Kate Murray: "Let's Go Halfsies"

I have not seen anything official, but at 11:15 pm last night, Islanders Pointblank has an extensive entry on what the Town of Hempstead should be unveiling as their "pushback" to the Lighthouse Project.

As expected, it is said the proposal will be a 50% reduction of certain portions such as the retail space square footage. However, Mr. Botta says the reduction to the residential portion will be 75%.

While Charles Wang has remained quiet all this time, looking back at the clips of Mr. Wang from past public appearances, I can't imagine he is going to be open to such a drastic reduction in his plan. Nor can I imagine him investing just to renovate the Coliseum.

However, the surprising item in Mr. Botta's article is the suggestion that current County Executive Ed Mangano is in Charles Wang's corner in this debate. Does that mean that his desire for a casino on the property was just a smoke screen? Or is he looking for the Casino AND the Islanders to reside on the property? As I previously wondered, is there now a Republican party rift between the Town and the County? Who knows.

This morning I scoured the pages of Newsday looking for some sort of information out of the Town of Hempstead, but it was not there. I, like every other fan, eagerly await the proposal from Kate Murray. Previously she said it would have been unveiled in June. I suppose she hasn't turned over her calendar page as of yet.

Tick Tock, Kate. Hmmm... Maybe Ed Mangano will drop the ceremonial puck at tonight's Blue & Orange scrimmage. Wouldn't that be interesting!

Word on the Lighthouse from – Gary Bettman?

Yes, Gary Bettman seems to be the only one NOT under a gag order when it comes to discussing the Lighthouse Project and the future of the NY Islanders franchise. After months of silence, Newsday has a small article by reporter Steve Zipay (their Rangers beat writer no less) who was able to obtain quotes from the Commissioner while he held a press conference with “sports editors from around the country.”

Mr. Bettman has been a staunch supporter of owner Charles Wang for years and believes very much in keeping the NY Islanders firmly planted where they are – ON LONG ISLAND. However, this week on his NHL Hour XM radio show and various other venues he has been vocal about the truth “The Islanders will not stay in that building one minute more than they have to.”

No news there. We’ve heard that for years and the lease with the county gets progressively closer to its end date. The only news we have been given is that the deal with SMG has been terminated and the Islanders will now gain revenue from the concessions and parking (whose prices have been raised) and has developed the “Islanders Entertainment” umbrella. Good for them. They’ve been stiffed for years. Now what about us?

When Chris Dey took over the helm of the listing NY Islanders ship he told us to take “emotional ownership” of the team. He invited us in, he held us close. We became involved. We rallied. We petitioned. We spoke out. We showed up. Sadly, the downturn in the economy caused us to not show up as much as we would have liked to, but we did the best we could. We answered the call as often as we were asked.

As the fateful day in October loomed, we chewed out nails wondering what would happen at the “deadline for the decision.” The deadline came and went. The election came – and went – right out the window with Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray retaining her stronghold on the office and friend of the Lighthouse Project Tom Suozzi being ousted by Republican Edward Mangano. Then the lights went out in Uniondale.

Coverage went black. Newsday’s Eden Laikin, the only MSM source for information from the town, left Newsday for a politically tied position and the Lighthouse Project spokespeople went mum. The bloggers who have covered the situation most closely were left to go deep underground searching for answers and mostly obtaining misinformation, speculation and fabrication.

However, Commissioner Gary Bettman is allowed to speak his mind to any outlet he wishes and is always genuine with his answers. But he poked the political bear when he said “There’s a new county executive, very nice guy, but he needs to get up to speed, which is unfortunate because Charles has now been at this for eight or nine years. I don’t think that anybody with the Islanders could have imagined that they’d still not have any answers. Hempstead hasn’t done anything but elongate the process and his attitude at this point is: ‘I’ve done everything I can and at some point they’ve got to come to me.’ If not, he’ll start looking at his options on Long Island first to see what he can do, but the club has to have a new arena.”

That is 100 more words than we’ve heard on the subject in months. It is also exactly what the Lighthouse Project has done. If you check their webpage today that is what it says. To paraphrase the posting “Thanks a lot. We’ve got nothing to say. We’re waiting on Kate Murray.”

And wait they shall. I personally lost interest after hearing that Kate Murray wanted the Town to have the property rezoned so as to make the Lighthouse Project plans that the developers have spent more than $15,000,000 on unacceptable. I scratched my head at that one trying to figure out how after winning the original RFP the Town could rezone the property making huge portions of the proposal the developers had worked for years on unsuitable. Huh? Can they DO that???

