If there were going to be a groundswell of widespread opposition to the “Lighthouse Project” proposed by Islanders owner Charles Wang and developer Scott Rechler, it would have materialized at the public scoping hearing held last night by the Town of Hempstead as part of the state environmental quality review process. But the tone of the meeting was conciliatory rather than contentious as a parade of speakers expressed their concerns about a project many seem to regard as inevitable.
At times, the meeting verged on a pep rally as supporters praised the way Wang and Rechler have laid the groundwork for approval by seeking community input well in advance of filing plans for the $2 billion development. Islanders Hall of Famer Mike Bossy was greeted by cheers when he spoke of the importance to the success of the team of renovating Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and some speakers expressed their fear the Islanders might move if the project isn’t approved and Wang is forced to sell the franchise.
Most of those who raised concerns about the impact on traffic, water quality and how the affordable housing component will be handled said they support the project but simply want to be part of the process of moving it forward. There wasn’t even a single objection to a design that calls for two iconic towers housing a luxury hotel, high-end condos and office space.
If approval were based on this hearing alone, it would look like smooth sailing for the Lighthouse Project. But as any hockey player can tell you, it’s important to keep your head up because it’s the blindside hit that will get you every time. In this case, Wang and Rechler primarily must worry about the possibility of partisan political wrangling throwing up a roadblock to their plans to break ground in July of next year.
Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi is solidly on board, but Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray looms as a potential obstacle and this is her bailiwick. Suozzi is a Democrat, and Murray is a Republican. There’s no denying the economic boon the Lighthouse Project represents in terms of jobs and tax revenue it will generate. But a project that envisions 2,300 housing units, retail shops and a hotel and convention center along with a massive underground parking garage is bound to have a major impact on local traffic, water supply and sewage.
The question for Murray and the Town of Hempstead is whether the economic incentive is strong enough to seek solutions to the environmental problems or whether they will use those concerns to derail Wang and Rechler’s vision of building a kind of Emerald City on the barren Coliseum parking lot.
There’s no telling yet what the major issues will be as far as the Hempstead Town Council is concerned, but for members of various community groups that spoke last night, the affordable housing crisis on Long Island and the availability of local job opportunities ranked at the top of the list. Twenty percent of the housing units, approximately 460 overall, are dedicated to affordable housing.
But they can be spread throughout the community rather than located on-site. One spokesperson for the developers said that decision is not up to them but will be determined by the political process. If they are located off-site, it’s uncertain whether that would reduce the number of housing units on-site, but that’s doubtful. Some speakers proposed redeveloping “blighted” areas in Hempstead, but more seemed to favor on-site affordable housing.
The question of how “affordable housing” is defined on Long Island was raised by a sociology professor at nearby Hofstra University. Median home prices, he said, aren’t as accurate in an inflated housing market as a median income standard for qualification. But by any definition, affordable housing is the carrot that could drive this development.
As one single woman under the age of 30 told the panel, “You have the power to get us out of our parents’ basements.” Another local mother of three daughters, playing on the slogan for the project, said she hoped to one day be able to “meet them at the Lighthouse.” Still another woman, representing a group she called “Yes In My Backyard,” said middle-income people who want to work on Long Island, such as teachers and firefighters, need an affordable place to live.
The next step in the process comes in July when the environmental review panel presents its findings. At that point, Wang and Rechler should begin to get a reading on whether Murray and the Hempstead Town Council are going to support the Lighthouse Project in their backyard or not.
Comments (138)
Nice write-up, Greg....however, it seems you left before I came up to speak! I expected TOP BILLING....
Seriously, though, this is a great write-up, and actually the tone of this meeting was far MORE contentious than the one on Thursday morning. It gives me great optimism for the project as it moves forward.
Thanks Greg! This was great! Welcome back to work. As you can see, even though the project has so many people pulling for it, this is going to be a long road to completion. But it is encouraging. Also encouraging... the LACK of the 60 story single building that was deemed "iconic" and which would have ensured the project's ultimate demise with the county!
Charles Wang has been nothing but incredible as the owner of the Islanders. He's been willing to spend money on players, and as evidenced by this Lighthouse project, on a new or renovated arena. I'm afraid that if politics get in the way of this for too long, Wang will either sell the team, or up and move it. The Islanders need a new place to play, the Coliseum is a dump. As New Yorkers, you'd think the memories of Walter O'Malley, Robert Moses and the Dodgers leaving town over a stadium issue would come to mind immediately with this situation. Anyway, great post, Greg.
From Previous Thread....
