I believe this is correct. I also believe this is the kind of plan that we are likley to end up with, though somewhat less generous as it will be forced on us by our creditors who won't give a hair about healthcare for seniors and the needy. Read "Penny Health" articles if you dont have insurance.

The plan in the long run will cost the County more then it will save! Plus with the new MEGA-PRECINCTS safety and response time for patrol cars that use to cover your neignborhoods, but are now diverted to higher crime neignborhoods "NYC EAST" will now suffer.

If keeping the Islanders and Charles Wang on Long Island means spending our county into $400 million dollars in debt that will have to be paid back with interest by taxpayers who may not be hockey nuts, then the Coliseum plan is a disaster to even contemplate. I can barely afford to live in this county already, without yet another financial fiasco compliments of Mangano

Has anyone asked Mangano how much of a tax refund residents will be getting and when we will be receiving it? If this plan will reduce the police budget then we should see that reduction reflected on our tax bill, correct? My guess is he'll spend it on hiring more of his and Commissioner Dale's cronies at ridiculous salaries as reported in Newsday.

To Matt:
Poll statement:
Will a plan be approved by the end of 2012 to keep the Islanders in Nassau County?
what it should say
Do you want a plan to keep the Islanders.
or
Will the county approve a plan at all for a new arena.

Wang put up - Cuomo put up... then build something NEW on Long Island that families will enjoy ! lets attract young families to the area ! - build the HUB and build it BIG !
Families spend money... then local business grows and then tax revenues grow.

Mangano wants the county to go bankrupt so he can destroy the middle class county workers and wipe out their contracts and pensions. Mangano should be investigated for fraud by the federal government and the DA's office.

Herb, we'll check on this. Our system says it's published, but we're not seeing it on the story.

To Nassau Taxpayer:
Absolutely positively 100 percent in.
It has nothing to do with hockey, it has to do with economics.
If I had the money to build an arena there would be no question with the correct marketing team, my profits would be realized in a short period of time.
To bad you know nothing about Economics 101......
Now is the time. not later.
Not just the correct marketing team , but a BRILLIANT MARKETING TEAM...

To Mac:
I think we posted the same sentiments the same time.
Want to go 50 / 50......

Well, "Mac", since NOBODY KNOWS what terms Wang demanded, you really can't say SQUAT about comparability. But do go for it, "all in". Remember: NO BAILOUTS!

Mac, not to be argumentative, but "the full terms" were not finalized or released as of the date of the referendum, and were NEVER released after it FAILED. Remember: NO BAILOUTS!

Wang already has his bags packed and ready to move to Brooklyn. And the team wont even need new uniforms. He can keep the Islanders name and logo.
Now his team will be even nearer to his neighbor, James Dolan's Rangers.. It would even intensify the two teams rivalry.
I believe Wang is anxious to get his foot in the door of NYC. Thats where the prestige and big money is located. Definitely NOT in Uniondale.

Mac...When the Rangers win the Stanley Cup this year, do you think the City will give them the same ticker tape parade up Broadway as they did for the Giants?
Won't Mr. Wang be so envious? He may even resort to changing his team's name to the NY Wangers.

If a new arena is such a great idea, why isnt anybody out in Suffolk Co coming up with their own plan and financing?
I hear theres plenty of room out at the old Pilgrim State Hosp. property. And they even have a rail spur.
Geography 101.

Suffolk is an unrealistic location right now for professional sports or a convention center.
Nassau is better located than Suffolk - Trains, highways, easy access to and from the city etc
Nassau County has a more dense population and is on the border of reality (Queens/NYC)..

Maybe I can use the word dense to mean two things.....

Nassau taxpayer we are talking about two different things. The referendum was a hastily thrown together mess the county exec tried to force down our throat. In that instance the county would've retained ownership of the land and building. All terms were public when the lighthouse project was vetoed by Kate Murray. Wang cannot be asked to take all the risks financially and put up the money on property he wouldn't own. Lloyd the rangers will not win the cup and if they do it will be a huge parade. Gary Bettman the commish of the NHL already went on record saying the Brooklyn location was not big enough for a pro NHL team. It would be the smallest arena in the league. More likely than not the team would be in Quebec or Kansas city.