I asked around, no one answered me. I didn’t push. I do not have friends in the Town or informants in lower political ranks. I don’t play tennis with Mr. Wang or brunch with his partners. I straddle the world of fan mob and new media with others on the lower rungs of the journalistic food chain. If I send an email and it doesn’t get a response, that’s where I end my search. But I do listen and I do read.

I have been criticized on more than one occasion for not speaking out or speaking up especially as one who was involved in the battle early on. Okay, so here goes.
Sure, I’m a little hurt and disappointed about being kept in the dark for so long with no official word on where things stand. I don’t like it. But as a mother of a teenager I am quite used to it. Would it be great if there was word from both sides of the fence to let us know what was REALLY going on? Sure. But would that taint the outcome? It’s very possible. Would it make the slightest bit of difference? Uh, who knows.

I understand the need for silence when it comes to high profile situations, especially political or financial ones. However, after agreeing to “emotional ownership,” I just didn’t expect the Islanders to be one of those situations. It stings.

Thank you, Mr. Bettman, for at least saying SOMETHING on the subject. But I guess I'll hear something when they need me. Oh well, back to hockey.

Reading Between the Lines:

Making Sense of Newsday's Cover Story

Once again, Newsday's front cover and underlying agenda has cause tension in my household this morning. The glaring headline "IF Lighthouse Fails... Hope on the Horizon" caused my "average Long Islander" husband to call me to the kitchen to "discuss" the article by Randi F. Marshall in elevated tones.

While I am not saying my husband is "average," as he is above average in too many ways to count, he is the "target" audience of those still paying for Newsday or for those who are only seeing the front cover headlines because they refuse to pay for the content enclosed. It's sensationalism on the front and a battle of "read between the lines" in the body.

So armed with a highligher and a different mindset, I attacked the print before me.

First item I noticed was that Mr. Wang was classified as the "Lighthouse Financier" instead of the "developer." Was that an effort to remove him from the project since they could not reach him for comment? "Lighthouse officials could not be reached for comment" must now be a quick text in Randi's hand-held.

Let's continue. So they tell us that "several other local developers are ready to step in should Wang and Rechler back away with five of them specifically telling Newday they'd consider building at the site...." Something tells me though that they didn't bang on Newsday's door to tell them this, but that they were sought out for quotes.

Such is Michael Dub from The Beechwood Org, whose proposal for the property is not included in the splashy, large type "Other Proposals For the Site" on pages 2 and 3. "It's too central a location not to." No kidding Mr. Dub.

Newsday mentions the political problem of not knowing who will Captain the ship in Nassau County since they botched the election process. However, did anyone notice it does say that both Mangano and Suozzi "--have said they support the Lighthouse project..." They do. But then according to the article, so do the other Long Island developers. "To be sure, most of the Island's larger developers were quick to say they want Wang and Rechler's effort in Uniondale to succeed. And some regional and county officials said the Lighthouse remains the best proposal -- and without it, there's trouble ahead."

Uh... okay... so then why are they trying to make the average reader who usually only has time to skim headlines and anything in bold type the idea that it's as good as dead? Hmmmm? Actually, the article says that developers would "consider" responding should a new call for RFP be issued. I "consider" driving to the Prudential Center when the Islanders play the Devils. I never do it though. I could. But I don't. But I sure "consider" it.

Mr. Dub also said he didn't' want to do anything to undermine the Lighthouse. So it's obvious that while the reporter is trying to put a spin on this topic, the other Long Island developers know what's going on here. Even Polimeni International, one of Long Island's most recognizable names in development is noted as saying they still think the Lighthouse project is the best option for the site. You want to know why? BECAUSE IT IS.

Also, nowhere in the article does it mention that ANY developer looking to renovote the site will still have the Water, Sewage and Traffic debate to contend with. All the other ideas for the site bring retail and residential into the site. It would be going back to square one with the Environmental studies. But, that wasn't mentioned, was it?

Sadly, because I took the time and effort to "read between the lines," I can see the article in a different light. What the "average" Long Islander is going to see is..."Oh, Wang's pulling out. Someone else said they'd develop the site. Oh look, the Giants finally won."

I pay for this? ughh.

Meeting? What Meeting??

Like all others interested in the Lighthouse Project, I read with interest what is reported in various outlets. But today, it was a media BLITZ.

Newsday reported that a meeting with the developers will happen. Then I heard a radio report that a meeting may be today or tomorrow. Then on XM's NHL Live Jim Dowd said the meeting would be today or tomorrow if it hasn't already happened! And lastly, some Internet outlets are reporting that meetings have already taken place that we do not know about.

WOW!! So something is getting done? Right?

Okay, so can anyone please CONFIRM these meetings?

