: the owner and management does not. Charles appointed the management of this team and we are close to being a “Mickey Mouse ” team. Like in DC, we need real change. If thats locale, so be it.
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How awesome would it be to see a beautiful new arena and entertainment center being buit over the next few years, 5 minutes over either the East or West borders of nassau cty. Would love to see these Political hacks dance around a what might have been, as the FLEA Market goes up in Uniondale!
That Knucklehead on ch 12 last night, Nicholosi, crowing about how the area should be developed as a Technology hub, are you kidding? No industry is coming to NassauCty.!! What is the attraction? Low tax base? Low overhead? Affordable housing for employees? Ease of construction? etc.? Not in our lifetime! -
Pipert in VA says:
Should of made a real trade for once!! Would of boosted everyones hopes BUT more importantly show Suffolk, and Queens we would be good for them.
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Mike says:
Why not move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn????? Its right above Atlantic Terminal & the LIRR.
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Islander57 says:
Any ideas on what really is next?
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PotvinRocks says:
Gone are the days, we stop to decide
Where we shall go, we just ride -GD -
Toby says:
I’m encouraging all of us to support the team through this season. Does this stink? Heck yea it does, but this is a likeable team whom, I think, can play some hockey.
If they leave, I have no problem with it. They deserve whatever is best, and a new and a community who wants them deserves the team.
I just hope and pray that Wang doesn’t continue to go back to Nassau County. He needs to walk away with some dignity.
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Fourth Rail says:
Bring the Islanders to Suffolk!
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NK says:
Once again Nassau County proves that they are dying and shortsighted. If the taxpayers could say my taxes are definitely going to drop by dumping the Coliseum, I could see it. If they could say there are better alternatives like housing or office complexes I could understand this vote. But they have shot down a Coliseum, the Lighthouse (privately funded) and any other project that has been discussed for the “Hub” over 40 years. What did this vote do? It not only dooms the Islanders. It probably dooms the Children’s Museum, Air and Space Museum, Firefighters Museum which rely on tourists that the NC draws. So Nassau residents, enjoy looking at an abandoned parking lot with weeds all over it and an abandoned marquis where you can say when I was a kid, a hockey team played here that won 4 Stanley Cups. I also saw this concert or that concert, my first circus, ice show, wrestling etc.. Well lets get on a train to MSG or Brooklyn because we were too dumb to have something nice for ourselves. Now we have to travel 40 miles to do it.
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Phil M from FP says:
It was sad this morning when my 11 year old daughter said “no matter where they go I will always root for my guys”. So sad she may not be able to see them in person anymore.
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Shoeless Joe Jackson says:
Wang has really done everything he can to keep the Isles here and I appreciate that…but now it is time for him to consider Queens or any other local areas that fit.
I’m sure Nassau is still the best bet, knowing with politics nothing ever gets done until the very last hour, but in a way, I could care less about Nassau anymore.
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Dano says:
I am so furious I cannot even see straight. I would like to hypothetically propose that everyone that voted YES yesterday covers the $40/year tax increase of those who voted NO. Maybe the “No’s” could recipricate and pay the $300/year that we will all go up when the Coliseum closes!!! Or maybe they could pay some of the taxes for the 2,000 people that they are knocking out of work that currently cash checks from NCVM related jobs. So short-sighted …. so ignorant. Islanders aside, how could a few bucks out of your pocket allow you in rational thought to take away jobs from so many people??? And that doesn’t even touch on how many friends, relatives, and neighbors that this project could have employed moving forward. Sickening!
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In response to dose on Aug 2nd, 2011 08:16:41 said:
Wang knew this was a no go. It’s been over since the LH project was squashed. I’ll bet that the Queens deal gets announced before Xmas. I know Nassau County is a overpriced Dive and it’s sad that they would vote against the only thing worth traveling to. Lets get the Isles out of LI and in Queens where they will be appreciated. What yesterdays vote really solidified is that the fanbase is as big if not more off the island than on. -
PLEASE MOVE TO QUEENS OR BROOKLYN! I would buy season tickets in a heartbeat. Nassau and all the geezers will get everything they deserve.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
I would jump for joy if Wang announced today that he had a deal signed with another city and the team would play its first game there ASAP. Just find the team a home aleady so the madness can end. If Nassau wants their crappy lot, let them have it already. We are blocking their treasure. Dang it, we coulda been the Jets. Shoulda voted in May instead of August. Maybe we will be the Canadian team in the Atlantic division. This sucks!
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5w30 says:
1) Queens is NOT an option. Overcrowded already. Flushing Meadows is bursting at the seams with tennis and soccer players. Wrong demographic. And the Wilpons can barely carry the Mets, New York’s only AAA MLB team. They don’t have the cash now or ever to diversify in sports. Horse tracks like Belmont [which is in Nassau] and Queens’ own Aqueduct have their own use plans in place.
2) Seriously explore the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Yes, they are putting down a floor capable of ice making, but is it NHL size? They’re being awful cagey about it, they meaning the Barclays folks. And yes, the Rangers can’t block the Isles from moving there anyway.
3) Nassau Coliseum is truly an aging dump. Bad for fans, athletes, broadcasters. An embarrassment to Nassau County, which is teetering on bankruptcy.
4) It’s time for serious talks with people in either Kansas City or Quebec City, both places that will be ready and willing to take on any NHL team starting in the 2016 season.
5) This isn’t the end of it for Islanders fans, but it is the start of a whole new painful reality which is worse than anything Spano or Milbury can foist upon this star-crossed franchise. -
Hey Mr. Wang give Mr. Breslin a call about that 150 acres in Yaphank that he has for sale that was slated for that shopping mall… Just north of the LIE ex. 68 on Wm. Floyd Parkway. Would rather see a building that could be used for concerts, shows and sporting events than another shopping mall. The hell with nassau county. Let suffolk county show the way.
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JT says:
CB, what is Mangaino’s “Plan B”. Is it simply the RFP approach mentioned in Newsday or is there more? Either way, I hope he’s better prepared to fight this time around.
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Feels worse than getting punched in the stomach, I give Charles a lot of credit for putting up with the political bs and losing money every year. Oh I like to encourage people to throw bags of sh** outside Kate Murrays house. I hope she gets what she deserves.