Hey everyone, been a while just got back from vacation..tried to catch up on all the posts...looks like we were still stuck on on the MARLEAU deal... I was just looking on TSN.CA which listed each team with there unoffical RFA and UFA....And if one team looked to have the best available UFA, it was Calagary...I say we we pick up, GODARD for our enforcer, we all know we miss him....Get rid of Dubie, even though i like him and pick up CURTIS JOSEPH as our backup, he may be gettin older, but I feel hes probably the best backup we could pick up who has experience and can handle 20-25 games...also HUSELIUS and LANGKOW would def add some offensive power on our team...AND JUST BECAUSE, i say we pick up ERIC NYSTROM.......Though i highly doubt HUSELIUS AND LANGKOW will both be available, one will def. be available...Some other notable players i would enjoy picking up were:
John Micheals Liles- Avalanche
Pavol Demitra- Wild
Micheal Ryder- Canadieans
Sean Avery/Martin Straka-Rangers
Mike Commodore/Martin Lapointe-Senators
Vaclav Prospal- Flyers
George Laraque/Jarko Ruutu/Ryan Malone/-Penguins
Brian Campbell- Sharks(most likely impossible)
Brendon Morrison/Marcus Naslund- Canucks
We need to have a smart DRAFT DAY, but we also need to aggressive in the FA market.....We have alot of holes to fill, and there are some good players on the market that we have a chance to grab...If we could steal all those players from Calagary as i mentioned from above id be one happy camper...Some may say Joseph would be a horrible pickup as a back up because of his age (41) but i feel we need an experienced backup who can handle the 20-25 game load.....Unless i missed other potential backups, i would like to have him on our bench...Though Kolzig would be a even better pick up, i dont think hes looking for a backup position just yet...
Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day, and LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11074
the above link is to the Unoffical FA's if anyone is interested in adding or subtracting from my above list.. shall i say, LET THE GM ROLE PLAY BEGIN!!!
Thank you for the writeup on this! I was unable to attend this last meeting but Ive attending before and I will definitely attend another.
:)
TMC
Great story!!!! I wish I could of went to the meeting..We Islander fans and New Yorkers need this to happen..We cant wait any longer, I really hope we dont hit any road blocks from here on out...If we dont break ground next July when proposed, the Islander Franchise will be in deep S _ _ T!!! I dont want to have to route for the LAS VEGAS HO@KERS~~ LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
thanks for the update Greg.
As an ex-Islander, I have to say... I sure am glad to be out of there.
Why can't they just renovate or relocate... I apologize, but all of this seems to be a waste of time and money.
"Affordable Housing"... on LI... with running water... not over a bodega... where you don't have to wade through crack viles to get your welfare check...LOL
“You have the power to get us out of our parents’ basements.”
That should be on billboards across Nassau County. that is just SAD. If you said that in any state that wouldn't give a clinton a toilet seat, never mind a senate seat, you'd get laughed at so hard your grandchildren would have bruises.
Was anybody able to address the simple question, how will this make Nassau County a better place to live?
Here's an idea that would help LI, and make better use of that parcel of land... and it wouldn't add one iota of traffic or water problems... Cover it with solar panels and windwills. Use the energy to power the NEW coliseum that could be paid for by the money made by selling electricity back into the grid.
The Charles Wang Veterans Memorial Coliseum would be a TRUE LIGHTHOUSE to the rest of the country, instead of an "ICONIC" one. The first Greeniseum! And the Isles could change their names to the Kilowatts! :-)
Now... back to hockey...
Does tearing up the IHL give Luciano Aquino a shot at making the club in October. is he tagged for a leadership role in bridgeport... or does it just make him a very young and somewhat talented, but washed up hockey player?
It looks like its down to Filitov, Hodgson or Beach. Filatov might be tough to get out of Russia. Hodgson is undersized and Beach may be a head case.
Is there any chance the Isles will take a defenseman in teh first round?
Why are there so many morons who post here.
Original Gary...keep dreaming, are you still upset the powerhouse Rags fell flat on their faces again??
JPinVA - Your post made 0 sense...
Candice - If you feel that way...don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way to someother country. You type of people are exactly what is wrong with this country. If it was not for the men and women who scarficed everything or just fought in the wars you more then likely would not even have the freedom to voice your ridiculous opinion. Instead you would have been hanged...
Back to hockey...
Glad to see this process is moving along better then I thought.
Lets Go Islanders
Mike,
Which part didn't you get?
The fact that LIers expect affordable housing to come from Charles Wang. Charles Wang, who has thrown millions of dollars into the toilet for 8 years for the abilitiy to develop prime real estate. Charles Wang who created "at work" day care so his employees could stay at work for 16 hours a day... that charles wang is going to subsidize "affordable housing"... yeah... it'll be affordable for the millionaires Mr Wang created at CA, and the ones he's paying at the coliseum... and I don't mean the guys hawking beer. I don't see any Condos for under $1.25M in those plans... and if you buy one you'd better have a helicopter.
OR
Did you not understand how lame something like "You have the power to get us out of our parents’ basements.” sounds to the rest of the country... The rest of the country where people get JOBS to get out of their parents basements. On LI you have to get two jobs just to contribute to your parents' grocery bill. Where you are paying 2% (is it still 2%) of an over-assessed property value every year in taxes. If you had a 2000 sq ft house in a middle income neighborhood in nassau county on a 1/8 acre lot you'd be looking at a $500k assessment and $10K a year in taxes. Put that into the $550k mortgage and Little Billy is paying over $3k a month to live in his own sardine can. Why would he want to move out of his parents' sardine can.
But you do have the highest paid retired police force in the world to show for it... and they are putting their money right back into the Boca Raton economy... :-)
Why is that... because people think that somebody else pays for failed business ventures like this "may" be... in thirty years when this is still a mess and on it's 5th development plan... somebody might ask why people thought that Nassau county needed two practice rinks, and a 3 square acre gym inside the most congested square mile east of the queens border.
One side sees MILLIONS in UNION LABOR. The other sees the county having to raise MILLIONS to allow that county sized parking lot access to water, sewer systems, police, schools, traffic, mass transit. I just don't see it ever happening.