Granted, I'm not a reporter (as I have been told on more than one occasion.) but I can certainly use a telephone and email. So far I have not been able to get ANY confirmation of a meeting set to happen or any that have ALREADY happened from ANYONE.

Can someone please supply the faithful with some shred of evidence regarding these said meetings that have taken place or WILL take place today? Are there minutes? Photos? Phone records? Security sign in sheets? SOMETHING other than someone told someone in the know who then reported it to feed to the public.

A little PROOF goes a long way. But sadly bullshit spreads like peanut butter.... and everyone eats it up.

Oh... and I've had an article waiting for the right moment to post on Islanders head coach Scott Gordon. I've posted it at http://www.hockeybuzz.com/ if you're interested in actual hockey talk.

Everyone Wants the Islanders -- Except...

Front page news Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy would take the NY Islanders in a heartbeat. Not a surprise.

There are so many suitors for the Islanders, except the one that matters most Kate Murray. Suffolk border may work, but it would be square one. So would any other property suggestion. Neither Brooklyn nor Queens development plans include an actual NHL arena. How much more money would have to be spent in environmental research and redesign plans?

How much would the Islanders have to pay the Rangers to move closer into their territory? How many fans would not be able to get to games during the week or on weekends whether they are in Brooklyn or Idaho?

The only truth that I can see is that the Lighthouse Project is a perfect platform for politicians to bring themselves to light. I had no idea who Brooklyn Borough President Marty Mark was a few months ago. Now I have heard him on Toronto radio and read about him in every local paper. Same thing with a rep from Queens and the group from Kansas. Anyone else want to get on the Lighthouse publicity gravy train?

Charles Wang said he would entertain all options. That leaves the door open for lots of "entertainment" in the news.

Personally, the only article I would like to see on Newsday's front page is "Town of Hempstead Approves Rezoning Proposal." Thanks.

No Light To Be Found.

Okay, I'm out. It's now 11:15 pm and we've all been waiting around since about 5:30 pm to get a valid answer. It's not coming.

How a little known media outlet such as the Long Island Press (sorry guys, I do love you) can break one of Long Island's (potentially) biggest stories is just suspect. Something is wrong with this picture, but I don't know what it is.

As I said on HockeyBuzz, I am not well versed in politics of any kind (not even the politics of dancing errant 80s reference as it is late and I am delirious.) so I do not know what the end game plan for this actually is.

I know that for several hours now the entire of Islanders Nation that is connected via social media has been in a tizzy.

Could Charles Wang have finally had enough with the entire thing? Could he actually be planning to pull what he did in Plainview when he raised his hands to the heavens and said "Byte me. I'm outta here." I haven't a clue. I couldn't blame him however if he has.

This is nonsense. The posturing, the political agendas, the greedy hands looking for their share of a big pay off from a deep pocket. I'm sick of it.

And who is in the middle of the sticky mess? We are. Not just the hockey fans who have been supportive and vocal, but Long Islanders in general.

I believed whole-heartedly in the project and what it could bring. No one has given me anything (other than grief and a really good Italian sandwich at a meeting one afternoon. Do I have to claim that in the new blog rules? I think it said it was $6.55) to be supportive of the project. I have done that on my own. I have seen Columbus and what the arena district did for an area that had been troubled. It was beautiful and I was jealous.

If Mr. Wang wants to pull out now, it is his right to. It's his money that he has spent along with his time. He has shown more dedication for a project than most would ever for longer than anyone with his intelligence.

So I will believe these things as the only truths for the night: The Islanders will be playing in Uniondale for the 2009-2010 season. There is an election coming up for Town of Hempstead Supervisor. Even without the Lighthouse, perhaps it's time to vote someone else in to change the way things are done in that township. The nepotism, the lolly gaging, the personal agendas don't do the actual voters any real good. The Democrat candidate is Kristen McElroy. Write that down.

Another truth, my freakin' phone is buzzing at 11:30 at night. That can't be good.

The Lease Loop Hole & Hempstead Town's new Plan

This morning's newspaper was in the driveway soaking wet. I didn't read it, but my husband managed to. In it he found two interesting articles that he decided to show me.

The first was page A24 blip by Newsday's reporter Eden Laikin describing the provision in the Nassau County 2007 agreement with the developer that states if the County legislature doesn't vote on the lease within 120 days of being submitted, Wang can walk away from the lease without penalty. As Kate Murray has refused to rule on the rezoning requirements of the project, the lease has not been submitted yet.

However, from the press conference that Thursday afternoon in Mineola, I took away that the planning board was actually holding onto the lease to be be presented at their next scheduled meeting which should be mid October. (It was slated to be voted on the first week of October. But thanks to Kate, that didn't happen.)