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Amazing to me that when you see the pictures of the people that voted they are like 100 years old. I was talking at work. The only one in my group that was eligible to vote was a woman in her upper 60′s or 70′s. You mean pay $58 more a year, forget it. I almost dropped. So I said this means your taxes are going down. And she said they won’t go up. Really, when is the last time taxes in Nassau didn’t go up? I lived in Nassau for almost 30 years. Now in Suffolk. I would gladly welcome the Islanders and the opportunity of getting an area in Western Suffolk even if my taxes went up a bit. If that won’t work maybe Bloomberg can convince Wang to move near Citi Field. Public Transportation and a solid highway system. The possible development of the Iron Triangle would give Wang the opportunity to get more real estate involved. Nassau is done. And you wonder why people leave. They can’t get out of their own way.
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JD says:
I will officially have zero reason to ever step foot in the ToH again. For the better part of the last 3 decades my family has had season tickets and attended shows, concerts, etc.. The amount of money we’ve poured into Nassaus economy is more then Id like to admit. After seeing the results of the vote last night I cant help but feel like someone thats been scammed. All that money and all those memories, all in vain. What hurts the most is the reading comments from people that seem to think this was all a show and that the Isles arent going anywhere (or the building for that matter).
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#302.dead on…all over a perceived tax of 4 dollars a month (at worst)….LOL….people will pay more than that in the change of gas prices…just a shame…
one of the highest taxed counties in america and all they do is holdup their residents…. -
HyeDray says:
My sincerest hope is the Islanders move to either Queens or Suffolk. Nassau County its people and pols clearly dont want, and dare I say don’t deserve the Islanders.
Perhaps an empty, dark, desolate crack house of a Nassau Coliseum would be a perfect monument to Jay Jacobs, Kate Murray, Peter Schmidt, Ed Mangano, Tom Suozzi and Joe Mondello. Nothing would be more fitting.
Suffolk could work — but only Western Suffolk. And as a former Suffolk resident — I don’t see much different from the pols there — just as bad!!!
Queens would be great, but Willits Point would require condemning property and a legal battle that may not allow time within the 2015 window.
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
As legendary CBS News reporter Lowell Thomas used to say, ” So long”.
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islesfan1 on Aug 2nd, 2011 09:48:12 said:
” maybe Bloomberg can convince Wang to move near Citi Field. ”I think you got it backwards. “Maybe Wang can convince Bloomberg “
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Chris – You know way better than any of if Charles Wang is the kind of person to give up and walk away a loser after all the money and energy he’s put into this, or is he determined and persistent enough a man to continue on with still one more plan possibly broached by the county as a compromise deal. Other than Mr Picker, you would seem most qualified to venture an educated guess on this question?
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
As one who lives in the area, I applaud the vote. Now we can get what we really need….another freaking mall! Oh, sorry No sayers who didn’t want the additional traffic!
Sarcasm aside, people who are talking about boycotting the games because of the vote will only add fuel to the fire. The lease expires in 2015…a lot can happen in four years, but one thing I can guarantee…if the average attendance falls back into four figures, the NHL will have no qualms about moving the franchise to QC or KC.
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kevin says:
Move them to Atlanta. With a good ownership group Atlanta is a good market. Sounds like Wang is a much better owner the the ASG group.
Build up a rivalry with Nashville and Carolina and things could be good.
Putting Nashville and Atlanta in separate conferences when they are less than 200 miles apart made no sense to begin with.
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Mike B says:
Nicely done, Nassau voters. In order to avoid paying a possible additional $13.80/year in taxes for a new arena, you will now pay an additional $16.00/year in property taxes for a vacant arena. Shrewd.
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JTizzle says:
I am Numb!
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NEED REAL TRADE to show Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn that they want to win and we would be good for their area…
CW, snow & company dropped the ball the last few years on this team. So make us fans excited again to the point we are talking about the upcoming season with hope not they way we have been. -
Good trade equals HOPE!!!!!
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martin says:
Bye bye, John Tavares!!
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geduffer says:
This is typical of the chattering class of morons in Nassau County that get irate when they talk about cutting services to reduce spending and get even more irate when they say “ok then we need a small tax increase to pay for the services that you want”. They want the service, but they don’t want to pay a cent for it. They want the team and they don’t mind the building as long as they don’t have to pay for it. Charles is too honorable. What he should do, the day after the 2011-12 season ends is back up the moving trucks at midnight, move the team to Kansas City, flip the double bird at Nassau County and be done with this sh!thole. My company just opened an office in KC. I’d follow.
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Whatever happens I hope they just announce it quickly. No more extended “self-imposed blackouts” or anything like that. Just pull the band-aid off and be done with it.
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Oye Comeau Va says:
My boycott of spending in Nassau County has officially commenced. I will not spend $1 in the county a shovel is in the ground… which I understand may be until the day die.
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Jonathan, Smithtown says:
all you Suffolk folk.. flood your reps with emails about having the islanders come here!!!
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Reality Check says:
the reality of the situation is, the islanders poor attendance (in addition to them not being so great) is how inconvenient it is to get to nassau; moving to suffolk is an awful idea. if the Isles move out of nassau, it WILL BE queens/brooklyn, if for no other reason than because of MASS TRANSPORTATION!!!
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slsangus says: Most of the posts this morning are coming from a place of emotion and anger. Valid all across the board, but probably not realistic in terms of the real question – “what now?” For everyone’s consideration…
1. The Islanders are here for 4 more seasons, unless you believe that Charles Wang is an outright liar. If you do, you have no reason to do so other than some personal dislike of the man.
2. If you accept that there’s a 30 month construction period for a new arena (i.e. construction must start by September 2012), it means that the real “drop dead” date for Plan C is about 6-8 months from now. Time, but not a lot of it.
3. Let Jay Jacobs and the Nassau Dems now come up with something credible and specific. If he’s serious about selling the land to Wang, let him prepare a proposal that does so on terms Wang can accept.
4. Nothing would move the process forward more than the Islanders actually having a quality season and playing some playoff home games a la Toronto 2002. Iffy, at best.
5. The most annoying person I’ve heard regarding this deal wasn’t Jay Jacobs; it was Pat Nicolosi. If I hear one more slobbering reference to Mike Bloomberg or Donald Trump I will vomit. Since when did the “President of the Elmont-East End Civic Association” become a player worthy of the same standing as Mangano, Wang, or, yes, Jacobs? At least Jacobs has a real position of influence (as we have all learned).
6. The worst part of this actually has very little to do with the Islanders. It’s that Long Island’s reputation as the “land of no” has now become even more firmly cemented. Try telling some entrepreneur from North Carolina that he should move his/her business here. Try getting a startup company to choose Nassau over Brooklyn. Try telling a 25 year old that his/her future isn’t in Williamsburg or Florida, that he/she should stay in Levittown. Good luck on all counts. -
Doug says:
Bring em to Suffolk, perfect sight would be where they were going to build a gigantic mall off of William Floyd Parkway in Yaphank. Right off the expressway for easy access, and the land has been cleared several times. Make a separate exit off of the LIE for the arena, and bam traffic solved. DO IT!!!