Without checking Google....I believe the population of Suffolk is GREATER than Nassau and if has been growing at a faster pace than Nassau. Also many populated areas of Nassau are closer to Brentwood than Uniondale.
And how many Islanders fans are there in Jamaica, Hollis, and St. Albans, anyway?
And Suffolk supports a professional baseball team very well. They sell out more games than the Islanders. And they had a very popular EHL team for many years...also called the Ducks.
Have you guys anything more substantial to throw at me?

Mac. I thought you already SWORE right here on Patch, that NHL franchises rarely move back to a city that had lost their team. I think you said there were just 2 or 3 in the past 95 years.
Both K.C. and Quebec had teams abandon their cities due to financial problems. You remember the Scouts and the Nordique, dont you?
And yiu swore that NO NHL franchise would ever move to LI if the Islanders flew the coop.
Dont be so sure, Mac.
Theres more money and fans here than in Columbus or Carolina if the buyer has brains and big bucks behind him.

You're actually comparing the LI Ducks to the Islanders? If Islander tickets cost the same $10 or $15 that Ducks tickets did, every game would be a sell out regardless of how they were playing. You're also trying to compare an indoor winter sport with an outdoor summer one. Apples to oranges as they say. Parking at the Coliseum costs more than the price of even ONE Ducks ticket. Lots of fans used to go to more games before the economy tanked. Do you have $120 for a good ticket? That's 12 seats at the Ducks game, right?? Like I said, no comparison.

To Susan:
Right on target.......
He needs a check up from the neck up......

To Lloyd:
You certainly proved you are off the wall.
Your comment -
"And Suffolk supports a professional baseball team very well.
They sell out more games than the Islanders.
And they had a very popular EHL team for many years...also called the Ducks"

You are kidding me right.
They are not a professional baseball team.
Where do you get your facts.
It is obvious that not only Nassau is dense in population your thoughts are dense as well.....

Please get a check up from the neck up....

To Lloyd:
Just to let you know and I will keep it simple so you can follow.
I would rather go to Brooklyn to see the Cyclones than see the *ucks any day of the week.
More fun, more entertaining, overall a better crowd of people who appreciate the sport of baseball.
The Cyclones are a gold mine for Brooklyn.

The same way a new arena and more in Nassau county can be, if marketed correctly....

Build it and you will see....

No one is going to build any arena in Nassau. The County is bankrupt. The Uniondale area is congested with traffic as is the LIE and parkways. Wang will not invest any of his own money here.

To Escape LI, I beg to differ about the Uniondale traffic. What Uniondale traffic?? "Like the LIE and the parkways"?? You obviously don't live here like I do. I've lived 1.5 miles from the Coliseum for the last 24 years. The only time I really see any traffic around Uniondale (and the Coliseum) is right before or right after a sporting event or a concert. Maybe you're talking about a different Uniondale?? Wang seemed plenty willing to invest his money before Kate Murray put an end to Lighthouse Project. (That would have been a traffic nightmare)! Then Mangano tried to shove his 'project' and his contradictions down everyones throats so that got voted down as well. I don't think most people even understood what they were voting for or against.

Paul is right on target.
Explaining the big picture to those that see a small picture.
I cant believe how many think it is only a place to play hockey.
I have no interest in the Islanders but see the point of a revenue stream by building the correct type of facility.

And Paul. You are the one whi needs some education.
The LI Ducks ARE professional baseball team in the Atlantic League.
And they have had many former Major League players, coaches and management during their very successful run out in C.I.
And the LI Ducks of the old EHL were very successful playing inthe dumpy Commack Arena.
Suffolk County has a history of supporting its sports teams, while Nassau doesnt. What happened to the NY Nets with the great Dr. J?
Ticket prices are all relative. Maybe the Islanders and Wang have priced themselves out of the LI market, while the Ducks tickets are priced right.
And if the Islanders ever make the playoffs before the end of this century, those high ticket prices wont discourage fans from buying them.
BTW...How are their TV ratings? Above a 1 share yet?
How can you explain that?

So you dont think the Ducks are a professional baseball team??
What do you consider their 2009 season manager? Was he an amateur too?
In case you forgot, that man who guided the Ducks to the playoffs was the late GARY CARTER!!
When was the last time your Islanders, led by Chuckie Wang, made the playoffs?
No wonder they cant draw flies, get any TV ratings, or a new arena.

