LET THE SNIPING BEGIN: ABLI’s Polimeni Firing Shots Through the Media
“Make the assumption they are leaving. Their lease is up in two years. We will then pursue other teams that are out there that would maybe want to relocate to the Island, because it’s a great spot. Or not. We can just do the development that doesn’t involve the Coliseum.”
That was ABLI’s Vince Polimeni to CBS yesterday explaining his thoughts on what would happen to the Coliseum site if the Islanders were to leave in 2015. Obviously we’re going down the murky road of hypotheticals here but it’s worth noting that Polimeni has already shown his hand in this game in addition to making some utterly false and brash statement about “other teams.”
First things first, there are no professional teams coming to Nassau County. Not now, not ever.* After what the Islanders have been put through by Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead and now with no plans for a new Coliseum in sight it’s patently absurd to suggest the County can attract any kind of professional team.
“Come for the aging building in disrepair, stay for the… uh…”
Furthermore, a major developer is again on record as turning a shoulder to the professional team the County does have. The appropriate response to the first part of Polimeni’s quote is ‘waiter, I’ll have what he’s having.’ It’s a bunch of garbage with the sole purpose of trying to minimize the Islanders. But the man likely doesn’t believe his own guff, quickly shifting to the possibility of not having professional sports at all. That’s probably how he would like it. Put another mall or set of condos on the Coliseum property and wipe our hands of any professional sporting arena. That’s what this County does. Condos and malls.
* – Minor league baseball is always a possibility but those teams pop up in all areas of the country like some kind of mini-Walmart chain and hardly constitute the types of franchises we’re talking about here.
About Kevin Schultz
Kevin was formerly an NHL blogger for the now defunct AOL Fanhouse and was the creator of the hockey comedy blog Barry Melrose Rocks. He now covers the Isles for Islanders Point Blank. You can follow him for instant updates on the team and talk hockey with him on Twitter @schultz88. View all posts by Kevin Schultz →89 Responses to LET THE SNIPING BEGIN: ABLI’s Polimeni Firing Shots Through the Media
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Sidd Finch says:
ABLI=A Bunch of Lying Idiots
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jimfromstjames says:
Been sayin this all along, the land will go to the highest political contributor, and they will build what will make them the most money, Condo’s….low building costs with high return, and also Box stores, also low invest, high return….The most sickening part is the attitude of ” you’re not gonna stop us, so we’ll barely try to pass this off as the system doing what’s right for Long Island” that these guys are showing.
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JT says:
We all knew that this is what the ABLI wanted all along. It is why they lobbied against the referendum and say things like this. They are ticked they they lost the development rights to Wang and will stop t nothing to make the millions that come with development of the property. Newsday and the other media outlets should call them out for this. They do not deserve a free pass. They are jeopardizing the future of the team, an arena for concerts and family shows, jobs, quaslity of life, and economic certainty for the County and its residents.
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#33 says:
As if these people are any different than all the politicians in Washington.
These people do NOT care about a “Better Long Island”. They care about money, and that is all. And I mean that about ALL parties involved.
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Tim F. says:
“We will then pursue other teams . . . We can just do the development . . .” Um, “we”? Who owns this property, the ABLI or Nassau County?
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PotvinRocks says:
Condos and malls.
There is no way that they would put a team in a failed spot. Look what happen in Atlanta, even though the Avalache are doing well after the Rockies moved to Jersey. -
StevieL says:
The arrogance and stupidity is numbing! They are acting on behalf of a “better Long Island”. Anything but! They are destroying an entertainment center and cahsing the almighty dollar!
“A Better Long Island”? better yet ” A wasteland named Long Island”. -
Gene F says:
pursue other teams – that’s really funny
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gutty34 says:
I believe Nassau should be renamed Garden City County – Home of the Corrup Politicians. Come one come all. All these guys are so disgusting, self serving con artists and thieves. Only diff from rest of the world- they are legal traits in Nassau and promoted to be successful. Sad sad stuff. ABLI will get a fast track – we will build another source mall (minus the anchor tenant – see current mall), another 55 and over community, mid income housing and a few strip malls – call it a redevelopment and watch the accounts of a few rich dick heads grow why all you shmucks who voted the coliseum down see your wallets shrink through increased taxes. Where will the ABLI be when the coliseum closes and taxes increase. Nowhere but laughing at every person they conned into voting no.