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326 can you explain why it is an AWFUL idea to move to suffolk please?
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Ira says:
I am very disappointed in my fellow Nassau County residents who voted no. This loss will cost new jobs and old jobs and hurt businesses around the area. Not to mention to have to put more money into the Dolans in order to see a hockey game (IF you can get a ticket,) makes me sick. Also not to mention having to spend $80 on the LIRR, giving NYC my business, and having to pay overpriced ticket prices whether it be for hockey games, concerts, the circus, or so many other events we would lose due to the Coliseum closing down. It is truly a sad day in Nassau County
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It is imperative that Wang lays down some alternative plan before start of season. The obvious increased attendance at games and full team support aside, what else as fans can we do??? As most everyone has noted I feel like a huge part of our lives and what could have been was taken away from us today. I certainly don’t want to go without a fight.
Oh yeah Wang…please send Sparky to take a massive dump on Jacobs’ front stoop.
Thanks -
(328) With all due respect, to move the Isles to Suffolk County unless you’re talking about Farmingdale let’s say, would be an awful idea. The person that suggested Yaphank, tell me anyone that is going to drive an extra hour in LIE traffic to get to the game? I think if there is any room to build by Belmont racetrack, that would be perfect.
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ISLANDER68NY says:
THE WORST PART IS THE POLITICIANS REALLY DONT GIVE A RATS ASS WHAT U OR I WANT/THINK.WHAT A DISGRACE.
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jonfronnj says:
Heartbroken. But I’ve resigned myself to following this franchise wherever they go and will become a fan of them wherever they are, even if it’s Quebec.
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A lot of Islanders fans are from Eastern Suffolk County, and we drive that hour in traffic to go to games.. no reason why die-hard fans in Nassau wouldn’t do the same. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on Sunrise Highway near 112 exit on my way and seeing tons of cars bearing Islanders jersey passengers heading in the same direction as me.
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As a Westchester County resident and die hard Isles fan, I want to thank the voters of Nassau for now giving me legitimate reason to NEVER EVER GO TO NASSAU COUNTY AGAIN…they’ll never see another dollar of my money for anything….
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I could understand an area in Suffolk off the beaten trail would be stupid… but something right off of an LIE exit isn’t bad at all. Plus in Rush hour once you get passed exit 62 for Nicolls.. it’s smooth sailing. It’s bad heading out west in that traffic too.
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StormKat says:
Nassau County does not deserve to have a professional sports team. The Islanders should try to break the lease now. Has anyone explored whether they could move to Madison Square Garden for a few years? There are open dates that could be had and I think the attendance would improve and the rivalry with NYR would be more intense. There is a precedent for two teams sharing the same building either on a permanent or temporary basis. Keeps them in NY, allows them to attract free agents and gives them options to figure out where to move. Probably increases the value of the team if Wang wants to sell it. Thoughts?…
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The other thing I am disappointed in is that so few people even bothered to show up and vote. I know they set this up for August 1st in order to get a low turnout, but geez…10% of all registered voters if that many? That is almost cause alone for Wang to pack up and move.
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Jonathan, Smithtown #328
simply because they would be putting themselves on an island (pun intended). they would be cutting off ALOT of people from queens, brooklyn, manhattan, bronx, brooklyn, jersey, connecticut, nassau to a lesser extent. its just hard to get to suffolk and its not the optimal place to get the MOST fans in seats. if they have a more centrally located place (Read: with mass transportation) and people coming from every direction (instead of suffolk which is a long DRIVE for most people) it would make alot more sense from a business/money making standpoint. its gonna take alot to convince me otherwise…
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jack says:
Why would Wang stay on LI ? I’d move ASAP, it’s obvious he’s not wanted. And from what I’ve read on this blog over the past month, Nassau County is having young flight, better move while he can.
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John says:
CB – what in all honesty are the viable New York options to where this team can move to? Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn and…..that’s it? Is that all there is?
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Suffolk is a terrible idea. Even if CW could get the entire Lighthouse project in that Pilgrim area near Deer Park, that is way, way too far for most fans. Remember, many fans with season tickets work in the city. Unless you make the start time 8pm or later, you cannot possibly expect everyone to take the LIRR past their homes, or go home first and then drive out east, on a weeknight. On a weekend, at least in Nassau and west, you have the option of going into the city after a game ends at around 9:30-9:45. Out east, that would be far less likely.
We all know that, at this point, its Queens, Brooklyn, or bust. Queens is the best option by location, Brooklyn is the more likely option. I’d take either one.
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CG says:
The whole Brooklyn thing really frustrates me. The most the arena can hold is 14,500 for hockey in a retrofitted space. Not feasible for long term. This would have been the perfect next option but only if Prokhorov bought the team. The Isles would have done very well there. I think there will be big time resistance to an arena in Queens. The city really doesn’t need a third arena and Dolan and Prokhorov would both be obstacles in that one. And I wouldn’t blame them. Just doesn’t make sense to me. Suffolk could work if it is in the very very Western part and must be near a LIRR stop.
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Brian says:
It appears as though they outsmarted themselves. By holding the vote on a random Monday in August the thought was they would get mostly Islander fans to vote. However, given the EXTREMELY bad luck of having the LIRR breakdown, what a shock, a lot of the younger Islander vote never made it to the booths. Once again, we can’t seem to do anything right.
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raul17 says:
I am disappointed with the responses here. Even if the vote was a yes, NIFA would have nixed it. I live in Manhattan formerly of The Bronx and was angered how the New Yankee Stadium deal was done: removal of park & recreational land for the stadium & garages; et al. I just read how the fees went up for using some of the few ball fields and how the companies that run the garages are close to bankrupt. I thought the NCVM deal was to “rosy” and I still have not found what happens if the monies that were projected do not appear. Mangano & the Isles did a very bad job of clarifying the project. of the 3000 jobs that will be “created”, how many of them were non-constrution jobs and new? The new stadium was to generate thousands of jobs, but actual jobs from the front office which were already filled!
I do not like corporate welfare, especially from sports teams. As a baseball fan, I have seen and heard how major league baseball & minor league baseball hold municipals hostage with favorable deals those cities could not afford; and with the current economical mess, I think the right decision was made.