Long Island Ducks, while fun to see and great for LI, can hardly be considered a professional team.

Wrong again, Susan. Ive been living in Long Beach for over a year now and posting here for nearly that long.
I met my ex-wife here at Leone's Disco/club on Park Ave before you were even born and spent the next 30 years in LB visiting her family and mine (my uncle, aunt, and grandmother) who also lived here.
I always considered Long Beach my second home. And now its my first.
What elee ya got?

So Gary Carter is NOT a professional and neither is Bud Harrellson??
You should be ashamed of your jealous rants.
Go look to see if you can find the Nets playing at the Colisseum. Was their move political too or due to a lack of fan support?

Lloyd your camparison of the *ucks are so so bad.
Susan and Vin are correct.
Apples and oranges and not a good comparison.
I think you took in to much salt water from Long Beach.
Yup, I thought so, you do need a check up from the neck up.

Susan......If the Islanders had any fans they would have been able to get that referendum passed. But 15,000 supporters in a County of over 1 milliin is not getting you a new arena.
Start by winning some playoff games and packing the Colisseum, then you'll get what the team deserves, and not before.
BTW...you want to ridicule the Ducks for making the playoffs when you guys dont have a leg to stand on???

To Lloyd:
Putting the Islanders aside for a minute.
To many people do not understand the importance of a new arena.
They only hear bells about spending money and do not look at the big picture.
The tax revenue will be enormous.
The mindset of people in my opinion learned to hate big business from the man on top that was elected to president.
Those are MY WORDS....
He to does not understand Economics 101.
Some of the county residents have a shallow understanding of the future performance of going forward with a new arena...

What you guys just dont seem to get is that the sports fans in Suffolk County have shown they can fully support D Level minor league (professional) sports franchises, so why cant they fully support a major league sports team?
You just dont give up, do you?
Since you cant get a new arena built in Uniondale, you'd rather have the Islanders move out to K.C. than to Suffolk Co.

To Lloyd:
It is so sad that you have this (dis)belief that the *uck comparison is a good one.
The *ucks are supported by a local fan base that enjoy the sport to bring families to see a game.
Yes it is affordable but does not come close to a comparison of any professional sport....

Just slightly off the topic - the fan base of a Cyclones game in Coney Island have the heart of the old Brooklyn Dodgers and the tradition of being a Met fan.
The *ucks do not even have that.....

People go to the *ucks for the value and a day out..

I know more people from Long Island that go to Brooklyn to see the Cyclones rather than see the *ucks!

So it appears to you that moving the Islanders to Brooklyn is a good idea too, since the same fans from LI who drive in to Brooklyn to watch the Cyclones will drive or take the train to downtown Brooklyn to watch their Islanders. Or just maybe Brooklyn can support an NHL team better than Nassau Co??

I do sense some jealousy in your posts regarding the popularity and success of the Ducks. You cant admit they are a professional team and have had very competent and honest management and ownership since their inception....as well as success in the field and among their fan base.
Can you say the same thing about the Islanders for the past 20+ years?

As a matter of fact part of what you said its merits.
The Cyclones analogy as I said was an off the topic comment.

Yes Islander fans will take the LIRR from work if in Manhattan to Brooklyn. ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.

Just like Ranger fans going to MSG.

It will also be just as easy for them to take themselves and families on the LIRR to Brooklyn the same way most do during the holiday season to go to Manhattan to see a play or the tree lighting or a museum...

Bud Harrelson autographed my son's baseball mitt the first time we went to a Duck's game. He was very gracious when approached. I have only the nicest things to say. We enjoyed going to Ducks games but what a schlep especially with all that rush hour traffic. By the way, plart of the Coliseum referendum was to possibly build a minor league ballpark as well in the future.

Gary C and Bud H are professionals but their affliation with an organization doesn't make it a professional organization.