So when does the clock start? How long can they hold onto the lease before submitting it to the legislature? Do we know? But it does give the Islanders an out. Not that they have anywhere to go right now.

Brooklyn and Queens, while painting a very pretty picture, are far from being ready for anything. So they really aren't a CURRENT option. They are a FUTURE option. (Perhaps a really DISTANT future option.)

On the other page he found an interesting article on pg A36 by Laura Rivera regarding the Village of Hempstead's vote to revive their downtown area. Wow! A mixed use development plan that takes up 3.7 square miles that will generate $7.1 million in revenue.

Hey Garden City! Isn't THAT on your doorstep too???

The move to ease zoning restrictions was approved by a vote of 4 - 1. The dissenting vote coming from the lone board Republican. Sound familiar?

Sigh. This is a fight that will not be without battle scars for sure.

For the video version of my NYHockeyTalk radio interview (if you can stand seeing me fidget and looking like Yoko Ono) here's the link.

Nassau County & the Town of Hempstead Pucking around with the Lighthouse

*For anyone interested in my take on the game and 2 minutes with Matt Moulson, please check HockeyBuzz.

Aren’t you getting tired of this political game? Imagine how Charles Wang feels after have to deal with it for eight long years. Well, this time the “monkey in the middle” has just about had it.

On what should have been a day set aside simply for Hockey on Long Island, it was a day that was overshadowed by a well known deadline not being met, and the question of “what happens next?”

The Democrat candidate for ToH Supervisor, Kristen McElroy, addressed a crowd outside the Coliseum with the ominous, yet truthful statement, “Opening day should be a day of great optimism and excitement. Unfortunately, we stand here today and the future of the Islanders is unclear. And you know why? Because of Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead.”

This is a fact that has been clear for quite a while now. McElroy continued “The reason why Kate Murray and the Town Board have dragged their feet and have continued to throw up road blocks for political reasons and are being told what to do by Joe Mondello. It’s time for that to stop and do the right thing for the Town of Hempstead and the County of Nassau residents and get the Lighthouse project done.”

Kate Murray has been playing out her political game in the media, most notably, Newsday. Kate’s most recent move of calling the developer on Friday afternoon to request a “meeting to discuss” the project showed up in the morning paper, the morning of the well known deadline for her answer. It was an eleventh hour ploy to make it look as if she is willing to work and Newsday is her soapbox.

When Charles Wang addressed the media throng, including the writer of the Newsday article, his frustration was evident but his sense of humor remains intact. The small room was packed and when he arrived, he walked right passed everyone. When the camera and news crews tried to stop him to reposition him he joked “What? I’m just trying to get to the bathroom.” Everyone in the room laughed and that broke the mood. But if he was trying to get to the bathroom, it was certainly to get sick.

“I have always said I want a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ by this date. Now we explore all options. And that’s what we are going to do. We haven’t negotiated with anyone, and we haven’t been out there, so now we see what happens.”

When he was asked if he would meet with Kate Murray, he was thoughtful in his answer, but his message was clear. “Kate called on Friday at 3 or 4 in the afternoon and it was a pleasant conversation. When the Town Supervisor calls, you give her all the respect. I will listen. I said I would meet with her. I also said clearly that I would like to have an answer. She said she wasn’t prepared to give me an answer on the phone."

Mr. Wang also told her the conversation was off the record. It seems Ms. Murray’s idea of off-the-record is contacting our only local news outlet as if she was telling her neighbor over coffee. He beseeched her, “No more games. This is too serious and important for all of Long Island. Next thing I know, I open up the paper and there it is.”

Of course, my eyes wandered to the writer of the article to see her reaction, but I could only see the back of her head.

The idea of compromise after working with the Town for the last two years is, as Scott Rechler had called it previously, ingenuous. It is painfully obvious that Kate Murray will not make any decision on this project until after the election in November. By then, it may be too late for the Town of Hempstead.

Tom Suozzi also made his feelings known to the media while wearing his Town and Islander colors to show his support of both. “I’m very excited about the fact that the county and the developers have negotiated a lease. I think it’s very important for the future of Long Island and the future of Nassau County. And we’re going to do everything we can to make it happen.”

Sadly, that puck is no longer on Suozzi’s stick. Kate Murray is playing sumo goalie at the other end of the ice and she’s frozen the puck waiting for the whistle.

“Mr. Wang has always said that he wants to do this on Long Island, he loves Long Island and the Islanders belong on Long Island. We certainly agree with that. He has indicated that he is now going to explore other options. Now I want to continue to impress upon him how important it is for him to be here on Long Island and we in the County are going to do everything we can to make him feel welcome and we want this development to happen. We need the Town of Hempstead now to do the same thing.” I wanted to mutter, ‘Good Luck with all that, Tom.’ But thought better of it.