Three responders’ views were close to my thoughts:
#175 drew
#195 Bill From Oceanside
#218 JzimmHow long did the Pittsburgh Penguins waited before their arena was approved?
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Steve K. says:
The moronic and ignorant short-sightedness of the Nassau senior citizens who complain about taxes can have this $@#$hole of a county because all the smart, young people have or are going to move the hell out of here. Enjoy selling your crappy little house to nobody.
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cgs878 says:
Oh well, I had a feeling that the NO voters would win. Time for Plan C. If the Islanders move, maybe MLS will build a nice new soccer stadium on the NVMC property. Woo!
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what now CB? what do we/the Islanders do now? Maybe move to Brooklyn, Queens? Would the Rangers mind having us as co-tenants for a few years while something is built? It works for the Jets and Giants. How about sharing something with the Devils or moving into the IZOD Center for a couple seasons while something gets built? What is possible?
Also CB, if Wang was so willing to pay for the whole Lighthouse Project by himself, how come he didn’t just do it this time? Will the County sell the property rights to the Islanders so Wang can do whatever he wants? I think if Wang is about to quit on this new arena being built deal, he should figure it out soon so he can sell the team to someone who will build it here. He has long seemed resigned to quitting if this got turned down. I’ve heard Bettman won’t let the Islanders leave because they are too much of a historic franchise. We all want some answers, of course. What do you think it’ll be CB? Any thoughts?
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Anyone thinking that Jones Beach would make a good home for an arena. Plenty of parkinig and not used much during the winter! Could put a light rail in place from the LIRR.
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Dan says:
150K voted 18% turnout yesterday
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Sean says:
Chris, I know its hard to speculate, but you know better than all of us. Could you let us know what the options are and a possible timeline until we find out the future. I don’t think I’ll attend games or pay to much attention to this team with the thought that they might be moved far away in a few years. Just to depressing.
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As far fetched as it may sound, the Isles sharing the garden with the rangers would be a blast! (they fit in a WHA team years ago).
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MICHEL GOULET says:
John Tavares….ET LE BUT!!!! VIVE LA NORDIQUE! LA COUPE DE STANLEY, 2016!!
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Pablo says:
Charles Wang has Made the Islanders IRRELEVANT to nassau county residents!
The Islanders of the 80′s-90′s were a Household Name. Not now! What do you expect from people or Home Owners.
The Islanders back before Wang were ther The Reasons for Hockey being Huge at that Time The Islanders were a Winning organizationthey made the playoffs.
Today Homeowners do not care, children and kids might but Home Owners do not.
People are just as smart as Wang is. They only Want to invest in a Winner!
Mr. Wang has Failed to do just that!
Winning will do that! Being on the back cover of Newspapers for Winning will do that.
The Islanders being at the Bottom of the NHL for years on End and even Killing a Ranger Islander Rivalery has put the Islanders in box on a shelf out of LongIslanders Minds.
Wang has made a House hold Name into a Project called the Lighthouse, that is what LongIslanders Know not a Winning Team! -
I agree that Brooklyn isn’t viable holding only 14,500 seats. I think Queens is probably the best area to do it.
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Subydude says:
Nassau Population: 1,339,532
Suffolk Population: 1,493,350Why is the general consensus that SC can’t support/doesn’t need an arena? It has the LIRR and a major commercial airport (and a second one good for charters)? Heck, most of us out here came from Nassau. The Port Jeff LIRR line is the ONLY line that is experiencing growing ridership. The thought that fans from NC won’t come out to a game is as wrong as fans from SC don’t go to the NVMC. True, fans from the boroughs and elsewhere will suffer but how many are season tix holders(and its still closer than Quebec).
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and just a follow up, has anyone tried to get through Brooklyn lately? From many parts of NC it would be easier to get in and out of a SC arena than in and out of Brooklyn.
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Hollywood –
Again. I think this was not about the Islander fanbase not being big enough. It was about their objection to the way this deal was to be done. And low attendance at games is not reflective of the size of the fanbase. It means they’re tired of being chumps and spending big dough on a bad product year after year. They want a new arena done the right way, and to see a good product once they get there. That’s seems pretty reasonable to me. I don’t think anyone who really pays attention thinks this team wouldn’t draw if it was at least competitive.
Also, Queens is part of Long Island, just as Brooklyn is. -
Mark says:
It’s quite surprising that with the brilliant coup of the Isles management in getting Ty Wishart to come out and speak out in favor of this that he couldn’t rally the passion enough to get this done.
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John M says:
# 353..Wang didn’t make them irrelevant, they were irrelevant (and a disgrace) when he bought them. Granted he made some terrible moves, but without him and the $230 mill he sunk into them, they would have been gone a long time ago. Can’t see another arena in Queens, not enought events to go around. realistically, how many events woudl that arena host a year, even if the Isles went to the Cup finals? 80? 90?
I wonder if CB, was still in the PR department, if the YES vote would have passed? I guarantee the old-school Isles woudl have been at every rally.
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Am I missing something. As far as I know nobody in Queens or Suffolk has EVER expressed interest in buying Isles. Is this incorrect? If not stop with this idea that now somebody will come in buy the worst franchise currently in sports, build an arena in the most exspensive place in the world, basically spend 6 or 7 hundred million dollars on a team that has not made a profit in 25 years. How does this make sense? Only 5,000 to 7,000 actual Isles fans show up for games now. Please explain I think there is 0% chance
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The reason why Suffolk doesn’t work isn’t because of Suffolk residents not going to games. It’s because of everyone else. Being that its effectively a peninsula because of the bridges, there’s only one way traffic flows to Suffolk, and that’s from the west. Same with Nassau. The Islanders NEED to incorporate the millions living in and near the city, including Queens, which I believe is a crucial market for long-term viability. I do not doubt Suffolk’s passion for the team, however, you cannot move the arena to a place that’s over an hour from the nearest city. You just cannot. The Isles are barely a blip in the NYC sports radar as is. The response should not be to say “screw it, give it up,” but rather find ways to further ingratiate yourself into that lucrative market. Moving 25-30 miles farther east will not do it.
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I was suggesting Wang put the team in Suffolk and keep it.
I agree that an arena in Queens simply wouldn’t work. Everyone in SC has to trek to NC or City to see ANY event (other than Ducks games) and we do it. I think a venue out here would be a tremendous success.
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@361, I just can’t see three major arenas within 15 miles of each other. We can support the teams but the other events? I can’t see it working.