Would I like to see it happen... hell yeah. But only becasue i want to see the Islanders stay in NY. I honestly don' t think that WangWorld makes Nassau county a better place.
But that is just one man's warped and uninformed opinion.
If the hockey part didn't make sense, you clicked on the wrong link...
As for the part about why so many morons post here... well... you'd be better suited to answer that... now wouldn't you.
I almost hope the Lighthouse projeect does not come to fruition. Guys, it really doesnt matter. The Islanders are irrelevant, and it aint because of the facillity!
Move the team, period.
Get tougher players.
Let a new area embrace a scrappy, fun team.
Thats all.
Gillies:
Don't move the team.....Build it!!!!
See if the new plans for the parking lot do in fact become a reality, then we as Islanders Fans will be witnessing two things in the same time period:
a) a renovated state-of-the-art arena, and facility
b) a renovated team contending for a cup.
Snow is making the right moves by drafting and signing younger players, and this draft will have an HUGE effect on this franchise because of the amount of talent level.
If the Plans are approved that will also attract the free agents to want to play here.
Give it a little more time before you jump ship.
JP As someone who actually lives in the Town of Hempstead, all I want is the Coliseum renovated. I don't need fancy shopping malls or hotels or "affordable housing."
I want a nice venue to see a hockey game, period.
Wang is no better than those other "pigs at the trough" who tried to bundle the Islanders together with enriching themselves through land development.
Wang is a sleezy businessman who was one step ahead of the Grand Jury in his CA days. He got out right before his house of cards landed on his partner Kumar. The same Kumar who once owned part of the Islanders and is now doing federal time.
Refurbish the Coliseum, put a winning product on the ice and keep the "Lighthouse Project" on the drawing board. If Wang really wants to show his committment to Long Island, then just
fix what's broken.
As I see it, he's just another greedy developer who is trying to hold Nassau County hostage with his veiled threats to move the Islanders if he doesn't get his way...........Sir Wlliam
I suggest all Isle fans go over to Best's "Watchdog" blog and post a comment about his thoughts on a Ranger/Bruin matchup for Yankee Stadium.
That blog is the most highly read Newsday blog, and not just within Newsday, it has one of the largest readerships in the blogosphere.
Load it up with comments against a Ranger/Bruin matchup.
Send the message to Toronto.
(Plus he loves getting more page views than anyone else).
Nice article...Looks like things are coming along! Great job to all you that showed up! Hope you are all doing well!
Nice article...Looks like things are coming along! Great job to all you that showed up! Hope you are all doing well!
We're doing fine, thanks Steady.
Listen guys, I know this may not have been the first choice for some Islander fans, but since this is the idea that's been proposed it's the last best chance to keep the team where it is. Besides, the other options are sub-optimal for different reasons:
1. The Coliseum could absolutely be renovated, SW. You're right about that - the TOH approved that a long time ago since it's not considered new construction and therefore not subject to the SEQRA process. I've been to away games at Wachovia Center in Philly and I absolutely love it, despite it basically being located in a similar area to the Coliseum. I'd be fine, in the abstract, with having a building exactly like that one in Uniondale and nothing else. However, it's already been determined that privately financing just the arena wouldn't allow Wang to recoup the investment, and since practically every other team in this area is privately-financing a new building (Yankees, Mets, Jets/Giants, Rangers), it pretty much closes off the opportunity for public funding.
2. The reason, in my view, that Rexcorp was brought on board is precisely because they understand how to build and manage projects like this, thus allowing Wang (hopefully) to concentrate most of his energy and purse strings on the team.
3. It's already been determined by Nassau County, the owners of the site, that something must be built there in addition to just renovating the Coliseum. It's central to Suozzi's vision of a re-developed Hub. That's why we had the competitive bidding process, and the Lighthouse was the idea that won....We all seem to forget the project is approved at the County level and any proposal had to include a new home for the Islanders.
There were surely other alternatives, but I think the best thing you fans who are on the fence can do is support the project. It will keep the team here, attract federal money to improve transportation in the area, and turn an asphalt jungle into a beautiful destination. In addition, as a taxpayer (just like you are SW, not limiting this to myself), I'm thrilled nobody's asked me to foot the bill for this. If you remember, the Pigs-at-the-Trough owners demanded a public hand-out for the arena and then wheeled around and bid $800 million for the Redskins. Seems to me that they could've done something with, I don't know, the Coliseum site, for that kind of money.
Wang and Rechler have, in every meeting I've attended, received plaudits for engaging the community throughout this process. The total project share that will be publicly paid for is 3.5%, and that comes from a State grant to improve sewage lines in the area. According to a study by famous sports economist Andrew Zimbalist, the average public share of funding for new sports facilities averages around 75%. We're getting a pretty good deal here, all told.
I hope we, as Islander fans, can stand together and remember that the Lighthouse is the idea being considered, the Lighthouse is going forward, and the Lighthouse might be our last best chance.
More than anything else, the hearings held an air of inevitability...people realize and understand that this thing will exist. Dave Denenberg of the Nassau Legislature told me he thinks the environmental review process will take a year to a year and a half...If they keep it on the low end of that estimate, we could have groundbreaking next off-season and be on our way.