Mr. Suozzi let out an emphatic “NO” when asked if he was hopeful after Ms. Murray’s late afternoon phone call. “Why would you call at 4 o’clock the day before the deadline and go right to the press. It’s kind of emblematic of this entire process, that it’s more about game playing.” If that is all there is, should we have any hope at all?

“The main reason for hope is that people want this, number one. Number two is that it makes sense economically for the long term future of Long Island." He stressed that what is necessary is for residents to make their desires known to the officials in the Town of Hempstead. They are there to represent the people’s needs. I’m taking that as a call to the phones and the polls on Election Day.

He called the actions of the Town “irresponsible.” I’m certain he had other adjectives in mind.

After the first period, the NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman addressed the press in this regard. The league has been a very strong supporter of owner Charles Wang and his vision of a mixed use development surrounding a new arena center piece for the NY Islanders.

Mr. Bettman recognized the sold-out crowd’s approval of the project, the County Executive and the Isles owner by the rousing applause they received when announced to drop the puck.

"Everyone knows what the developers have been going through to get this project done. Now it’s up to Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead to step up. Charles is looking for an answer. Everyone knows that this arena cannot house the Islanders longer than they are required to be here. There going to have to be a change and the sooner they get on with things, the better. Obviously, we’d like to see the Lighthouse project approved. But Charles is now in the position of exploring other options. It’s been eight years. It’s about time somebody gives him an answer.”

When asked if "all options" could mean selling the team, Mr. Bettman responded “I think at this point he has to consider ALL his options. As I understand it, his options first and foremost are to see what he can do with the arena situation. We really haven’t explored in any meaningful way beyond that. I think his goal would be to keep the team, here, on Long Island. But if the Town of Hempstead continues its lack of decisiveness, he’s really just looking for a decision.”

Of course the league wants to see the franchise stay on Long Island. They are not in favor of moving franchise away from their fans, as well noted by the fight to keep the Coyotes housed in Glendale.

Could the Islanders be up for sale anytime soon? Could Blackberry Jim be thinking he’s got new prey here in Uniondale? I don’t think so. A more appropriate option would be to find a Township here on Long Island that would want the hefty tax revenue, employment and income stream the Islanders and the Lighthouse project would generate. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the pants to the Town of Hempstead if say, the Town of Oyster Bay or the Town of Babylon find a way to make it work for THEM?

Think of the political careers that would be dead in the water then.

Of course Mr. Wang jokingly said he was learning Russian to allude to the idea that maybe one of the suitors knocking at the Islanders door will be the newest owner of the Nets basketball team in Brooklyn.

Well, okay Kate. It’s your move. But remember, most of us are already keen to your game. Perhaps on Election Day, the voters will be too.

NASSAU COUNTY & LIGHTHOUSE ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT

Tom Suozzi is set to announce an agreement between Nassau County and the developers of the Lighthouse project on the much talked about "lease."

The press conference is to take place tomorrow at Noon at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building at 1550 Franklin Ave, Mineola.

I am not sure what the lease contains or whether any of Kate Murray's much publicized "demands" have been included. I'm not even sure if she knows an agreement has been reached. But this is indeed going to stir things up before Saturday.

As it's a noon time line... I intend to BE THERE!

ESPN's John Buccigross Supports the Lighthouse!

HE is my favorite hockey writer! I know that draws ire from some of my other friends who are incredibly talented writers. But Bucci has a way of making me laugh and cry in the same sentence. I love that.

Well, in his latest article, he has through his support towards the LighthouseLI project and it's in-house blog, The Lightpost.

Take a look, it's a good read, even if you may growl a little at where he puts the Islanders in the standings for this season. But hey... we know.

Lighthouse Poll - Take A Stand

Okay, if you haven't already don't forget to visit the Lightpost blog to read all the information you'll need to make an educated decision on the Lighthouse project and vote there as well as on NYI Point Blank.

Isles vs Devils tonight, don't know if we can SEE it, but hopefully we can at least HEAR it.

It's all up to KATE!

As per an exclusive report by NYI PointBlank Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi will hold a press conference regarding a finalized lease between the County and Charles Wang.

On Friday, I had heard rumblings that the developers would leave no loose ends to tie. I guess this was what they were talking about. In doing so the fate of the Lighthouse Project will lie solely with Kate Murray and her Hempstead board.

Did anyone else just shudder? So very long ago she warned that she would be judge and jury of this project. I didn't like that idea then, I don't like it now. I would so very much like this project to have to be voted on by the general public. Wouldn't that be awesome?