LLoyd your attacks on the Islanders are well documented. Just a few things yes it is true that NHLrelocations back to a place that once had a team is rare I stated that 100%. BUT, you neglected to mention that it was in your response to it being common. IF the Islanders move the odds are to Quebec as the Canadien based teams carry higher attendance AND Gary Bettmen has already stated the Barclay Center is not big enough or set up for pro hockey. It would be the smallest arena in the NHL. YES the Ducks are a pro team but not affiliated with any MLB team or the MLB in any way shape or form. The only reason they are considered a pro team is because once you get paid you lose your amateur status. Any comparison to the Islanders and the Ducks is a complete waste of time. I do love going to Duck games it is really a great family night out at a good price. However, if someone in Suffolk county were to find a site, put up the money so be let the Islanders go there and see what happens. Who can say how it would be supported after the initial honeymoon period is over. Also your successful LI Duck hockey club in Suffolk wasnt supported that is why they are gone.Also due your research regarding the Nets a HUGE part of the reason they left LI was because they joined the NBA and wouldve been forced to pay the Knicks millions in territory rights which the then owner couldnt afford. It had nothing to do with fan support which they had here.

Yay Mac, Paul, and Vin NY !!! Thank you for agreeing. Lloyd obviously has an issue with debating women since his only repsonse to me was to let me know he was OLD (the before you were born comment) and to tell everyone where he lives (which is not really a bright thing to do and now I see he actually deleted it)!

Like I said, a professional like Bud H, could manage or coach a little league tean but it still wouldn't make them professionals. That was what he was basing his argument on. And comparing them to the Islanders.... well, apples and oranges.... again and again. I'm not commenting anymore. He obviously hates the Islanders and hockey. Let him go play with the 'Ucks'. :)

Thank you also to Chuck.

Susan. I didnt tell anyone where I live, except to say, Long Beach, like most of you.
And I am a very long suffering Islanders fan and Mets fan with a strong dislike for Wang and Wilpon. Not for the players. Both owners have dragged down those once great franchises and I, along with MANY others, are very disgusted with them and we are very vendictive.
I dont want to see the Islanders leave...just Charles Wang.
I use two models for comparison..the Ducks and the Devils. Wang looks like a moron when compared to the ownership of those teams. Even the Cyclones are better run than the Islanders.
Its a shame that he has failed us fans for so long. And I would sooner lose the team than reward him with a new arena and valuable real estate to add to his portfolio.

"Like most of us". Like most of us what? Live in Long Beach??? Where did you get THAT from??? Like I said yesterday... clueless.

I did not know I lived in Long Beach.
I am moving, its a big Flood Zone...
No insurance........
Outa here...

Susan. If Wang owned the Ducks they would finish last every year and play in a half empty stadium and probably be threatening the County Exec to move his team to Hoboken.
And Susan, you dont understand what the word PROFESSIONAL means.
All LI Ducks players are under contract and receive a salary for their employment. That being the case, they are NOT amateurs, but are PROFESSIONAL athletes just like the Islanders and the Cyclones players. The fact that they play in an Independant league makes NO DIFFERENCE.
Many famous ex major keaguers have played in independent leagues. Does that make them amateurish?

OMG, give it up already. My last comment was that you seem to think we all live in Long Beach. I didn't know I moved. At least 2 others don't live in Long Beach as you said we did. Please refrain from using my name in any further comments. And again, clueless. You just proved it. I never mentioned Wang in any comment I made. If you want to continue your ranting, attach someone else's name to comments, NOT MINE.

Im posting on Long Beach Patch, where nearly everyone is from Long Beach and many know each other and even live on the same street. I guess this article attracts "outsiders".

This article appears in the Mineola Patch, not Long Beach. Outsiders??? How dare you!! Do you think the Patch is some private club just there for your hatred? It's amazing how you can get that big foot into your mouth so many times. Are you aware the Patch is nationwide and owned by AOL?? Just stop 'talking' already ......

I have been begging Lloyd to research before he posts for about a month. Each post he makes with inaccurate information just makes his posts less valid regardless of the message.

Mac, I wish there was a LIKE button on the Patch like the one on Facebook. I'd click LIKE on your posting. :)

Because it is a regional story it is everywhere.
http://longbeach.patch.com/articles/nassau-notebook-coliseum-clock-ticking-community-policing-plan-receives-support

Could I just throw out a whacky idea here? What about a new arena at Belmont Park, in the large lot on the Elmont side of the track? Easy access by rail and car, ample parking and a natural draw from Queens. Day-night double headers of Horses and Hockey. Call me crazy? Combo of public and private financing. (and Belmont is dark for most of the hockey season.)

I had no idea until now that a few of these articles are read nationnwide or at least countywide, when about 90% of them that appear on Patch deal with Long Beach only and the posters all live in Long Beach and seem to all know each other for years. Apparently, some of the articles are linked up with other Patch sites and bring together posters from "outside" of this area. That kinda explains a lot of things to me now.