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sorry for double post – but I cant get over the comment made that we will get another team….are these guys delusional?? We have one and cant keep it – how the heck do they think they will attract a new franchise when we cant even accomodate a storied one with 4 cups. Oh – my bad – they will get a tier 4 mionor league team – sell it as family friendly and vote for this or else your taxes will go up and we wont even have a conference center – now they will start the campaign to keep taxes in check by voting yes to the Grand Mall Shops at the Lighhouse. Come see our 300 story beacon on light – oh wait – that is what charles called it – come see our glowing sphere 299 stories in the air. geez I am so sick of this and it sucks we are completely powerless.
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Dc says:
Isles fans do not worry. I have an inside source that claims the coliseum won’t happen n that moving to Brooklyn is already in line!!!!
At least we will b local!!!!
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Ted says:
At least will sell out games. Lol…
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RV says:
Dear TOH,
People are moving to LI in droves. Please build more houses & businesses. There aren’t enough vacant homes & storefronts to accomodate the overwhelming demand. While you’re at it, raise the taxes some more and make it appealing for everyone…dummies.
Take a good look because about to lose your most loyal long term tenant in favor of nothing. This is a brilliant move. Bring it on!
Yours truly,
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Isles Revamped says:
What this so-called genius is implying that the long island trade mark strip mall and larger retail mall, will do is create jobs and renvenue. What about the current retail shops in place? What happens to them? What happens to the local resturants currently in place when there is no longer an arena to draw from? Thats a great ecomonic boost right there. I am glad I don”t live in disaster County.
And agreeing with everyone else, “What other teams?” The Isles leave Bettman will never let another franchise come here even if they thought it would work.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
MOVE MOVE MOVE YESTERDAY YESTERDAY YESTERDAY
Give ABLI their fools gold!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
No more time to be crapped on over this ugly piece of land. Let it go… Buh-Bye!-
Jack says:
That’s a good question. Maybe Katie Strange can write another crushing piece on the plight of the NYI?
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Blizz says: who is more disgusting…the ABLI or the people that allow them to be relevant. Where is our media?
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Piper (in DC) says:
FFFH People… F___ Feed Fish Heads .
Let’s talk about trade rumors. Thats our playoffs.
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UIF says:
Pretty sure “other teams” would be AHL. I don’t think anyone has any delusions that another NHL team would ever come back should the Isles leave.
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Ryan says:
A question for everyone…if the Isles left the NY area, lets say Kansas City or Quebec, who would you root for? I guess I would consider following them via the center ice package, or I would just give up on hockey altogether, which would crush my soul.
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Chris says:
Anyone have email addresses for these clowns. Time to start an email bombardment.
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MCG1 says:
Hey Gutty, I have lived in GC for close to 20 years, the stuff people spew about the town is utter nonsense. Yes there is a way that GC would like to have the community run and i for one as a resident have no problem with it. I can also tell you there are many many Islander fans who live in town and feel the same way most on this board feel, that it’s an absolute joke the way the TOH and county have screwed this up. GC is the least of the problem.
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Allow me to repeat myself. If the Isles move and they put up another mall and condos, taxes are still going to go up. People in Nassau County have no clue how valuable it is to have a professional franchise in their backyard. Well, their going to find out when the Isles move. They will look back at the August vote of “NO” and they’ll be kicking themselves for a long time. Nassau County does not deserve the Islanders, and this once proud franchise does not deserve to be treated like this…
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isleopine says:
I couldn’t stop laughing a bitter sort of laugh! Don’t worry everybody they will pursue other teams – I mean this polimeni is more has more chutzpah than Chuck “the schmuck” Schumer. We know our ownership is not great, to put it mildly, but can anyone one of us truly blame Wang when he moves our team? I hope and pray its Bklyn.
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You guys can bitch all you want but ultimately Wang had the deal of a lifetime by the short hairs and he blew it. His my way or nothing additude got the team where it is today, nearly homeless and in the NHL basement for the past 4 years. Wang could have had a smaller project but like a child he stomped off mad when he didn’t get his way. When it was his money, a small sports complex couldn’t make money but when it was the taxpayer $$$ it was a guarantee. So which is it??? It’s Wangs way or the highway, why don’t people see that?