Wait... it was voted on by the general public. News12 and Newsday both had polls that indicated overwhelming support for the project.

Let's see what happens now. Does Kate go with the NIMBY minority in the decision or with the majority of supporters?

Tick Tock Queen Kate. Tick Tock.

ToH Looking for a "Do Over"?

Yeah, I was "Angry Dee" last night and wrote a typo filled tirade regarding the Lighthouse project on my HockeyBuzz page. I probably shouldn't do that, but it's still pre-season. Hopefully, I can get away with it.

It's just that October 3rd is looming large and I'm increasingly pessimistic that the Town of Hempstead Supervisor understands the magnitude of her actions and words in the press.

She says she won't give in to demands and idle threats. But these are not idle at all. To wait until now to begin to ask questions is basically a way of the Town saying "Start over."

After 8 years and $15,000,000 spent, why would the developers want to go back to the drawing board? With every change to the plans there would be additional delays and additional money spent. The only ones who stand to profit from that action is the consultants who are playing both sides of the fence. Is that truly fair to anyone?

Meanwhile, our Long Island economy is held in the balance. With so much unemployment in the construction industry these delays cause so much more than aggravation for the developers. It causes more homes lost to foreclosure and more lives disrupted.

At least Brian from Locust Valley seems to get it as his Letter to the Editor in today's Newsday entitled "Lighthouse is perfect for LI's Midlife Crisis" points out.

"The LIghthouse is just what the doctor ordered for our beloved Island...."

Yes, it is. Millions of dollars have been paid out to qualified consultants to make sure the plan WORKS. No one would invest in a project that is designed to FAIL. That is just a ridiculous and short sighted argument.

The project is designed to attract money and substantial benefits to the local economy, not to destroy what is around it. If the self-serving and unsubstantiated fears of the home owners association of Garden City is what halts this project, then shame on us Long Island.

We stand to move into the future, but we have too many clinging to the past. The possibility of losing our only professional sports team is the least of our problems. Losing our economic viability is the largest.

Nassau County is struggling to meet it's budget needs now. Wouldn't $71 million a year in tax revenue help?

Come on Kate! You are playing with political dynamite here! Don't wait until after the election to give the developers a Yes or No. By then, it will be too late!

Looks Like We Made It! (For now)

*Author's Note: For actual HOCKEY talk about tonight, please visit me on www.hockeybuzz.com. Thanks.

The excitement I have today knowing that there is actually a hockey game again in Uniondale has been severely tempered by the articles in today's Newsday regarding yesterday's re-zoning hearings.

All I can say is -- The Town of Hempstead Board may have created a whole new definition for STUPID.

The Lighthouse developers spent the entire day being grilled by the Town Board. They asked the same questions over and over again. Charles Wang became so frustrated that he had to beg them not to badger his consultants. But I have a question of my own.

Where were all these questions, concerns and opposition at every PRIOR public meeting? Where were these "concerned citizens" on August 4th? Or how about at the Town Hall meetings last year and the year before?

Why didn't board member Dorothy Goosby, the only Democrat on the board, ask all these questions months or years ago? What has Ms. Murray offered you for your role yesterday Ms. Goosby?

For sure, while I sat in the back with the "real media" yesterday morning, I couldn't help but feel so much of what was happening was staged. Perhaps prompted by the overwhelming support the project received on August 4th, the Town of Hempstead stacked the deck for this hearing. Certainly the headlines this morning don't give us anything to hang our hopes on.

"Town shows doubts on the Lighthouse." Yes, the Town of Hempstead or more importantly the Village of Garden City will indeed define a whole new meaning for STUPID.

I am not a reporter, so please, the next few sentences will be not be particularly politically correct. Forgive me, but here goes.

Hey! Ms. Goosby. You complained that "the people in your district" will never be able to afford the type of housing that is being proposed. Can they afford to type of housing that already exists on Stewart Ave. by the Source Mall? Are the prices the Lighthouse is proposing any different from those already in place in the Garden City and Mineola housing markets? NO.

So if the developers said there would be housing in the $150,000 range, the rest of the board would squeal "AAHAHHHHH!!! Not in my neighborhood!" So he gives you pricing that's in line with the rest of Nassau County and that's not good enough.

The board complained about the height of the towers, twice the height of the Let me tell you something. Every time I drive down Hempstead Turnpike I LOOK for that tallest building. I enjoy seeing it. It's a landmark for me that tells me I'm close to my destination. It doesn't ruin the landscape of suburbia.

Yesterday I tried to think of what it would be like to see those two towers in the distance, I thought of how beautiful it would be. Long Island's commercial landscape is flat and emotionless. The only really interesting commercial building is the RXR plaza with it's rounded glass walls. Those two towers rising over Nassau wouldn't be a blight, they'd be a beauty.