What's up with Guerin appearing at an MSG function last night with his arm in a sling (according to Best's blog).
Neil also said that Sillinger was there and appeared to be walking fine.
Great Job Nick...Bring it home brother....BRING IT HOME !!!
It's do or die Long Island. To be honest, in today's NHL if this Lighthouse project is shot down The ISLES are almost sure to move to Brooklyn. There will be a nice new basketball arena just waiting for a hockey team.
Now bring back the traditional ISLES uniforms! Get rid of those busy tacky pajamas they are wearing!
It's interesting you say that, John...Garth, at the last open house, alluded to a new 3rd jersey that the fans should really like. Retro?
And yes, it's do-or-die right now for the Lighthouse. We are moving in a positive direction, especially with no organized opposition to the project. However, there is work left to be done. Public Comments are coming in the fall of this year, once the Environmental Review process begins in earnest. I hope we can all stand together and say Not This Time, and Not Our Team. Nassau Coliseum can't continue in its current state, and through this project the Islanders can once again become a pre-eminent franchise.
In addition, I have to say it was amazing to see Bossy make his comments at the event. It was even better because they guy who called his name didn't know who he was and was shocked at the loud cheering and chants of "BOS-SY! BOS-SY!" He spoke about how much the arena and the franchise mean to him, and how he hopes this project will make future players view the franchise with the same love he has for it. It was a wonderful moment.
Yes to the traditional jerseys! The Islanders have WAT TOO MUCH tradition to throw it away. Players and fads will come and go, but the jersey needs to remain a constant. Bring back the traditional jerseys and add a 3rd jersey for change. That is the smart thing to do!! TRADITION! YES TRADITION!
Take a vote and all the fans will agree.
Exactly guys! Look at the NY Yankees! No gimmicks, same uniforms! TRADITION. 4 Stanley Cups. No to the fisherman, no to the busy new jerseys. Look at Montreal's classy jersey. Bring back the classic jersey! Both of 'em!
Nick Fix the Coliseum first. Then we can talk about the rest of Wangs great plan. All I know is that whenever politicians tell you that it's not gonna cost you a dime .........it's time to hold your hand on you wallet. Especially in the most corrupt county in the country. Pension ripoff artists galore, school supertendents double dipping, 11 assaistant Parks Commisioners all making 100k or more, 100 thousand dolar a year cops hiding behind local fire departments parking lots. Taxes through the roof and waste and mismanagement everywhere.
Not gonna cost us a nickle? Who pays for the sewers, the roads, the extra cops needed, the hospital overflow, and all the other miscellaneous items that no one ever mentions.
Wang is looking at a sweatheart lease deal and all kinds of tax breaks which means in the end that some one else pays for.
You say there is no opposition to this well, look no further than the Nassau County political machine. The y will hem and haw, study and report, and delay and hold hearings until the thing dies a natural death.
If the Islanders can't fix their own building with their own money then let them go elsewhere. That's a false threat.
Bettman and the NHL are not letting the team relocate, period.
If Wang wants out then let him sell the team.
Fix the Coliseum, Mr. Wang................Sir William
Yes, to the old uniforms! Bring them back. The new ones make me dizzy and look like kids pajamas!
Please! Didn't management learn their lesson with the fisherman?? The fans want the original uniforms. We pay for the tix! Give them back!
I completely agree please bring back the uniforms of 1980. They are true Classic's. The NY Islander's won four Stanley Cups in those uniform's. Uniform's are the face of a franchise, the 1980 uniform's of the NY Islander's was the face, and should remain that. These new uniforms are a disgrace to the entire NY Islander organization, "The Team", and the fan's of the NY Islander's. Please bring back the uniform's of 1980. The Classic White's for home games, and the Blue's for road games. Thanks, mark
Not sure if anyone else caught the program "Leaving Long Island" that aired on channel 21 earlier in the week, but three of the huge major concerns facing Long Island are directly affected by this project in a positive way. With the retirement of the baby boomers and the flight of young people that are going to areas of the country more catering to those just starting off their careers not yet making the income that could allow them the luxury of a home on Long Island. This project alone creates jobs, affordable housing, and a reason for young people to come here and want to stay. More then just having a professional sports franchise, but an entire state of the art sporting complex is definitely going to bring in a lot of interest from athletes, sports enthusiasts, and anyone involved in the evolution of sports from trainers, to sports therapists. Charles Wang can arguably be called one of the most influential Long Islanders of our time. There should be no opposition to this at all. If Kate Murray wants to have a Hempstead to hold political office at all in the next 7 years this project should go through. Also to better the hole that many parts of Hempstead as become is a benefit for the entire area.
You know all this talk of the coliseum being old is funny. No one would care if the Islanders were winning again!! We talk about a new building, we change their beautiful classic uniforms. The organization is doing everything except putting a winning product on the ice. It would be much easier to justify this project if the Islanders were winning and drawing attention to the franchise. Instead they keep alienating there fans by trading young players for old has beens and they keep changing the uniforms. The uniforms, the last piece of the dynasty the fans cling to.
You guys need to start listening to your fans.
YES!!! BRING BACK BOTH CLASSIC JERSEYS! THE BLUE AND THE WHITE! AND THE STRIPE ON THE SHORTS TOO!!! THEN LETS START WINNING, THEN PEOPLE WILL WANT TO INVEST IN THE TEAM AND A NEW BUILDING!