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How do you know it was “The deal of a lifetime”?????
Yes, Wang could have had the deal that Kate Murray DICTATED he build. She refused to even sit down with Wang to negotiate a compromise. And HE was the baby? More likely Kate was the Baby. -
Joe says:
Hey Jack
You need to do some homework before you post. Behind closed doors the story is much different. Go do your homework!!!-
Why don’t you tell us what this big “behind closed doors” story is instead of putting down a valid opinion?
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IslesFan says:
Jack,
I’ll tell you why your analysis is wrong. First, of all Wang stated he needed a densely packed area as opposed to a building or two, because he needed the revenue to support the team and area. That is why no tax dollars were necessary because the advanced rents and placement fees would have funded the HUB project.
Second, I don’t know where you have been but he never said “it’s my way or no way”. Nassau did not want the lighthouse, so he scrapped it. He then openly said “tell me what needs to be changed.” Kate Murray gave him no counter-proposal. He even asked between periods of Islander games for Nassau to tell him how the HUB project needed to be modified. It never happened.
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Subydude says:
and the initial (pre-economic collapse) proposal he paid for almost everything! The County and its taxpayers will never get such a sweet deal – NEVER! ABLI will use OTHER PEOPLES MONEY – its what they do.
This was a screw up by County officials of epic proportions! Once again, the “vocal minority” rules the “silent majority”.
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sean says:
Guys call cuomos office or email him and tell him what you think and feel. He has power to stop things believe it or not. Go to Google and type in abli and there site will come up and has an email link and numbers to call if you want your voice heard.
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shlo says:
What mall? there is one 2 miles away called Roosevelt Field…bunch of crap. It will go to whoever kicks back the most. These politicians are so corrupt they put NJ and Chicago politicians to shame.
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NY711ot says:
Can Nassau County be forced to secede & leave the union?….
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Brian G says:
that’s all we need is more shopping….the economy is in the toilet and they want to make an upscale mall….how many malls and outlet do we need, enough is enough…
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TJ Bova says:
i agree. and we already have one upscale mall…the Americana in Manhasset. We don’t need another one
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Former season ticket holder here. I say the Isles should move THIS YEAR to Brooklyn — or elsewhere. Lease through 2015 not a problem as long as you’re willing to pay rent on two arenas. Cost will be offset by added attendance, sponsorships, increased ratings and growth from NYC market. And I would buy a partial plan at Barclays.
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isles14 says:
condos in beautiful uniondale.lets all flock to move there.
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Adrian says:
These articles are staggering. How does the same group who opposed developing the area now want the rights to develop it. No professional team will come to Nassau after this 8 year debacle. Why lose what we already have?
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Steve C says:
MOVE the team to Brooklyn for 2012. IF Polimeni is dying to develop the Hub, he should be willing to buy out the Isles lease with Nassau +SMG
3.127 M/year to SMG X3= 9.38M
3.5M/year to Nassau X3= 10.5M
Total: 19.88MA chump change to develop the HUB.
The Isles then could pursue a new stadium within NYC at a later date, likely in Queens. -
Merrick says:
I am so happy I no longer live in New York. However, the notion that Paul Charles Wang has been pushed around is a joke. He suffers no more than the rest of us from our miserable government.
The main reason Charles has lost millions (if at all) is his own incompetence as an owner. A winning and competitive team would sell out far more games and narrow losses. Instead, he manages incompetently and refuses to invest in his product–then blames the building.
At the end of the day, the joke’s on us. If you want to continue rooting for this franchise, learn how to speak French.
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Poor Charles.
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Get it straight, selling out every game would not assure team of making money. The lease that they have prevents them from getting revenue that other teams do.
Supporting a team & making money is more than selling out games.
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vrinqueens says:
He’s antagonizing Wang into leaving so they can have the land all to themselves, it’s been their plan all along.
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Hintonio says:
I love my NY Islanders. Hate Long Islanders. We could make this place great. A destination where sports, entertainment, and businesses can all come together and make it an attraction for outsiders. Not to mention we’re surrounded by beautiful boats and beaches. Instead, we’re all about shopping. How many Abercrombie & Fitch’s do we need?