Attention, the Isles are leaving. See everyone in Brooklyn at the brand new arena where the Nets & Isles will once again share a venue. I'll be happy to give my tax dollars to Kings County now instead. Nice going Ed & Company, you guys totally blew it!!!!!!!!

Stop blaming Mangano. The oublic woukd have aooroved the deal if it involved any owner other than Wang. He is not trustworthy or respected by the public .

LLoyd the Ducks are a professional team for anyone to dispute that is ridiculous. However, they cannot be compared with any team in the four major sports leagues being the MLB, NHL,NFL or NBA. Minor league baseball especially the independent leagues are about local entertainment and getting families out to see games. In fact the stress isnt even on player development to move on to the next level. But, it is pro-baseball that offers great entertainment and family fun at great prices because that is how they market thier games and pay structure. Your hatred of Wang is unreal like he stole money from you. The guy did nothing wrong expcept lose millions on the Islanders for years. Even if the Islanders leave the HUB will remain a barren piece of land because the politicians cannot agree on anything. When that happens who will be o blame. Let the county sell the land to wang or any other developer and see what happens. Until the two parties can work together nothing will get done in this county. Perhaps you havent lived here long enough to know that. Michale Farber the islanders are not going to Brooklyn. The arena isnt big enough or setup for NHL hockey as Gary Bettman said several times. The odds on favorite for this franchise is Quebec if they actually move. It was progress to hear Wang say he would extend his lease IF plans were made towards progress.

NASCAR is not a tri-state NY kind of sport..... yet...

To James M:
"Many posters are not even living in Nassau County but comment on Nassau issues."
They probably do but:
Just to enhance that, most people living on LI are nieve and do not even know what is going on.
I did not say all, I said most......

James do you watch hockey? Please take a look and then tell us how the devils are playing. I believe they trail the rangers by six points maybe eight in second Place. The mangano vote wasn't killed by all independent people. More of a concern was what wasn't finished yet. Too many details unknown or no worked out.

Who belittled you? In saying the devils were playing badly lead me to believe you were not a fan. Your statement doesn't match current results. And yes I did watch the game yesterday and kovy is a better player now than ever. When did Lemieux coach? Parise said he wants to remain a devil but they have nO cap room. Marty was bound to tail off eventually but he is playing good hockey now. So with 32 wins and a bunch of young players the devs good days are behind them? The best years were the Stevens years but you can pick am era for every team and say those were the best years. Besides last year the devs are a constant in the playoffs. But we digress because I responded to your inaccuracy in terms of current performance.

James I simply asked you a question based on what you said. What did I do make you feel small or disparage you? I ask again if you watch hockey. What Lemieux coached the devils? I think you may have your names confused. Well 32 wins this year fighting for a home advantage in round one beating the rangers the last two meetings yes I give it to you. Their best days behind them. Once you get the name of the hall of famer that coached the devils last year please let us know. You have the wrong name so yes I question your knowledge of the game.

To James M:
All interesting remarks.
OK we get it you are a financial guru and hate politics, you are the 99 percent, you voted democrat, you think one way or no way, you don't like Wang because he is a business man looking to make a profit, everyone should have free health insurance, the rich should pay there fair share of taxes etc. You like hockey you dont like hockey, Who cares.... - We get all that, but we are only speaking about a revenue creator for the Nassau County which if done correctly would be a state of the art coliseum.
You have called people out on some statements when you yourself have spoken in riddles.
Lets all take a deep breath (even you James M, you can hold your hot air for a minute or two) and think calmly about the subject we are talking about...

Now James M, dont you feel better now.......

Please pardon the typo or two.....
I do not have a teleprompter.....

I may be wrong, but I have a hunch most of what I wrote is correct...

If I am so be it....

Did you get that name yet? Did i call you one name at all? Is asking for facts wrong? Once again you cannot support what you write and go on attack. I have said nothing personal towards you or called you any names. You use use Lloyd to prove a point that doesn't make sense. Who is beating you up? Or Lloyd for that matter.

And no one made anything personal except for you James M. Get a mirror. It's all YOU! WE all discussed our points like adults without calling anyone names like you did, like a child. Get a life ...... a therapist might help with that inferiority complex.