AMEN , KENNY.Charles Wang is a capitalist. He is in this to make money and expand his financial empire. Anyone who beleives different is just kidding themselves.
I do not need the Islanders to provide jobs, affordable housing or any other such non hockey related amenities. All they need do is provide an entertaining product on the ice.
As for his project, once again it is the taxpayer who will eventually get hosed. Update the Coliseum, keep your lighthouse.
All the rest is unneccessary..............Sir William
It's news that Wang is a capitalist? Of course he's partially doing this to make money, and I'm shocked people are treating this like such a revelation. However, why are you people talking like capitalist interests and community benefits are always mutually exclusive?
I don't buy the successful team analogy since people haven't shown up in any numbers since 01-02, and we've had a few playoff teams in there. We had an entertaining team in 06-07 that made the biggest trade acquisition for the Islanders in YEARS, and we still could barely crack 12,000 on weeknights. There are greater problems here. The facility is old, which can take years away from players' careers (state-of-the-art equipment in the training room helps immensely). We have trouble attracting free agents here because of the arena and the toxic fan environment. I don't understand why the forced pessimism here....Even if there need to be increased public services, the cost pales in comparison to the tax revenue the project will generate.
In addition, this is not a sweetheart deal. The County, by its own admission, loses $1.5 million a year on the site. Even if they work out a lease where the County gets, I don't know, $7 million a year for the site, that still leaves the County far ahead of where it was, and they don't have to take a dollar from every citizen to pay off the Coliseum.
People who support the team need to get behind these proposals otherwise the team will move. It's just a fact that the team can't keep going, and for all of you to act like capitalism is a bad thing and it takes nothing more than a good team to energize the fan base is just absurd. The new facility would allow a retention of a competitive team....I'm not naive, I don't think people will go to a new building solely because it's new. However, Wang is trying to do something for all of Nassau County, that will attract federal money for transportation improvements, and that requires a relatively paltry public share. Anybody who thinks that's unnecessary, a red herring, or a distraction doesn't understand the gravity of the situation here. Let's do something to change the direction of Long Island and keep the team where it is....Hell, I'm seeing more opposition to this project from Islander fans than the general public. That's pathetic, and that's shameful.
Hockey attracted me to the Lighthouse, I won't deny that. I'm in favor of whatever prevents the Islanders from moving. However, I realize now, in talking to people and attending these hearings, that this is more than a hockey issue, and hopefully this project can both retain our team and start a sea change in the habits of all Long Islanders. We could've concentrated on the Coliseum, but we have a new plan that could be the 21st-Century Levittown and have a profound impact on the future of our team and our home. That doesn't make the County a better place? That doesn't fulfill benefits to the community? This is about more than hockey, even though we're all hockey partisans. If you're still not sure, attend one of the public meetings and see what it's really all about.
Sir William.....
"AMEN , KENNY.Charles Wang is a capitalist. He is in this to make money and expand his financial empire."
Oh my Gawd.....another capitalist within our midst.
PERISH THE THOUGHT!!!
I suppose what the Isles need is a good old fashioned Marxist Socialist to dip in the pockets of all the Ranger fans on LI to pay for a new home for the Islanders.
That'll do it....
Yep....DAMN CAPITALISM!!!! Who needs it when we can suck the life out of every hardworking LI'er by using taxpayer money to fund our follies....
LET'S DO IT SIR WILLIAM!!!!!
Or simply say farewell to a professional sports team on LI, cuz it's ultimately not for the common good..
Let's put a Gulag there instead, and lock up all the CAPITALISTS!!
As an Islander fan, who also grew up a GB Packers fan, one thing comes to my mind. The Isles need a Brett Favre. If one looks at the packers BF(before favre), they would see the isles franchise right now. All this talk about new stadiums and what not really isn't going to bring long term attendance boosts, a player that people can relate to, but also be hypnotized by is absolutely necessary. Lets hope we can find a star with our first pick, and then a diamond in the rough later in the draft and have a solid future for years to come.
I don't know, man... I want the traditional jerseys too, but what I want more than anything is to see the Isles in white at home again. Watching them at the Coliseum in blue - or in the road in white - just never sat well with me...
AMEN 505!!
Wang has been in this for what 8 years now and I am sure his ultimate goals have always included development of the coliseum site. But, think for just a minute: any chance a successful Islanders team contributes to the potential for Wang to be successful with the development?
Like Stew said above: sports are central to Wang's whole vision of this place...so, unless he has been blowing smoke about all that and is gonna pull the plug somehow, the more successful the Islanders are, the more attractive this proposal was/is going to be.
I think with the Isles swimming in mediocrity, he has had to turn to the various other amenities that give this place the potential to become a destination on LI unlike any other. But don't forget Stew's point becuase without sports, without the Isles, the whole vision crumbles.
So, IMO the Isles need the Lighthouse project as much as the Lighthouse needs the team, especially a consistently good team that will continually attract people to the site. As a result, Wang has to care about the success of this team. He has to build a winnner, and he has tried every way so far - wIth some really crappy advice along the way.