Let’s hope they move to Queens or Brooklyn where I can take a train and get loaded off of 40oz’s. Imagine going to a Ranger vs Islanders game on a train to Brooklyn? Hope they have first aid kits readily available… -
DB17 says:
God, just f**k Nassau already, and start working seriously with Brooklyn…please. Nassau has had 20 years to do this, and it’s apparent that they are absolutely f**king useless. Why continue the charade. Yes Charles, you want to keep your team on Long Island, but it doesn’t want you unless everyone’s hand is in the pie….time to get out…
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Rob says:
what are they going to put up where the coliseum is?? another mall? office buildings?the only thing that makes sense is an arena. maybe the Jets don’t want to share anymore, maybe the Jets still want their own stadium. maybe the group wants Wang to sell the team to them. many Islander fans want Wang gone it could be Wang will sell the team or sell a majority stake. the best idea would be new NFL stadium new arena and a minor league ball park. this group wants to do something huge and with Wang or without him. at the end of the day, IF the Isles do leave (which I bet they won’t) you could easily buy another team and move them here.
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Phil L says:
Jets? Sorry that boat sailed when they opened Metlife Sta. While it make no sense, there’s little doubt when the NVMC is torn down (2017 I’d day) it will be replaced with a Kohls, Target and overprices condo’s.
While that makes no sense given LI’s shrinking population and huge inventory of vacant houses/storefronts, that IS what will make a quick buck for ABLI, and thats all they care about.
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bossy22 says:
Here is my email I just sent,
This was Vince Polimeni’s comment:
“Make the assumption they are leaving. Their lease is up in two years. We will then pursue other teams that are out there that would maybe want to relocate to the Island, because it’s a great spot. Or not. We can just do the development that doesn’t involve the Coliseum.”
As a business grad, majoring in accounting and on the verge of earning my CMA designation, this comment is very troublesome. If you think or if anyone thinks that letting the Islanders leave Nassau county in exchange for condo’s, malls and office’s would be for the better of long island, then you are all fooling yourselves. The economic stability created by having a professional sports team will be lost and long islanders will quickly feel the impact. Building new malls will only mean that others will be empty. Building new hotels with no reason to visit will be a waste. Building new houses, condo’s, apartment’s when residents are leaving for greener pastures again, makes zero sense. You want to do what is best for long island, then you build around a renovated or new arena. You make it the focal point. The tax revenue currently paid by the franchise will not be recovered, I promise you that. Losing the islanders, will also mean you lose the arena because the town will not spend the money required to refurbish and maintain the facility. When the arena is no longer around, locals will have to travel to New York City to view ice shows, children’s shows, concerts and countless other events that are housed by an arena. The above comment clearly shows that the elected officials of long island are greedy and really, not that bright. I would suggest you bring in someone that is familiar with economics and ask the question……how will the Isles leaving long island impact the residents? As for the part of the comment that suggested other teams are out there……really? Why would anyone with half a brain and a ton of money want to bring a franchise here after what they have seen with the treatment of the team that is “CURRENTLY” here. Focus your energy on making what you have work for now….for the future. I know one thing is for sure, my family will not be visiting long island again (2 to 3 times a year). It may seem small, but a lot of small can have a huge impact.
Disgusted fan and vacationer,
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Ray Kaats says:
Brooklyn fits 14.5 for hockey & 1K of those are obstructed view seats plas one end of the arena would have no seats at all. Forget Bklyn. The only way it happens is if the current newly built arena is built out to fit seats at both ends of the ice. And that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Wang doesn’t want to be a tenant so the Russkie would have to buy the team. He’s a basketball guy…how likely is that to happen?
Just don’t forget Mondello & the Republicans are Islander fans enemy and now have been been joined by Jay Jacobs and the Democrats.
Throw in the fact that Wang and none of his entourage is attending today’s meeting and you realize Wang is also our enemy.
Mondello/Jacobs and their cronies are crooks and Wang and his my way or the highway just makes things worse.
Things do look dim at this point.
Things can change, but a year ago I spoke with one of Wang’s top guys Lancey. He said Suffolk was in play. A few months later I spoke with Picker who said Suffolk wants the team but it isn’t a viable alternative.
The beat goes on and on and on.