Bingo. James hit it out of the park -- "at the end of the day the voters chose NO. So you can say whatever you want on here but the public decided it was wrong. Many independent reviewers of the deal said you are wrong. Many editorials were written that say you are wrong. So you three can scream at the top of your lungs that you are correct but you are still wrong."

You are right, James. Those three are a bunch of sore losers. I dont want the Islanders to move, but I dont believe at this time public funding for a new arena is necessary or affordable.
Those three can blame Mangano, Murray, or George Bush. The voters spike and they do NOT approve of Wang and his selfish underhanded schemes.
Keep up your voice of sanity, James.

Guess you are referring to Islander fans, Lloyd and James M:
Those three are a bunch of sore losers.....
Nice of you to agree....

Next thing we'll hear is that its the lack of food courts and luxury boxes at the Coliseum thats the reason the Islanders rarely make the olayoffs (when nearly everyone else does) or fill the arena (except when the Rangers fans pack the place).
Im the worlds biggest Mets fan, but honest enough to blame lousy owners and gm's for their failures on the field and off. Its not the fans' fault, Bloomberg's fault, or Steinbrenner's fault. And it's not even all Madoff's fault, since savvy owners show they can win even in small markets with limited resources.
And for sure, Charles Wang has no clue in that regard
I wonder if some of these Patch posters are on his payroll?.

The islanders do not make the playoffs because they are not good enough. If they were they would make it but that is just you disguising the issue. For anyone to really believe the referendum for a new arena was voted down was because of Wang is just someone who doesn't like him. The issue was voted down because we are in the midst of a recession, people in Nassau are sick of the high taxes, didn't have complete details of the project with all the information not complete, a shady election time meant to pull one over on voters and the fact people don't care what happens if they have to pay. I wold argue the only reason the vote had so many yes vote, it was defeated easily, is because of islander fans. Wang himself had very little to do with the outcome. The plan was horrible and incomplete that would've raised taxes sompeople voted it down. The separate issue of islander performance is because of poor decisions and the fact big name freeze agents will not come here. It is no coincidence that the coliseum was voted the worst place tomp,at by NHL players but that is not the only reason they are not good but it is one of the reasons. If they move so be it I firmly believe that site will turn into an eyesore and our taxes will go up because our elected officials do not care about us but would rather just disagree with each other at our expense.

Isn't it amazing, Mac, that you have to repeat the FACTS over and over again, and still feel like your banging your head against the wall? They'll never get it. I was at Mangano's meetings and understood what he was trying to do. He was shoving that referendum down people's throats. No one understood it, not even him. When I asked him why he was spending over $2 million on a special election when the primary was only 6 weeks away, his response was that he wanted to have the vote before the kids went back to college!! Great reason, right? He figured the college kids would vote in favor. Some college kids don't understand and would vote the way their parents tell them to anyway. I'm not going to say how I voted but let's just say that I would have rather spent a little more in taxes than have the Coliseum sitting empty after 2015, even with so many open-ended issues. I was very torn but I thought it was important that the Islanders stay and play in Nassau County and that concerts and other venues continue in the Coilseum as well. I'd also like to see those 4 police precincts stay open but I doubt that's gooing to happen either. Mangano is going to turn Nassau County into a ghost town.

It was certainly a referendum on Charles Wang. Everytime there was an interview or newspaper photos with MANGANO and Murray, there was Wang standing right next to them with a sneaky look on his face and his hands in their pockets.

Oh how I wish there was a LIKE button on the Patch like there is on Facebook!! Yay Mac!

On Long Beach Patch we hsve a duo of Jim-Margaret who continually write the same opinion and like to praise each other. Here on World Patch we have the Susan-Mac Duet who, like Jim-Margaret, are probably the same person.
Nice try. But its too obvious.

Sorry to disappoint you but I have absolutely no clue who Mac is. We're just two people who know the facts and happen to agree on some of them. I read the East Meadow Patch. That was where I saw the link to this article. Earlier you insisted that we all lived in Long Beach, so you're battling 1000. Keep it up. LOL.

To all - Give it a rest. Move on.

Hit play button:
http://www.audiosparx.com/sa/summary/play.cfm/crumb.1/crumc.0/sound_iid.34376

Hey! Its time for pitchers and catchers to report to trainung camp. We can start discussing the outlook for the Mets, Yankees, and the Ducks this season....instead of battling each other over Wang, the Devils, or Coliseum food courts.