He has tried everything but "rebuilding," and now, he has apparently embraced the concept, which requires a lot of patience. Why would anyone show this much patience? Teams like Nashville, TB (who won the cup just just a few years back) have been losing cash, and have been sold with threats of moving (at least for NSH). So, thankfully for the carrot on the stick (the Lighthouse), Wang hasn't sold out, and he isn't about to - unless this deal gets killed.
505-didn't mean to make my last post seem like it was directed at you...it was directed at the folks who can't see what Charles Wang has done, and is trying to do, for this team...
Oh my Gawd.....another capitalist within our midst.
PERISH THE THOUGHT!!!
505 Did I say that? Or is it you once again over reacting to a simple statement. I said Wang is a capitalist because his flack people are attempting to have people beleive that Wang is doing this out of the goodness of his heart which of course is nonsense.
I am a firm beleiver in Capitalism. Nowhere did I write anything different. Maybe the sun got in your eyes out there and you got confused about what I wrote. So, save your hysteria and buy a pair of reading glasses. Or maybe have someone else read it to you because you evidently didn't get the meaning.
Wang is in this to make money from a land deal not to improve the Islanders or the Coliseum. If he has to sacrifice a few bucks to renovate the Coliseum in order to make millions upon millions on the land deal, well the that's just the cost of doing business, isn't it. He is no different than Millstein was.
And, my dear, 505 since you don't live here in the Town of Hempstead and you don't pay the taxes nor vote in the elections your opinion really doesn't matter now, does it?
There is no earthly reason why Wang can't just renovate the Coliseum and be done with it. If the Islander fan base is not able to support a team then they get what they deserve. Not one cent of taxpayer money should be spent on sports teams.
As with any capitalist venture, the business of running the Islanders is a risk. If Wang can't make a profit, then sell the team and move on. No one is forcing him to continue to run business that loses money.
Let him move forward with his plan to rebuild the Coliseum with whatever private capital he can raise and be done with it. The newly redone building will attract the Free Agents that people seem to think won't sign here because of the old facilities. Fans will no longer have the "antiquated building" excuse not to attend games anymore and everyone should be satisfied.
Anyone who lives on the Island knows exactly what happens when the County gets involved in these type projects. Costs quadruple, millions disappear, budget over runs abound and graft and corruption are rampant. And finally the ultimate cost is to the taxpayer.
Just as an example lets look at the pool repair in Suffolk that was supposed to cost 7 million six years ago. It is at over 100 million and still is not ready. And that's for a swimming pool. Can you imagine what the Lighthosue project will really cost?
Fix the Coliseum and that's it........Sir Wlliam
Sir William...
"505 Did I say that?"
Yes...you did. Your entire post was scouring the principles of Capitalism. You have a problem with Wang making a buck out the Lighthouse prohject.
What you continue to overlook is that since Wang took over the Islanders he has had the most expensive season ticket of anyone on the Island.
He has lost TENS (Hundreds?)OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS since he saved this team from ignominy.
But I guess that's okay in your book. That's the risk of owning a sport franchise, right?
It's A SIN though if he comes up with a program where he can now get PART OF HIS INITIAL INVESTMENT BACK... and maybe a little more.
That simply doesn't work in your 'anti-capitalist" world.
Sir William....
You CONTINUE to fall back on a disingenuous argument and question my right to comment on this because I no longer live on LI.
Allow me to return the favor and ask you something....
Have you ever OWNED AND OPERATED your own business?
And I am not talking about the lemonade stand on the corner of Jamaica and 168th St.
A real business with employees depending on you to cover payroll every two weeks or so. An operation where every decision you make can impact the lives of 5 or 10 or hundreds of employees. And here again, I am not talking about being a SUIT in a corporation, I AM TALKING ABOUT A COMPANY WHERE YOU CALLED ALL THE SHOTS.
If you haven't, may I suggest you stfu.
D-money...
"505-didn't mean to make my last post seem like it was directed at you..."
uh, I didn't get that impression...I agreed with everything you said.
Despite the rhetoric of Marxist lapdogs, not all "capitalists" are pigs ya' know.
Ok, Detroit plays in one of the OLDEST buildings in the league. Do they have attendance problems? They kept their tradition in tact (UNIFORMS) and built a good winning team. And the fans keep on coming. What do the Islanders fans get?? NEW UNIFORMS every few years, which lose our winning identity. We trade away great young players who go on to become winners on other teams. We sign "QUICK FIX" players to try and win. That is not the answer. THANK GD MILBURY IS GONE. If Garth Snow is reading this :
1) Bring back the uniforms from the 80's, stripe shorts and all!
2) Go ahead and have a trendy 3rd Jersey to fuel the capitialism in the NHL. BUT PRESERVE THE TRADITION!
3) Lock up around 6 good young players in long term contracts. AND BUILD AROUND THEM.
4) NO MORE MERCENARIES
5) NO MORE TRENDY FAD UNIFORMS!!!!
6) LISTEN TO THE FANS WHO BUY THE TICKETS!!!!!
I will go watch the Islanders play in the park if they are exciting and competitive. This garbage about training facilities is a load rubbish!!! The colisieum is not the answer. WINNING IS!!!
Kenny, I agree with you in the abstract, but I think the Lighthouse is as much for the players as it is for the fans. Wang wants to spend his own money, and I think the best thing we can do as fans is...accept the gift.