I'm really disgusted with what I feel will come of yesterday's hearings. The Town will more than likely drag their feet. They will not make a decision until AFTER the election so that all those who need to be elected or RE-elected won't have to worry about how this most important decision of the decade will effect them.

And just like everything else in Nassau County.... this will never get done. And it makes me sick.

Hey Long Island! Check out News12 Tonight @ 7 pm

For a Lighthouse LI discussion between Lighthouse group President Michael Picker and Town of Hempstead Representative Mike Deery.

Sadly Supervisor Kate Murray will NOT be there tonight for this televised discussion. She has declined the invitation as she has prior commitments.

She does that a lot when it comes to this project, doesn't she?

So here what both sides have to say before the big day tomorrow and check the Lightpost for more information on the project and the meetings.

Meeting with Murray, Suozzi & Wang Scheduled?

Well? Is it? Remember the list of "demands" Ms. Murray gave County Executive Tom Suozzi to be included in the lease between Nassau and the Lighthouse developers? (Yeah, that little political battle that also seemed to create a heated difference of opinion in the blogosphere as well.)

There is an interesting editorial in Newsday which questions Murray's recent strategy and motives concerning the Lighthouse. My question is far more blunt.

WHEN IS THE ACTUAL MEETING ABOUT THE LEASE, KATE?

There is too much time passing here without any word! Tom Suozzi wanted to meet and get it done. The lease was 99% finalized per the County. How long to finalize the remaining 1%? Is that going to be REAL time or Town of Hempstead time? How many weeks or months will it take to get past final negotiations? Because we no longer have 'years' available for decisions. Tick Tock!

I have heard of NO date for this meeting, have you? The only date that looms large is Sept. 22nd -- the date of the rezoning hearing. The next date of massive importance is Oct. 3rd. The date requested for "certainty." (Sort of like when American Idol asked Paula Abdul if she wanted to do another season with them, and she said, 'uh, let me think about that' and took so long they said, 'DAMN! We need another judge pronto! Call Ellen DeGeneres!') "Certainty" is not a dirty word, it's simply a request for a decision.

Did the Town meet with the County and the developers on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this week? Are they meeting TODAY? How about tomorrow? How about rolling up their sleeves and working on the weekend? How about an answer?

Is there really a lack of cooperation within these two bodies of local government that has made growth in Nassau County relatively impossible?

Too many questions. Hey! Town of Hempstead, how about some ANSWERS? And how about one before I see you on Tuesday along with a lot of other very concerned Long Islanders.

We're Close To Losing the Battle

Something smells in Uniondale, besides Kate Murray's grass eating goats. This entire political war of words being fought in the papers is really getting me. It brings to mind the adage from 1887 "Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely."

Kate Murray is the Town of Hempstead Supervisor, but she may as well be the Queen of Hempstead. Make no mistake, on that seven member Town Board, she reigns supreme. As Queen Kate votes, so votes the board of five Republicans and one single Democrat. She can dole out favors and paychecks at will to those that do her bidding. Until of course the public gets wind of it and starts to cry foul. Then she can back-peddle and cover up the news with something yet even more sensational.

The battle of the 150 acre parking lot has turned into a tragedy of epic proportions. It's a battle of semantics and of wills. It is Long Island politics pure and simple.

The latest attempt to stop the Lighthouse Project from ever being completed is these lease demands. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lease with the COUNTY OF NASSAU? And as had been reported for MONTHS (repeat MONTHS!!) it has already been negotiated. Does the Town of Hempstead even HAVE any legal rights to make demands on a lease between the County and a tenant?

Or is Kate Murray just saying "Hey! Tom! I don't think you're doing your job! So I'm going to make it look like ONLY I, Queen Kate, can adequately protect our subjects!" Yes, the Republican Town Supervisor once again subjecting the Democrat County Executive to criticism.

Our time of “certainty” looms large, so Queen Kate is pulling out all the stops to make sure this thing goes down the drain. Along with it will go thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue and of course, our only major sports franchise. Thanks Kate. Great job.

Hey, by the way, has anyone mentioned that the FINAL environmental study is due to be filed by September 18th? Yeah, it seems that legally it needs to be filed no later than 45 days after the hearing. Wasn’t that hearing on August 4th? Yeah, I remember it well. Nice march. Well get your calendars out. And it’s the lead agency’s responsibility (that would be the Town of Hempstead as she has so CLEARLY stated for years.) to file. Now, maybe the date can be extended, but I’m sure it would have to be by mutual consent. HA! Yeah, let’s drag this out a little longer. The little invoice dispute saga with F.P. Clarke too was a nice touch in the papers. After speaking with sources yesterday, the dates that F.P. Clarke claim to have stopped wor

king after invoices were questioned is also questionable. Was it actually 8/4 or was it actually later? Did they actually STOP working?