And it is somewhat misleading for some of us because on the top of this headline it reads "Long Beach Patch". Then under that is a headline stating "Long Beach Listens". And 90% of the Patch articles deal with Long Beach topics only. They are not separated or necessitate clicking on a link.
Nowhere is any indication that people from outside Long Beach are reading and posting on here.
Can you understand why I got misled?

Some private/public funded project will produce a new arena, with other business opportunities. I'm sure there are proposals being drafted while we all guess. As for Wang, he's done nothing but pour money into this team....can't blame him for trying.

The right solution will keep the team here, bring headline concerts back, promote small conferences/conventions.....and all of which will create x amount of jobs, and draw folks to dine/shop, or even stay in the area....isn't all of that worth the effort of seeing this through?

No one is going to invest in a new arena. Business sees no future here and the County is broke.

The real problem is that Long Island has already reached the tipping point. With the highest property taxes in the nation (that’s right Nassau is No.1) the county is still bankrupt. Now new business is discouraged so more taxes will need to be put on those who remain; while police and other services are cut back.

Businessmen look years into the future and in a more and more globalized economy they will look to low tax states as the only alternative to going overseas.

Wang already tried to do this privately and Kate Murray and the TOH said no.

George and Frank excellent comments! True on both counts.

The biggest problem is that who ever was in charge of maintaining the property (I believe it is SMG) is doing a horrible job of it. Whoever is responsible for the maintenance of the arena should have been fired already.

What happen to the Belmont racetrack idea?

Good idea. It has been investigated.
The land is underutilized.
It makes sense. So it got no further.
Too much community opposition.
Too much horseshoot to deal with.

Mac. I gave up eating at stadiums and arenas. Bad food at ridiculous prices. Unless you are a corporate guy with a big expense account, the new arenas and stadiums dont want you. They discorage brown baggers and tailgaters. No money in it for the concessions and owners. A new arena in Uniondake will shut out the blue collar fans. Like MSG does.
Mets will finish at 68-94. Santana will win 5 games, the most. Daniel Murphy will make more errors at 2nd base than Chuck Hiller or Steve Saxe ever did. And he'll be on the DL by Memorial Day.

Well said Lloyd. Ny sport arenas are no longer about the fans but for the corporate guys. ur best bet is watching it a good bar or at home. We all hope our team does well & in return they jack up the tix prices.

This is a really good article I just read. Take a look.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-14/new-york-s-nassau-county-going-broke-as-no-one-wants-to-share-fiscal-pain.html

The most significant part is:

When NIFA’s directors look ahead, they are even more worried. In 2012, Mangano is counting on privatizing the sewer system, which NIFA considers a dubious proposition. He still wants to borrow to pay for the tax refunds. And pension costs will increase.

“2011 is bad,” NIFA’s Marlin said. “2012 will be even worse.”

Private sewers? Will we have to.pay a toll everytime we flush the toilet?
Good thing I have an EZ Pass. It will be much quicker to pay at the bowl booth, than fishing for exact change.

Thanks, Susan. You made my day. Glad to make you lol.
BTW...this is the first I heard about "sewer privatization". Its not such a popular topic here. But it seems like it could be the butt of some good jokes.

Great! I quacked you up today.
I have to admit you were in the right pond when you made those statements regarding the Ducks. They cater to kids and families and the games are strictly for their entertainment and not to be taken too seriously.
But they are a success and sell out nearly every game.
I just wish we could turn the clock back to the 1980's when the Islanders were the toasts of the town and we packed the Coliseum for every game. We loved our team and all the players and coach, respected the owners, and the GM, and had NO problems with the arena. And Nassau County was doing great too. They weren't near bankruotcy.
Things sure have changed.

Thanks. I have. Lots of controversy there too.

HELP!!!
I cant find the Islanders playoff games anywhere on cable TV.
I've been watchung the Rangers, the Devils, and teams from the South that I never heard of. So where are the Islanders when nearly every other cockamamie NHL team is in the playoffs?
So lets reward Wang with a new arena for his kindness allowing his team an early Spring vacation every single year.