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It’s the boxes that bring in the money, not the seats….remember, it doesn’t have to be forever, it just has to be somehwere in NY until they figure it out- as I say all the time, they will NEVER get THAT TV contract anywhere else. They are staying, one way or another…and at least it’s a building, instead of a dump…
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we should get one of those giant inflatable rats and set it up in front of ABLI offices
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Mike says:
ABLI is in bed with the Cow murray and ALL of the other CORRUPT politicains in Nassau they DON”T CARE what the average LIander wants!!!!!!They are out for themselves and that is the truth!!!!
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Don says:
We can talk about how greedy and corrupt all we want on this site. Why not email them and let them know about it. NYABLI@optonline.net. And their press people are glewi@rubenstein.com. This information came from the ALBI website, so I am not distributing confidential contact information.
Of course, not that they care what we think. -
Cold Spring Harbor says:
Let’s look at other Long Island Master Planning “sure things”: Parr Meadows, Daily News Printing Plant at Cerro Wire and Bridge to Rye. Just add more parking for NCCC and Hofstra and move on already. Barclays Center by the way is half a block from the LIRR Atlantic Terminal entrance.
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sm says:
its all nonsense unless hes on board. ” he” being owner of the Isles, Mr Wang. he can decline any proposed development until 2015. He controls the development rights of the land. careful, the toes you stomp today could be attached to the end you must kiss tomorrow.
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Jisles says:
Guys everyone is missing the point. Dont you see that this is a pure power play to get Wang out of the way. Wang had his chance and he lost. These developers know they cant build a mall or housing.. they know an arena has to built and they every intention of keeping the team here. Wang and Palmeni are playing a careful game of chicken. Wang wants out and they want him out so they can get the team and build the arena. Wake up.
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isles83 says:
For all the people who complain about the crooked politicians. Look in the mirror folks, you elected them all.
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Absolutely correct. And they keep re-electing them by a landslide every time.
I for one, worked for Corrupt Kate’s opponent this past year. Where were the rest of you? Like or dislike Wang, she still has\had to go!
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isles316 says:
It’s sad. I don’t know how people can live and act this way. I couldn’t sleep if I took advantage of people for financial gain. It’s so sad and disgusting. Hope this group is proud of themselves.
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Islesneedpride says:
How about we fans start an Occupy the Coliseum. I cannot stand the jerks who do this against Wall Street, but this could be a way to get our voices out. It’s funny, we can all see through these greedy business people/pols. Yet the tax paying folks always get the shaft. Of more concern, Marty Reasoner is playing tonight.
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Sad, very sad,I live in New Jersey and pay a lot in taxes,so I know what it is like living on Long Island.The corruption that goes on is crazy,you guys have to vote these guys out.But I never thought politics would get into hockey,these guys that want to get this property have to be in bed with someone on the political side,it is like they want to shake Wang down,If they were looking out for the county,they would have had this done already.Fans like me who live far from Long Island would come to see team more than we do and spend our money,which would help the local economy,which is there job,get us there,but they keep taking our tax dollars and keep giving us less and less!I have been a fan since 1977,this team deserves better and so do the fans!These politicians have to pay a price,and until we change the way we do things as a country,we will always get the short end of the stick!Hopefully they stay in this area!I know I would not if I owned the team!
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ABLI was the disgusting organization that hired some screaming, low class woman that left about 10 messages on my answering machine the week before the Aug.1st vote. The lies that came out of her mouth were criminal! Of course, there was no way, or number I could call to voice my disgust. They scared half the seniors to death, and that’s why all of them came out to vote No! Really poor planning by Wang and Mangano. Of course most Isles fans voted Yes, but Isles fans live all over the place, so they couldn’t vote! Then again, even if they did get a Yes vote, the Nassau County watchdogs would never have approved it! By the way, how the hell are they going to approve the ABLI plans, which are deplorable. If this takes place, we will know for sure that corruption is alive and well in the T.O.H.
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Bob says:
I think Brooklyn is not the way to go. A move to Brooklyn would just be for the sake of leaving Nassau. Why move into a building where hockey was an afterthought? The building is not properly configured for hockey. We should be in the planning and developing process for a new state of the art facility. Nassau can’t get out of its own way and does not deserve the team. What’s left Queens, Suffolk or elsewhere? My vote is Suffolk. Keep the Islanders a true “Island” team!
