Wed 28 May 2008
NYHR tonight - as Game 3 becomes history…. Lighthouse EIS meeting
Posted by Gary Harding under Lighthouse , NY Hockey Report , Playoff 08The show will be on tonight, as the 3rd period is happening in Pittsburgh. Hope the Pens show some more effort and score some goals. They have the last change, so will be able to match up to Detroit better.
They need this, or it’s over Johnny on Friday!
Went to the Lighthouse Scope Meeting at Hempstead Town Hall last night. Some interesting insights happening, and many people, especially in the Hempstead, Uniondale surrounding area, have some concerns…
1. Affordable housing. This was supposed to be an Environmental Impact Study meeting, but it turned into getting more affordable housing. On Long Island, that is a very hot and important topic. However, this meeting was for other issues.
2. Trolley/Light Rail concerns. Garden City vehemently disapproves of any light rail system going through Garden City. I realize that something along these lines is needed to make this a success. However, I think Garden City is going to be a thorn in the side.
3. Water/Sewage Concerns. I know that this is a hot topic, as you are going to increase the 5% usage of the land to 90%, you are going to have major concerns about seqage, water consumption, the water table and environmental issues. From meeting with the Lighthouse group last month, we know that Mr Wang and Mr Rechler have not only identified the issue, but are putting major $$ into feasibilities and methods to make this not only feasible, but green as well.
4. Jobs. Many are interested in seeing this project get involved in the local job market and create apprenticeships and internships for men and women in the local area. This is a great idea, that I am sure that will be a focus in the Wang/Rechler project.
5. Transportation in General. And no ma’am, the parking is not going to be above ground, but BELOW! Wang/Rechler are spending millions in studies to see what needs to be done to try and limit and/or alleviate transportation concerns. Parking will be invisible, and ma’am, the county gets the revenue. Not one dime goes to the Islanders, so please ask Mr. Suozzi for that.
I am also so glad, that Islander fans (my wife included), got up and spoke about the importance of this project to the arena and the team. Yes, the Islanders are the major tenant, but other events, concerts, etc., are held there. I am sure that nearly every adult has been to that building at some point in time. This can be the showplace of the entire island. As for us Islander fans are concerned, that LOGO with our home on our chest, is SO IMPORTANT, that it needs to be emphasized, that without the Islanders, this area would be tumbleweeds, and NOTHING.
Mr. Wang has done SO Much for this team, spending millions on refurbishments to a building that he does not even own. Getting SMG’s collective arses out of the building will be the first step in a long line of improvements that will allow the Islanders and Nassau County be happy to call Uniondale (Not Garden City East) home.
Tune in next time in the continuing saga.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I understand the reality and the importance of the concerns some folks may have. Overall, though, it is more than obvious that this project will impact the island in several ways that out weigh those concerns. It is always entertaining how the special interests groups come out of the wood work and how some individuals will simply oppose any progress or projects on principle alone, regardless of whether or not it will benefit their community in the long run. I honestly would have liked to attend the meeting, but the temptation to drop the detractors on their collective backsides with a few well-placed uppercuts might have been too strong to repress … I know that sounds harsh, but I have a real problem with people who exercise their right to free speech simply because it exists and don’t bother to observe the accompanying, unwritten element that includes responsibility and an an informed opinion with what they say.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Very, very well said, John.
Far be it for me, as a Vermonter, to comment on a Long Island issue, but I really hope that it doesn’t come down to “can’t do” obstructionists to kill what appears to be a well prepared and financed area to rejeuvenate the Coliseum area.
Hopefully, there are enough “can do” people in the right positions to have the foresight to get this project done. As Gary said, the Island is on the crest. The team is one of Long Island’s most visible commodities and they’re doing everything they can to keep up with the times and their competition.
Long Island was once hockey’s Place To Be. Look how many players stayed after their retirement!! There is no reason it can’t be that place once again - a first-class arena for hockey and other events with numerous things to do before and after games, as well as on non-event days.
I live near Montreal. The Expos were supposed to build a park in downtown (near the Bell Centre) with other attractions. The “can’t do” atmosphere killed the idea and any chance of the team’s survival in that city.
Don’t make that same mistake!! If so, there is only so much that Mr. Wang can put up with (financially, emotionally, etc.) before even he would have to throw up his hands at some point.