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Reality Check #340
unfortunately you make a good point
i guess im still just sour about the outcome of last night.. lets go islanders :/ -
makela24 says:
I hate Nassau County. He wanted to build something big with his money, the democrats said yes, the republicans no. Now he said fine, I will build something smaller b/c you don’t want any big development, but I need to use public financing to make it worth my while…this time the republicans said yes and the democrats were against…all political. What I hate about this all, and it is a backdrop for the discussions across the country, is that Wang has to be incentivized to spend his own money and make a profit. Just doing the coliseum alone does not pay. If they let him build something bigger, he would use his money but they won’t. They want him to build something smaller with his own money, create jobs, and not worry about whether it is profitable or not to him since he is a billionaire and doesn’t need the money anyway.
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I go to 10 – 15 met games a year from SC and love the Willets Point idea, much more so than Brooklyn.
Does NVMC really draw that many folks in from the City and points north/south?
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Seth says:
“Closing time – you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”
heartbroken to say the least. what a dark day in Islanders history.
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KB says:
It is a sad day for Long Island…not just Islander fans. Charles Wang, thank you for what you tried to do. Thank you for trying to keep this team where they belong. Thank you for the most part, showing class and patience.
THIS is exactly what happened with the Nordiques: In the middle of a rebuild the team moves to Colorado..and THEN wins the cup.
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“We are all Islanders”, uh maybe not!
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Subydude – coming from Brooklyn on the LIRR for games, I can tell you this: On the way back from Westbury or Hempstead after games, there are a decent number of people in Isles jerseys. Not a huge number, but certainly notable. My best guess is that they’re former Long Islanders like me who now live in the city, but there are many, many of us.
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yabbazabba says:
if the islanders move to SC, i personally will buy season tickets for the next 5 years. Suffolk County is easy to navigate and not far from any single point (no more than 25 min) put it at the old Bellport outlets on the south shore. right off 101 (Sills Road -> connects LIE and Sunrise) and put up a LIRR stop between patchogue and Yaphank. BOOM. DONE. Hell, ill quit my job and join one of the construction unions. I know a lot of people out in Suffolk that need the work.
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EVERYONE!! Lets petition Wang to bring to team out to Suffolk. The fans have shown its loyalty. Imagine if Suffolk county could have voted!!!!! We would have blown the opp out of the water. If you’d like my email, im seriously starting this plea petition, comment below and i will provide my email address for those who wish to participate. this saga does not end today. we will fight to the very last man. LETS GO ISLANDERS!
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People who hate the Suffolk idea are people that are from Nassau County. And they do not want drive to far. The forget that people from suffolk have done it for the past 30 years.
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Just to be clear folks, I am for ANY location that keeps them here, be it SC, Brooklyn or Queens.
I would sign any and all petitions/letters. Like alot of us outside of nassau, yesterday was a frustrating day for all of us who could not be heard.
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Hey stumpy 32 we drive an hr. one way to watch the Isles. Been doing it for over 30yrs. Sounds like you wouldn’t make that trip. What kind of fan are you? I know Ranger fans that live east of me who go into the garden to see their team. Distance isn’t a problem for a true fan
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Mike says:
@ #140 – Your thinking is exactly what is wrong with Nassau County. You say, “I want this” “I want that”, but so long as someone else pays for it.
You are to blame when the revenue from the CURRENT N.V.M.C. is lost when the NYI are sold and relocate out of Nassau County. Hope you feel better that your “NO” vote saved you anywhere from $13-$54 dollars a year on your tax bill. When the current revenue from the NVMC ceases and your taxes go up to make up the difference, I’m sure you will not remember your “NO” vote yesterday. I’m sure you’ll find blame someplace else, because in your mind, it wouldn’t be your fault.
Besides, you can always drive down Hempstead Turnpike and look at the non-development on that acreage in 2016 and smile that you also supported Kate Murray’s idea of not building a “monstrocity”. You deserve an “atta-boy” for that one. It wouldn’t have cost you one thin dime, but you preserved the status quo on Long Island.
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Michael says:
Bottom line is this – Nassau County deserves exactly what it gets. As a former resident who returns often to watch the Islanders – if no building is built the Islanders will leave, the Coliseum will be demolished, revenues in Nassau county will be dramatically reduced from the loss of the Islanders and all other associated revenues – hotels, restaurants, shopping – taxes will be forced to go up. If an individual is interested in attending any sort of entertainment they will be forced to travel into NYC or Newark. So in summary – being short sighted will end up costing people in the long run. Nassau County will become increasingly more irrelevant and people will continue to move into Suffolk and Brooklyn. I raise a glass to the Islanders and Mr. Wang for his efforts, here is to hoping the Islanders turn their back on Nassau County, as Nassau County did to them – settle in Brooklyn or Queens and watch Nassau County become a meaningless second class county.
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What wang should do now, is work tirelessly to put together the best possible run from here on until 2015. Then he should take a team on the verge of greatness, and threaten to move them! Nobody gives a rats ass about a perenial loser. If the team strings together a couple of WINNING seasons and a few playoff runs, there will be a product worth keeping around, worth fighting for!
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Moosie says:
Wang now has no reason not to sell the team, be it to Quebec City, Hartford, Kansas City, Saskatoon, etc. The four years until the lease expires will give some city without a building time to put one up.
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I personally just think Suffolk county is more of a viable option. Theres more land (and vacant building property) either in Kings Park, Yaphank, Bellport, Smithtown, etc etc than there is in Brooklyn or Queens. It would bring huge revenue to the county and kick start local businesses. aka Diners, Rest, outlets. Plus, we only have 1 mall, bring an Islander store there. We have many schools, hospitals that would love to see Islander charity. Someone help me out here. Us fans need to seriously get together, put on our game faces, and come up with a plan the shows Mr. Wang and the NHL that we will not tolerate letting our team be voted out of its home by some misinformed ninnys. Please people. help me out here. We put so much time into moaning on this site, lets put our energy into something useful. give me a meeting time and ill be there.
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I think Charles needs so find a home for 2015 in NY so we can refocus on this team. It’s a shame because this season should be pretty exciting to watch.
If he doesn’t make some kind of decision on or show action on doing something to find a home in NY, people are going to think he is going to bolt to Canada. Then NO ONE will go to the games. crazy.
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Chris Williamson says:
I’m tired of hearing people say “Let Wang spend his own money and build an arena.” We tried that and they shot down the Lighthouse Project. Wang has lost 240 million dollars owning the team. They should get a clue.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY PEOPLE!!! We have a bigger population than many states. If DUCKS, thats right DUCKS, a minor league baseball team, sells out every game, do you really think the ISLANDERS wont draw a crowd?? get real! with almost 2 million in population, there is a big enough draw to keep a professional sports team.