I tell people who aren't from LI about Wang, and they all come away absolutely convinced that he's the best owner in sports. He's taken large losses, as 505 pointed out, ever since buying the team in the hope of improving things for us. He has never threatened Nassau County, he has never said he would sell/move the team, he has done nothing throughout this whole process but understand and adapt the project (remember the 60-story building? It's gone because it would jeopardize the project...seems to me that's a person willing to change), and the whole thing has been centered on keeping the Islanders exactly where they are. Winning absolutely helps, but don't think having this project on the horizon won't help build and keep the team together once that young core is locked up. We already have a pretty good core with DP, Okposo, Comeau, and this year's 1st. Maybe Figren, Smith, or Rakhshani can take that leap, and we might really have something here.
Now, SW....I have to take 505's side on this one. I've also, at times, run my own business, and regardless of the reason you have for starting the business, one of your main objectives is to stay in business. To stay in business, you need....wait for it.....money. I know this might come as a shock, but I agree it's completely disingenuous of you to expect Wang to lose even more money by renovating the Coliseum.
Let's take an illustration - say Wang privately finances the arena for $250 million (the current estimates are $400 million, but stay with me...). Currently, the team loses $10 million or so a year, with the Coliseum...now, let's say the Coliseum makes $15 million more for them in its spiffy new shape. We have a $5 million profit and it would take 50 YEARS to recoup that investment. To think Wang will just burn all that money is ridiculous...He's taken the team and created a project that he sees as his long-term legacy to Long Island, and all some people seem to want is for him to lose more money.
Again, we need all the support we can get right now to pre-empt any NIMBY's that might come out of the woodwork later (even though they haven't now). People in the community, as a whole, love the project, and all I hear from Islander fans is moaning and complaining that Wang should just renovate the building and lose more money while he's at it. You're entitled to your opinion, but please tell me how that helps the team in what might be its hour of greatest need. Please tell me why, as a loyal fan, you would want to play with fire like this.
Everyone who hasn't, please sign the petition (click the link on my name) so we can show our support for our team and this project.
Point taken and I understand this is a business like anything else. And even the Yankees need a new stadium to compete in todays market. Revitalizing the surrounding area is also important. All points well taken. But I don't want to see the Islanders get lost in the mix. I read the petition and read what Billy Smith said. So why does Islanders ownership continuously mess with the tradition of the team? Why?? I am sorry but the Uniforms are the face of a team, then the players. The Islander keep changing BOTH! I wonder how many different uniforms D.P. will wear in his 15 years with the team.
SO! With a new stadium needs to be a lot of the "OLD" That mean a stable core of PLAYERS so fans get a sense of identity. With the players The ISLANDERS need their Traditional Cup Winning UNIFORMS! Nice SIMPLE Orange, White and Blue.
No Fisherman, No Waves, No Lighthouse, No, Busy Pajama Jerseys. NO GIMMICKS!!!
We Islanders fans are way too smart for this! So We support the Lighthouse, but Ownership needs to give the fans what they want!!! STABILITY!
Posted by Nick
I don't buy the successful team analogy since people haven't shown up in any numbers since 01-02, and we've had a few playoff teams in there. We had an entertaining team in 06-07 that made the biggest trade acquisition for the Islanders in YEARS, and we still could barely crack 12,000 on weeknights.
Nick. I have no problems with your efforts on getting the project done. In fact I applaud them and hope the thing comes to fruition and 5 years from now there’s a great venue for the team and for everyone on LI.
BUT. There is no denying that the team’s failure to put a legitimately “successful” team on the ice has hurt. Of course it has. Your contention that we haven’t seen big attendance numbers is based on a first round loser that barely qualified a few times, was nowhere near REAL contention and was (and still is) without any TRUE star attractions comparable to what so many other teams have. That can be blamed on bad management decisions, lousy drafting and bad spending. I don’t mean to be too crtitical, but to think that winning does not draw fans is to miss the whole essence of sports. Of course it’s about winning. And of course winning breeds growth. As I have contended, if the Islanders put a bona fide winning team on the ice for any length of time, hockey fans would come in droves, even if they played in Dutch Lane sump. And by the way, fans would come even if the team played a grinding, defense first style, because after all, sports is about winning and that’s what fans want first and foremost. That has been Wang’s miscalculation all along. I admire and respect his passion and determination, but I can’t help thinking it’s been misguided in that if he had capitalized on the momentum following the 02’ Toronto series by investing more effort and resources on building a real winner first and foremost THEN, the project would be much further along and the payoff would be a great situation for everyone NOW. Simply - win first, then you can build.
exguy, I might not have made myself clear there, so I apologize if I didn't. I'm mostly saying that success will not in and of itself solve things because a large portion of the fanbase has turned on the team in the last few years, and especially since the lockout. If they want to use a renovated building as a hook to draw people back in as they build a young team into contention, then full speed ahead. We can re-hash what Milbury's done wrong, but we all know it by now and sadly we have to accept it and not project his sins onto Garth (not saying you're doing that, just making the point).
Sorry but the organization has not learned it's lesson. There was a HUGE backlash when they changed the uniforms to the fisherman. So what does the ownership do??? They change them AGAIN! Even though they know the fans don't want new uniforms. Just another money hungry move to fuel what really matters. Making a buck. Not winning.
Come on! Do you really think Islanders fans care about The Lighthouse if we are in LAST PLACE.