Sad, but Very funny, Nassau Taxpayer.
I cant believe Memphis, Tenn. has a team in the playoffs and we dont.
Even Sunrise Fla is in and could advance.
The Islanders fans cant keep blaming Mangano for their ineptitude year after year.
They were lousy when Suozzi was Co. Exec. too.
I do not dismiss the chances of the team moving to Brooklyn, no matter what that knucklehead Bettman says.
The NHL doesnt want to lose a NY franchise to Tuscaloosa Alabama ( the only Southern state without one). So the Brooklyn arena will get a few more luxury boxes built, spread around some payoffs, and Bettman will give it his blessing.

They will not go to Brooklyn the stadium is not big enough for an NHL team. It would be the smallest stadium in the NHL. The Islanders will wind up in Quebec. NY does have a team in the playoffs in case you didnt notice just not the islanders. Part of the Islander problems are they play in the best division in the NHL.
But the NVMC issue as a suitable arena is a different story. When it is gone watch your taxes go up and another empty lot on the turnpike.

They WILL move to Brooklyn and charge ridiculously high ticket, food, and drink prices to make up for the attendance shortage. Their exposure on NYC cable tv is worth more than their move to a small Canadian city that failed once before with the Stastny triplets.
Park Slope and Williamsbugh yuppies and NYC corp types will pay whatever the Islanders charge them and will support the team and the Nets better than the current cash strapped suburban families

LLoyd you really know very little. the Candien based teams all six of them make up for about 33% of the NHL revenue. The only team in the NHL top 6 inrevenue that is not from canada is the Rangers. Had there been no lockout the Nordiques would still be there. The city could not sustain the franchise after the lockout. A recent study by the NHL revealed that the NHL should give serious consideration to moving a struggling NHL franchise back to Canada. The fan base for hockey would be strong enough in Brooklyn. It would not draw away from the Rangers and many LI residents would not go on a regular basis. Then examine the idiocy of the Barclays center who did not even take into consideration hockey when they buitl the stadium. The Barclays is not set up for hockey. The future of the Islanders if gone from nassau county is in canada. Our region cannot sustain a fan base for three nhl teams regardless if they win or not.

If your stats are correct, why did Bettman award so many NHL franchises or approve moves to US cities with average winter temperatures of 80 degrees?
Canada lost 2 franchises, one to the South and so did Minnesota, and the NHL still couldnt get a national TV contract despite having a franchise in every state.
Did Bettman suddenly wise up? But I still believe he doesnt want the Islanders to move out of the NY area, and there are enough rabid hockey fans and wealth here to support all 3 teams.
Just get rid of Wang and bring in a knowledgeable hockey owner to run the Islanders and the fans will come back. The taxpayers may even approve a new arena then too.

I didnt see the Hartford Whalers, the Kansas City Scouts, or the Denver Rockies move to Saskatoon or Regina. Obviously Canada is not such a financially lucrative place as you think. Theres more money in Columbus or Charlotte than in Halifax or Windsor.
The Islanders will stay on LI and move to Brooklyn.

The thought was that the NHL wanted to bring hockey to the us belt states. Canada was losing money at the time because the canadian dollar was worth less than that of the US. Not so anymore. As the times changed the viabilty of these franchises in the warmer states is decreasing. the NHL thought it could ride Greztky into to many American cities. The money is being made in Canada now. These are all facts anyone could look up. You are right the NHL and Bettman would prefer to keep the Islanders here but if they cannot figure it out by 2015 they will be gone regardless of the owner. The taxpayers will not apporve anything that increases taxes in this economy. There are not enough rabid fans or they would be there.

I agree that Canada is doing better financially now than many parts of the US. But has Bettman learned his lesson that Ice Hockey is the No. 1 Canadian sport while it will never rise above No. 4 in the US no matter how many franchises the NHL awards in Ariz, Cal, Tex, N.C, Tenn, Fla, etc.
The NHL could even slip lower in popularity with NASCAR and Soccer passing it by.
So I'm betting on Betman to try and shore up the US franchises and not let them all move up North where his dreams of a national US TV contract will all but dissapear.
And the new Nasssu Coliseum is now a dead isdue, unless some wealthy businesdman comes along to personally fund it, which I doubt very much.
Cuban and Trump have no political muscle in this county

Even with air condiioning, Ice hockey down South falls behind NASCAR and alligator wrestling.