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therain93--terriers fan says:
As awesome as it might be to put the Islanders in Suffolk, a transportation system needs to be put in place beyond the LIE and LIRR.
If we’re talking a high-speed rail, then it likely has to go through Nassau…good luck getting that approved and built. High Speed Ferry? Then we’re talking capapcity issues and transfers once they hit land.
Isles fans are not in a situation.
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Blizzard says:
Its a real shame they compromised the configuration of the new Barcleys arena due to concerns of environmental impact. Like making the place NHL friendly would have destroyed the environment in Brooklyn. Just another example of how hard it is to build anything in NY.
We don’t even have a football team that plays in the state. In one of the richest counties in the country in the largest media market in the world and this is what it has become for a historic franchise?
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Hey Blizz, the Buffalo Bills play in NY.
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Hey All anyone remember Mangano?? The head of this disaster.. Write, call, email and visit his office. He is a lost soul along with abli. Yes it is all about money. For all involved. Remember at election time that they don’t give a rats darn about us the taxpayer. We keep taking and taking the lies and broken promises. This team IS leaving. They know where they will go. Nassau county is in big trouble. the powers to be are lost and clueless. They need a new job come election time.
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nyi992001 says:
Bob, is there a part of Suffolk that is in a location that would attract enough people? The Barclay Center is right next to the LIRR and the subways, so a lot of people will have access to that building. It is obvious that Nassau is not interested in keeping the Isles, so there is no reason for the team to stay there. I wouldn’t mind Suffolk or Queens, but the only place there is an available building is Brooklyn.
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Tom says:
The old pilgram state site. Easy access to the LIE, Northern State, and Southern State. The Deer Park LIRR station is near by, and there is a rail spur that already goes half way to the pilgram state site. It could easily be extended, as there are no obstruction. They could run a game day only train to the site, like they do for MetLife, albeit on a much smaller scale. MacArthur airport is also nearby, allowing easy access for visiting teams. Lastly, the could be added to the Brookhaven and Islip joint transportation hub project, which already has a good chance of attracting state funds.
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isles71 says:
This is the reason why, like millions of our fellow LI’anders, we have run screaming from the place we called home! This is a joke, go ahead and build more homes when the US has a SURPLUS of 20 Million units. The county is broke and they seem to enjoy sending their tax-base revenue stream to live in economically more desirable areas. I miss ol’ Port Washington, but to deal with this garbage on a daily basis, you have to be nuts!!! Thank God for Facebook, I can visit home w/o stepping foot in Nassau County…God Damn Shame too!!! go isles
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Orange&Blue says:
Why do you even bother posting this #$&@? Like we need to read about more bad news.
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Andy in Chicago says:
Nassau County, say good bye to your major league sports franchise and the crumbling arena they called home.
Its clear they’re unwanted. There will be no replacement for the NVMC.
Why the ABLI believes what Nassau really needs is more shopping, not withstanding the retail over-saturation (yes, that IS redundant) on Old Country Road from Franklin Ave. to Merrick Ave., is anyone’s guess.
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Kevin,
Perfect. I could not have said it any better.
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BringBackNyles says:
They will keep the Coliseum up, in its current state, Dolan will buy naming rights , and move the Wolfpack there. He will then have a way to control two arenas and undercut the Brooklyn arena for family shows
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RICH L says:
The acronym for ABLI should be…
Always Blame Long Island,
Just what we fans need, more of the same BS that we are fed by Wang and Co.
The entire affair,and all involved is pathetic, with a sprinkling of moronic arrogant bastards.
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It seems that Nausea County’s politicians could teach the scummy crooks in Washington some sneaky tricks, unbelievable.
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I have to laugh reading quotes of “the county of Nassau doesn’t deserve the Islanders” If this was the dynasty years it would certainly apply,but the way they have been run into the ground by Wang, and Co the county does deserve them, however I do see you point, but at the present state of the team, they do deserve the Islanders, and screw the pols and now ABLI.
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The current state of the team is improving quickly.
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Jim Clark says: If the CBLI does replace the Islanders with an AHL team, will people be able to tell the difference?