We want our UNIFORMS BACK! AND WE WANT TO WIN!!!
WE WANT A STANLEY CUP NOT A LIGHTHOUSE!!!
You're beyond hope if you care more about uniforms than the future of the team....
hahaha No, sadly The Islanders are beyond Hope. I have been a fan for 30 years and that arrogant statement is exactly why The Islanders play to NO ONE!
That arrogance has been displayed by the organization for the past 15 years. Yes, Me and 17,000 people care about the uniforms. Again you all in the ISLES organization don't get it.
Take a survey from the fans of what they want for once.
It's funny. How many more silly celebrations will we have to sit through honoring a team from 25 years ago???? Yes, I was there in the house when they won the first 2 cups. So don't tell me I am beyond hope. The Islanders are. So you and the organization keep having those silly celebrations and parade a team from 20 years ago in front of us and ask us to keep paying $70.00 a ticket to watch a team sinking lower then hell.
Yes, it's about the uniforms. One day you dummies will get it.
Until then, we will celebrate the Islanders of the 80's for maybe another 10 years.
SAD!!!!
Do you think I work for the team? I think it's sad that I can't support something without being accused of being on the payroll. It would be wonderful if they paid me, but no I donate my time because I'm sick of the whining and pontificating, and I decided to put my money where my mouth is. I don't appreciate being called a dummy, especially since I didn't resort to that kind of name-calling with you.
I'm thrilled you watched the team win the first 2 Cups, but let me tell you a little something about myself...I'm actually too young to remember the Cups, so all I have as a fan are David Volek, the Bates penalty shot, and a lot of BS. Funny thing is, I should be more bitter about this team than you are, but instead I've chosen to look forward and try to help the process in any way I can. We have a whole generation of people who abandoned the team because of the arrogance you mentioned over the last 15 years. The team is taking steps to fix it, and all you're doing is crying about uniforms and accusing me of being a shill for the organization. I want this team to win the Cup, and I'll bet you I want it more than you do since I have no earthly clue what it feels like to have my team win the Cup. You can go off on your rant and whine about the uniforms for however long you want, but remember: you can wear your vintage jersey while I cheer for my team in the renovated Coliseum.
UNIFORMS????
Must be some kind of magical elixir (kryptonite?) in those old jerseys.
Look! Down on the Ice!!!!
It's a puck!
It's a stick!
IT'S SUPERISLANDER!!!!
Yes, it's SuperIslander - strange visitor from another planet who came to Long Island with scoring ability far beyond those of mortal hockey players. SuperIslander - who can change the course of losing games, bend goal pipes with his bare hands, and who, disguised as Greg Logan, mild mannered reporter for a not so great metropolitan newspaper, fights the never ending battle for Truth, Justice and the Islander Way.
Again, this bears repeating....there have been more complaints about the Lighthouse on this blog than at the multiple Town Hall meetings in Hempstead. Does that strike anyone else as a bit odd?
I dunno, maybe Kenny has a point there about the Unis..
Maybe Comrie's toe drag WILL work if he's got an old jersey on.
(I bet Duff would get a tingle if he had a red cape on too)
Maybe Hilbert will score 70 goals with an old jersey on.
Imagine how many nets MAB would have torn open with an old jersey on.
Maybe Hunter will have a 20% SOG total instead of 5%.
DP would lead the league in shutouts.
Davison would live up to his Youtube videos and EARN that number he wears.
We wouldn't need an enforcer....NO ONE would mess with anyone on the team.
Yep, let's get the old unis back.
Posted by ex guy
“I admire and respect his passion and determination, but I can’t help thinking it’s been misguided in that if he had capitalized on the momentum following the 02’ Toronto series by investing more effort and resources on building a real winner first and foremost THEN, the project would be much further along and the payoff would be a great situation for everyone NOW. Simply - win first, then you can build.”
Don't you think Wang wanted to capitalize on the momentum? Like I posted earlier, and like you said, a successful team would have made this whole Lighthouse thing move a lot quicker. And I am sure that Milbury told him whatever moves he was making – including eventually shedding Osgood and bringing up DP - were the right moves to do exactly that.
But, what Wang didn’t realize was Milbury’s true stupidity as a GM. You can’t blame Wang for not capitalizing on momentum, when at the time, MM had full control and did nothing. I am sure Wang told MM to do what it takes to grow the team successfully, but look at the rosters from 01-02 until MM was canned, and the most significant change was bringing up DP!! MM did nothing to build the team, he gutted it and left Wang with a steaming pile of crap!
That is why we are now in the mess we are in – with a front office by committee!! I’ve said this before on here, but Wang tried it the old school way (GM with total control and who hires his guy to coach the team) and got burned – multiple times! Until last year, Wang’s passion and determination were only misguided because he let a bonehead employee call all the shots for way too long!
With 8 years of mediocrity under his belt, he now sees the light and the need to rebuild, for which maybe we can thank Snow and Nolan and some of the other hockey guys that are around, like Bossy and Trottier (who knows).
So now all we can hope for is that his passion and determination to see the team succeed - even if driven by the desire to develop the Lighthouse and make tons of cash - will persist and he will stand pat as the Isles build another contender!
505:
Loved the Superman quote. Brought me back to my childhood. Too bad SuperIslander isn't ready to suite up next season.
I ac