Can I just throw in a side note here…. F.P. Clarke invoices go through the Town of Hempstead, not directly to the Lighthouse developers. They have been paid about $400,000 already. Since all invoices and payments filter through the lead agency (ToH the Kingdom of Kate), wouldn’t it be easy for the Town of Hempstead accounting department to make sure that normal invoice questions and debates are somehow held up a little?

Who is pulling the strings here? Don’t you think that if the Lighthouse group was non-responsive to invoices that Ms. Murray would have LOVED to make that a HUGE deal in the papers immediately AFTER the August 4th Love Fest? But no, it comes out a month later. Timing is everything, isn’t it?

We stand at the doorstep to the beginning of the Hockey Season. The September 22nd rezoning hearing was scheduled on the same day as the exhibition game in Kansas City. Kate Murray’s camp has publically stated she didn’t give a goat’s ass about the hockey schedule. Charles Wang’s date for “certainty” (which actually translates to “HEY! What the hell are you people going to let us build here?”) is October 3rd. The Town is now attempting to force the County to meeting their lease demands BEFORE they will move forward with the rezoning process. Nice touch.

October 3rd will come and go, and with it, so will our Islanders as they are courted off the Island. Even after spending $18 million on a project that is designed as a betterment of the community and its residents, you can only push someone so far before they throw their hands up and say “I’m done.”

And when that happens, Queen Kate can smile and look out over her Kingdom and claim victory as she will have absolute power over a 150 acre parking lot.

Lighthouse Project Delayed?

Please check my article at HockeyBuzz for my take on the Newsday article of this morning. I have been kidnapped by family and my laptop is being removed as I sit here in my living room. It's a holiday weekend and they want my full attention.

Kansas City or the Lighthouse?

Direct from The Lightpost Blog!

The Town of Hempstead contacted us yesterday with a date for the zoning hearing – Tuesday, September 22. There will be three sessions, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 5, and 6 – 9. All three sessions will be held at the Adams Playhouse on the campus of Hofstra University.
This is good news. We have our date.

It took the Town 27 days to schedule this date.

Take from that what you will.

The Town Board is scheduled to vote to officially schedule the zoning hearing at the September 8 public meeting at Town Hall.

-Katrina

YEAH! I've asked for two damn weeks when this was going to happen and heard not so much as a peep! Good to see someone got an answer!

However, take a good look! Is that answer a direct "nah nah!!" from Kate Murray to Charles Wang and the Islanders? Notice the DATE of the hearing. Hmmm... Where have I seen that before?

Oh! Right! That's the date of the Pre-season game in .... KANSAS CITY!

Now, surely a man such as Charles Wang may be able to get from Uniondale to Kansas City without worrying about scheduling a domestic flight, but come on! Who is the Town of Hempstead kidding here? Yeah, tell me that was a coincidence!

Nice going. At this rate, Edmonton may get a new arena development before Uniondale does!

HEY! T o H! OCT 3RD IS LOOMING LARGE!

As I'm going through my calendar and trying to write in everything for the upcoming fall and hockey season, there's a date I still haven't been alerted to.

Hey! Town of Hempstead! WHERE IS THE DATE FOR THE REZONING HEARING FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE???

I'd like to put this on my calendar so I can attend! I know you better, you'll schedule it for a workday afternoon so that it will be difficult for us average worker-bees to attend. So I need a little lead time here!

This all started because of a certain Tweet today that made the ominous statement "Islanders' Oct. 3 deadline for Lighthouse "certainty" won't be met."

Why won't it be met? Things were going so well on August 4th! Don't you remember? The smiles! The photos! The march to the theater. Good times!

It's been 27 days? WHAT'S THE PROBLEM HERE??? What's with the political foot dragging? How close do you want to cut this fight Kate Murray? Where is the noise from the Nassau County Executive?

What? He can't get a rezoning hearing scheduled? What happened to the Governor's request to fast track this project? Is there a question about what constitutes "fast"?

In light of the fact that the Islanders' lease expires in 2015 and I am now wondering how long it will be before the NHL and the NHLPA are at odds again, I'd seriously like to see where the Lighthouse project is going. And like NOW!

Tomorrow is the first day of September. My Islanders hockey season has started on September 2nd for the last 10 years. So as an Islanders fan, a hockey fan and a native Long Islander, I'd like an answer... PRONTO!

WHEN IS THE REZONING HEARING FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE LI PROJECT?

WHEN?