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Al L says:
On face Dolan moving his Wolfpack there isn’t far fetched. The only problem is ‘The Dump’(16234)is too large for AHL Hockey. Out my way in Hershey Pa,the Bears Giant Center,(with a seating capacity of 11000) annually leads the League in attendence,averaging just under 10000. Those idiots would have to spend millions of dollars to downsize NVMC.
For the life of me,I cannot understand why the Braintrust of Barclay’s developers failed to consider the potential and possibility of housing professional hockey along with their other events. How much could extending the infrastructure enough to accomodate an additional 3500 seats have on the environment? If you ask me,that was simply shortsighted BS.The original blue print from what I understand was significantly more lavish and expensive. Ratner decided to scale it down. Now that the Isles are in the picture and could have been a realistic possibility,it is most unlikely anything can or will be done to reconfigure the place,improve the sightlines and increase hockey seating capacity from 14500 to 18000. Can anyone say ‘penny wise and pounds foolish’?
Why not Willets Point? Wang is a Queens boy for G-ds sake! I realize chop shops and other merchants will be displaced,but improvements and development is sorely needed in that area as is the inevitable significant job creation. Those people in all probability will be compensated well so they can move on. Islanders or no Islanders a multiphase project is going to commence. Wang’s Franchise could be the centerpiece and he could be the primary tenant of a new state of the art arena surrounded by the Hub he dreamed of in the first place.
Then again,perhaps he may fear becoming the same political football in Queens he has been in Nassau County for the past decade.
What a mess!!!!! -
Jethro09 says:
And there you have it. Its guys like this idiot Polmeini that demonstrate why Nassau County will lose the Isles. Only a fool could think that another professional franchise would ever relocate to Nassau County after watching all the BS that has gone on with the Isles the past 10 years. No NHL team will ever return to Long Island once the Isles are gone. The NHL wouldn’t allow that to happen.
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nobigwhup says:
Sent to NBLI
Thank you for saving LI and making it better place to live in. The last thing I as a resident would want, is a place for my family to go for entertainment. I rather go to a home depot or another store that I just do not have enough of to spend my day, followed by a wonderful dinner at either an Applebees or Chilies. I cannot wait to buy the pre-made 2 for $20 deal at the new hub.
I also want to thank you all for saving me 150 bucks or more as my 8 year old son will no longer be influenced to buy his favorite player’s jersey, make me buy him skates or hockey lessons. Better yet, no more do I have to drive him to a meet/greet with the players at one of the charity events sponsored by the Islanders. This will provide me more time to go to your mall to buy more things that I seem not to be able to find on any other major road on LI.Sincerely
A caring resident who your group allegedly supports for a better tomorrow!
LI – where I want to live! FU!
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Paul C says:
Make the assumption that the ABLI is a bunch of A-holes. I truly hope misfortune falls upon all these self-interested d-bags.
It is such a pleasure to experience the Coliseum and the franchise caving in on itself while they are partying at the Garden. Thanks for the memories that will repeat as nightmares for eternity. Everyone who contributed to this is not invested in the fan base and should never count on the support of the fan base and it’s numbers that are larger than they give credit.
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anthony c says:
Remember kids, drugs are bad m’kay Polimeni is obviously on some serious drugs if he thinks another team will come to nassau. My old man even thinks this guy is on crack.
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Murray, who is terrible, is not close to ABLI and the 4 developers. They are partnered with Jay Jacobs and Nassau’s Democratic Party.
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The “We’ll get another team.” is just a smoke screen. These guys want the Isles & the Coliseum GONE.
When WAng won the last bid, two of these bums bid against him wanted the HUB with no Coliseum.
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FrankJB says:
I am a Brooklyn native & long time Islander fan and the stench from Nassau County smells all the way here.Nassau County negotiates the deal w/SMG which includes all the parking revenue,concession skim and lets not forget 11% of the ticket gate.After the Gluckstern/Millstein era,remember them they were the scum who wanted to develop the land there and in comes the Spano debacle. now everyone begs Wang to buy the team.Now he wants to develop the land and build a new arena and hes painted as a villain? The Nassau County elected officials should be in jail period! They are corrupt! I don’t think Brooklyn is the answer,build an arena near Citi Field and keep the Isles here.
2277 
ABLI= CORRUPT STEAMING PILE OF DOG CRAP!!!!!