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Chris, this is so unfair to us the fans. This is going to be yet another year of uncertainty on where this team is going to be in the near future. Why should anyone no matter how much they love this team invest anymore time than we already have in something that could be gone soon. Either Charles Wang gives us an answer soon on what his plans are or I am done as a fan. I can’t continue to be ok and brush of the uncertainty. It’s not fair.
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Brooklyn says the want the Isles.
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Bill A says:
What is this now going to do to our ability to attract top talent? Will someone really want to come and play for the Islanders with the uncertainty of this hanging over their heads??????
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Out east – Listen, I’d travel far more than Suffolk for the Isles. However, think of the reality of the situation, without bias. Which is the location easier for a greater number of people to get to? Queens/Brooklyn or Suffolk? Next, add to that amount the number of Long Islanders who live on the Island but are commuters back into Nassau and Suffolk. Can they make a 7pm start time in Suffolk? In addition, would they have time to go home, get their car, drive out there…and would they want to?
Also, does moving the Isles even farther away from the media capital of the world make any sense? Yes, I would say that the franchise has not capitalized on their proximity to NYC, and making them solely a Long Island team is beyond dumb for marketing purposes. But, thinking that they should market themselves to NYC, how could it do anything but hurt that campaign by moving even farther away? If the other news outlets aside from Newsday don’t cover us now, you think they’ll even consider it if we move out east?
C’mon…we’re all on the same page here, and that’s keeping the Isles in NY. But you have to move away from personal biases and appreciate that your plan cannot work.
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MoreDraftPicks says:
Well…..Sad day, because as a previous poster has said, the uncertainty will continue because of this. Unless we hear from Charles in the next few days. I hope he does say hes selling, I really do. It will kill me, but I wont blame him one iota (whatever an iota is)
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#1fan-in-Quebec says:
OK now enough is enough i think it’s time to Quebec City to flirt with Mr Wang.THAT IT AND THAT ALL SEE YAH IN 2K16 IN QUEBEC
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#392 Wang shot himself in the foot by saying that his original Lighthouse was NOT subject to change. People shot it down because it was an all or nothing proposal that was just too big. It used up every square inch of space and simply did not fit in. Kate Murray’s scaled-down plan doesn’t sound like such a bad idea after all.
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joeg says:
Nets owner “not interested in buying another sports team at this time”
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he doesnt have to buy the team. just house the team
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Suggestions from the heart for Mr Wang:
1) Your heart is in the right place, but the way you handle the hockey team can be considered borderline abuse. Please stop making enemies out of your best fans. That means keep us informed so we can help you. I am a die hard, but you have ticked off many Islander fans, using their support, having them take time off from work, time away from families, all to help you, Mr. Wang. The problem is that you seem to alienate your most passionate supporters in favor of “yes” men. Most every Islander fan voted YES, however, they are not all in Nassau so the rest could not vote. This project seemed to be doomed from the beginning. It just seemed so rushed and sneaky. Lot’s of mis information that was never addressed by your camp or Mangano’s. Both of you knew what the concerns were, yet you did very little to target that concern. Unfortunately, for all of us, the opposition did not. As much as I am disgusted at Nassau politics and will vote for everyone who is not there now in November, you, Mr. Wang are also to blame. You can not keep on telling us we have a great hockey team and then not make the playoffs. That is settling for failure. I’m not sure if you honestly believe you are doing the right thing, or just stringing us along until the next venture. Firing classy and knowledgable individuals such as Billy Jaffe, Your head scout, bryan Trottier, not allowing Chris Botta, the main media cog for the passionate fanbase access to the team he loves is really, really puzzling. I would love for this team to be a winner, I have been waiting way to long. Yes we need a building, but Mr. Wang, no one is interested in watching a loser year after year. Please hire capable and respected hockey people who care about this team. I would not ask you for a job in your computer business because I do not qualify. Lastly, it is obvious that you truly care about this team as we all do. Detroit plays in an older building that we do yet they can and DO attract any free agents they want! So please take a few days to reflect. Things are not working out the way you have been handling them. Look for other options in N.Y. Listen to your diehard fans, for they are the ones that truly care, not someone you are paying to say what you want to hear. Lastly, I wish you only the best in keeping this team in N.Y. I will do anything to help you and the team I love so much. No money needed, I will do it from my heart! Thank you for listening.
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Juniorjunior says:
Sick
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Yabazabba @393: How can you compare attendance for a minor league baseball team (average price, what about $8?) to that of an NHL franchise (average price well over $50)?
As many have pointed out, the only access to Suffolk is from the west. I know fans from CT and SI who have nearly a 2 hour trek to NCVMC. You think they’re going to add another hour (plus gas $$$)to the trip?
I really doubt that Suffolk (with some help from NC residents) could support a team in itself. As much as I’d hate to see it, Brooklyn (never see me there) or Queens (maybe a handfull of games) make much more sense.
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idc where they are really. as long as they are on this island. has anyone seem this… makeit8.ca??? lets hope they want the Yotes.
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sad isles fan... says:
the isles are not going to suffolk, queens or brooklyn.
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Some people are a bit aloof about the cable deal and the possible move of the franchise. Charles will not be moving the team himself, he will be selling it to Jim Balsillie or some other deep pocketed group that is not concerned with the cable contract in the NY market or the transfer fee, which is presently about $75 million to move a franchise. A move to Quebec or Hamilton would almost certainly be greeted with overwhelming support ala Winnipeg. A generous cable deal would probably follow, while not as good as the MSG deal, would be offset by local support and merchandising. Quebec is probably the best move location, but KC may be more promising if they knew a team were coming. It amazes me at the stupidity if many of our local sportscasters. Many feel that the biggest threat to Hamilton is Toronto…and Ottawa. The fact of the matter is that Buffalo probably catches as much if not more of the Hamilton market then Toronto. Ottawa probably has little organized support there. The problem is that a Hamilton team would erode at the Buffalo fan base AND season ticket holders. Toronto on the other hand will never have trouble selling out Air Canada Centre.
As I watched a ravenous swarm of metallic nano-locusts devour Giants Stadium in the movie The Day the Earth Stood Still last night all I could think was it was the perfect analogy for what the voters of Nassau County did last night. Nothing like backing yourself into oblivion!!!
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Queens/Brooklyn. Give me something to work with here…
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P. Stone says:
SAD DAY! Rading above, we all sound hopeful, but lets face it, this team is moving, and leaving NY. It hurts to say it, but this is what is going to happen. Why should he expect better in a different county. Wang should just announcetoday or tomorrow, he plans to move the team ASAP, and that he will be looking at offers anywhere in Canada or US. He should then take NVMC/SMG to court and break his lease and move either before this season starts or next year – and not draw this out for 4 yrs. He will settle in the end and will loose less money that way.
As a life-long Islander fan, this hurts. I was hoping to take my son & dtr to games when we have a new colliseum (wouldn’t bring them to the current one), but now it is not going to happen.
Lets face it, without a new arena, this team MUST leave, and if Wang doesn’t announce he is going, he is just being stupid – we all know he has to do it. He should just say it, -
I think the Pilgrim State property would be a great idea but unlike Nassau, Suffolk doesn’t spend as much and doesn’t cram development into every square inch. They could absolutely support a team, it is only a few exits in on the LIE so it’s an easy ride of Nassau residents. They need to do something, get an idea going now, LI can’t afford to lose this team. It’ll take some serious convincing.
Just a quick addition: F U Nassau! Seriously, I hate Nassau voters and politicians, what a short sighted bunch.
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rich comunale says:
the heck w/ nassau county. lets go to queens/ brooklyn ( public transportation would be fantastic for attendance)…now nassau county can watch their taxes go even highr w/out any revenue fron nvmc ( isles, circus, concerts, car/ boat show, coventions, etc)….maybe they can build some more home depots, starbucks, applebees ect. low income housing anyone…who wouldn’t want to visitbeautiful hempstead/ uniondale…hahahaha!!!!
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i need answers
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Rharnick says:
In reality I thought it might not be the best deal for Nassau but supported it because I love the Isles and wanted them to stay. If deal was so great for Nassau, why didn’t Wang agree that the debt service comes off the top? In the end Brooklyn seems like the mostly likely place for Isles to settle as there is a ready made arena, with plenty of open dates. Would prefer Queens but so be it. Can’t see them moving the team to a Canadian city with a population of 1 million tops when 20 million people live in this area, but hey LA doesn’t have an NFL franchise.
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Mangano is holding a 2:00 press conference. Does anyone have more information on this?
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Doug Heffernan says:
CB – if there was ever a time for one of ur article’s to talk some people down, now is the time man…also is it possible to find a way to see the demographics for people who voted yes and no. i think that every no vote was by someone 50 or over
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Stevie10703 says:
I read on nets daily that the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn would be a no go and wouldn’t get approved by the NHL anyway. The article said that it would only be able to hold 14,500 for hockey with bad sightlines. So, I guess we can scratch Brooklyn off the list.
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gutty34 says:
I just called my local gov’t club – it is a small start but Nassau needs change. They need strong young voices like ours to be heard. Enough of these 50′s and 60′s has beens. They are all in it for themselves and quite frankly I have had enough. It is one thing to write an angry rant – nobody hear’s this but us on this site. We need to unite as a group – unite as fans and unite as Long Islanders. We need to vote in elections as passionatley as we did yesterday. I am embarrassed to say I didnt do my part when we could have voted Santino, Murray and all these clowns out. We didnt support Suozzi nearly as much as we should have. We took things for granted and look where we are today. If anyone is interested in creating a group – meeting and planning. Brainstorming. Growing our numbers and actually making an impact – imagine what it would feel like to have Murray beg our group for our endorsement. Friends of Isles supports….. This is what people did in the 60′s – they rallied together to fight what they felt was opressing them – what wasnt fair – what they believed in. Why cant we do this too?? Im so tired of hearing myself complain and bitch but do nothing about it. I am ready and hopefully some of you are too. If you are – respond to this post below. I will share my email and we can try to create something here – make something good out of something bad. We still have time…but it is running short!!! CB – anything you can help support us with too? We can meet at Social on x night from 8-10. Make it a recurring meeting – i just cant sit here anymore and not do anything nor know what to do. I have never been this emotionaly drained over anything ….sad …..but just goes to show the passion we have for this team and I hope they realize the small % of fans in Nassau pale in comparison to the love around NY, North Carolina, Florida, Canada etc… all former LI’ers who left for the very reason we lost last night – old farts rule Nassau and are biding their time till they move on from this earth. No change. No forward thinking. How about we charge them PSL’s for prime cemetary plot placements. Jacobs will recommend this next trust me.
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I hear what some of you are saying, but losing probably 23 million in cable money a year is not easily overcome. There is no way a Canadian city can equal the merchandising that would come from being in a local market that New York can provide. If the Islanders were a winning team they would get significant marketing in Canada anyway. Can’t see them leaving from an economic standpoint if there is anywhere else to play in the area.
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JT, Mangano is speaking at 2pm to make an announcement regarding the solicitation of proposals for the Nassau Coliseum site.
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but… would a canadian buyer care about the cable contract? nope.
i want to know more about the Mangano press conference. any details. anyone? bueller…? buelller…?
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The 2pm conference is about open proposal for the property, is this going to be another lighthouse fight to build on the property and political bs.
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isles14 says:
i feel like i was kicked in the blank.
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what does that mean WM? does that mean a new arena is a def no go? or are they keeping the arena idea and attempting private funding?
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Anyone see Kate Murray that snake!!!
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LarryW says:
Since having Wang spend his own money on a large project wasn’t good for the Republicans and having the residents back a bond didn’t work for the Democrats, maybe there is a way to have Wang use his own money but have it still be worthwile for him to invest.
The only idea I could think of is to do smaller plan that satisfies the NIMBY’s. Wang would pay, to satisfy the poeple against any progress in Nassau, but the county would lease him the land at $1/year for 20-30 years or some other milstone. The remaining part of the lease Nassau would then be able to recieve rent and a portion of revenue. This way Wang has time to recoup his investment and Nassau residents wouldn’t have any new tax line on their tax bills. Of course they would have to make up the lost revenue somewhere else, but a majority of people who voted yesterday seem to be willing to accept that or else they would have voted yes.
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Schultz39 says:
Even though Queens is a great idea, I don’t see NYC supporting another arena on top of what’s going on in Brooklyn, along with MSG. It sucks that Wang didn’t coordinate with Ratner/Prokhorov to make the Barclays Center viable for hockey and basketball.
I think Suffolk is a good option as well….will just need to likely have a lot of private funding as Suffolk isn’t in great fiscal shape either!
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peter debenedetto says:
Can Suffolk really do it???
What is going on out there?
Can Wang move the team to China??Nothing can stay in Nassau, heck, even the White Castle in Uniondale is gone.
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ei8hty6ix says:
As a lifelong (30 yrs) Nassau County resident & Islanders fan, I am dissapointed in our community. I went away to college in Maryland & then came back to work in NYC – all the while living in Nassau…today I regretfully say, that the Islanders deserve better & I hope Wang keeps the team & relocates them to the tri-state area. Lets see/hear what all these pols have to say when the Isles hoist a cup from Willets Point or Flatbush. Just keep us on ‘Long Island’ and I don’t care how far I have to drive/travel to see my team…The Islanders & their loyal fans deserve better.
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John P says:
Stumpy #372- The Capitals moved almost 20 miles and they didnt lose any fans along the way. True fans will do it. You state that the Isles need to inocorporate the million in the city area? Why? Those millions certainly havnt showed up in the past 10 years so why accomodate them now? If the team is good, then any city resident who is an Islander fan will make the 1 hour drive. Lord knows I have.
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any update on this “news” conference?
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Bob E says:
Suffolk not happening. While the Suffok fans are great fans, Queens and Nassau fans less likely to make the trip.
Brooklyn makes alot of sense, But Queens would be Ideal.
I feel bad for Wang, He really looked like he was going to cry. I say he gets in driver seat now. Tell Nassau come to plans to him and he will approve them.
Nassau doesnt deserve the Isles. Wouldnt it be something though of Lighthouse came back on table.
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RangersOnlyPlease says:
How about this? The NHL allows the Islanders to sell to the highest bidder their next 100 1st round picks for cash. That should enough 1st overall picks to entice all the other teams to buy them and raise the needed Capital for a much needed arena in the sticks.
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Jeff says:
This was as predictable as an Isles top 5 draft pick. The team did NOTHING to improve itself this offseason, when they should have done everything possible to make a splash. Here’s hoping the next owner will want to keep the team in NY.
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isles 14 says:
MOVE THIS TEAM. The short sighted morons in Nassau do not deserve an entertainment complex nor do they deserve a pro sports franchise. They aren’t even educated enough on this situation to realize that their taxes will now go up even higher when the team leaves. Let them stare at an empty parking lot, have their taxes raised and spend their entertainment dollars in another county. They blew it. Queens, Suffolk, Brooklyn, I don’t care. Just get out of Nassau Charles, no matter what they offer you. I’m so glad I don’t live there. That county deserves everything it’s going to get. Hellhole.
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Wang wanted to remodel the building for the lighthouse project (similar to MSG). How much would this cost to do? Assume a new building was 350 (50 million was for ballpark). Would he still want to do this?
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If you want to save the team you must go to the games. When there will only be 11,000 on Oct. 10 to see the Isles Vs. Wild how do you expect this team to stay. I know Wang has made the experiance & cost of an Islander unexceptable, but you need sell outs to get the attention of the county. They won’t want to see a team that draws 15,000 + a night leave. We did not even get that for Ranger games last year.
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Steve M says: CB, do you still honestly think that the team is going to stay after this joke of a press conference today? I can’t take this anymore.
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ANY UPDATE ON THE NEWS CONFERENCE???
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what happened at the press conference that made it a joke?
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Steve M says:
new RFP is apparently not required to maintain a new arena. So it looks like as of now, the Islanders are out of Nassau post 2015. God help us all.
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John P #430 – There’s a huge, huge difference between Suffolk and Landover, MD, where the Cap Centre was. Landover is only 20 miles from a major city, not 40-50. Landover is smack in the middle of suburban DC, not on the outskirts. A Metro ride to Landover from Metro Center is about 25-30 minutes, while a ride to Suffolk on the LIRR is at least an hour.
You’re talking about apples and oranges here. And while you reference how the millions in NYC haven’t been coming out recently, you’re partially correct. But I believe this has a great deal to do with the Isles deciding to not market at all into the city, and getting a radio station that can’t be heard in western Nassau, much less Queens and the city.
But comparing Landover and the DC metro area to Suffolk is not a real or fair comparison. I know the area – I lived in DC for 5 years.
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sad says:
i hope all the people who voted no enjoy watching stores close, businesses move, young people who are the future leave. you’re taxes will continue to go up because there will be no revenue coming in. ENJOY YOUR ROTTING COUNTY!
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Great now the RFP’s will come out of the woodwork that will have ties to Al Damato & the republican machine- Gee what a surprise- Throw the bums out this November. Thanks again Kate Murray,
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so does this mean no Arena? i cant watch any of this at the moment so any updates will be appreciated
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Just play at MSG, pay rent per game to the RAGS, dolan wins, Isle fans get easy access to LIRR MSG better then driving to coliseum
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Steve M says:
It means Nassau just slapped Wang in the face once again. This county is the worst in the US. I hope they have fun with their section 8 housing and other BS that is not needed. I’m out after 2015 if nothing gets done.
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Developers aren’t doing ANYTHING right now. That is not changing anytime soon.
While this is one of the largest developabe areas remaining in NC and would demand attention in a different era, it is shocking how clueless our politicians are.
oould this be intended to put pressure on Wang? If so, they are more incompetent than even I imagined!
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islebethere4u says:
Last week I had a glimmer of hope. Today I look at the future with trepidation. My favorite sports team may not have a future near my home town. WE now know how the Dodger fans must have felt way back when. It’s too late to place blame on any one person, group, entity or even politics. I will only have the fond memories. Mr. Wang, I salute you. You tried, harder than anyone had a right to expect. If there is someone out there who has tried any harder to keep this team here, let him cast the first stone! Otherwise keep the negativity to yourself. It not wanted or deserved.
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Those idiots clammoring for CW to build his own building dont realize that he is a tenant! Not the land lord! Would any of you lease land and build your own house out of pocket? Only to loose it all at the end of your lease, leaving the land lord with new improvememts to re-lease at a higher rate? I didnt think you were that dumb! What makes you think that CW is that dumb? You dont get to be a billionaire by making bad business decisions. Wake up Nassau couonty residents. Your taxes are going up anyway, because you continue to vote for morons, who cant control their spending! National crisis = Nasau crisis! Same policies, different agencies! Somethings gotta give. Unfortunately it will be CW giving up!
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CEO of Barclays confirmed for Newsday the NHL sized ice surface. Would be less seating capacity but it might be great for demand and team morale to play in a full building even at lower total numbers.
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BE ON THE PHONE WITH QUEENS AT 8:00 TOMORROW MORNING. WORK OUT A DEAL BEFORE THE END OF THE 2011-12 SEASON. QUEENS HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR BEST OPTION.