Isles Rally & Rock The Referendum Contest

Here's a really cool idea to help get the voters out to the polls. Joe Conte (every bloggers friend) an associate of Gotham Government Relations & Communications and four highly prominent bloggers have teamed up to offer YOU, the fans with Nassau County voters in your grasp, a contest. You get voters to vote, you're in the running for a very cool grand prize. No, like a REALLY cool prize.

Ever watched a game in a luxury suite? Right. Check it out here and enter quickly. Deadline for entry is 6 pm on Friday!

Okay, onto the Isles Vote YES! Rally and the free Blue Oyster Cult concert. They.Still.Rock!

From Bellmorepatch.com


There were a lot of comments about the turn out for today's rally. Yes, it was union laden. They are the ones that will drive this vote. They are the ones that stand to gain in a monetary fashion. But the most devoted of fans were there and there were some people arriving later from work in their suits and ties braving the heat.

Yes, the timing could have been better, but it is what it is and we are running out of time. The restaurant supporters were there in full force along with the unions. You guys missed the Hooters girls.

The crowd was very supportive of Charles Wang and Garth Snow when the spoke but John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor, received the loudest cheers (and used most expletives).

Inside the box office area, the media was offered time to talk to all the speakers. It was informal. VERY informal. In other words it was a free-for-all that required a much better recorder than I own. (Putting that on my birthday wish list.)

I find it intersting that Charles Wang looks almost energized by all the buzz. You would think he would be dog tired of having to repeat himself over and over again, yet he spoke calmly and clearly for every camera and reporter with a microphone. This has been going on for months and will continue until Monday at 9 pm when the polls close.

Speaking of polls, I asked Mr. Mangano what he thought about the idea that many voters not knowing where they should vote. He told me that the voter registration cards have been put in the mail and he has already received his. Post cards will help with those who don't know where to vote, however, it won't help with those that refuse to register to vote because they are afraid they will be called for Jury Duty. (You weenies! BUCK UP!) Fellow Blog Boxer Michael Hirschbein did an indepth interview with Mr. Mangano, so we'll be looking for that one.

I also spoke with Michael Picker to get a better understanding of the $14 million a year minimum payment the Islanders would be making to the county. The 11.5% of revenue is all revenue except the TV deal and any NHL funds that may (ha ha) at some point come their way. I was surprised to find out that meant the merchandise also. (Do the Nassau Dems know how much STUFF we Isles fans BUY???)

Katie Strang spent much of her time concentrating on the hockey end of things. I'd like to thank her. Someone has to keep their eye on hockey and with the likes of Rick DiPietro, Matt Moulson and Ty Wishart there today, hockey was to be discussed. (It seems Ms. Strang broached the "Yashin" return subject. I'm glad I didn't hear it.)

I recognized some familiar faces in the crowd. Eden Laikin, ex-Newsday reporter now County of Nassau employee was there as was Nick Giglia wearng his "More Cowbell" shirt. Chris Botta was even there with an SNY.tv cameraman doing interviews with attendees.

I stuck to the task at hand: The Vote on 8/1. Here is an incredibly crappy video that I shot in the parking lot right before I left. I suggest you look away and just listen. Since I didn't think I would post it, the lense was mostly pointed at the pavement. But then again -- that seemed fitting if the vote doesn't pass.

Protecting Growth or Standing In the Way?

Another bump in the road to a new Coliseum surfaced last week and was discussed in the next morning’s issue of Newsday. A group called The Association for a Better Long Island, a group of prominent and wealthy developers, met with County Executive Ed Mangano regarding his bond proposal and plans for the Uniondale Hub. Based on reports, the hour long meeting did not go well.

The group, whose website mission statement is “Protecting Orderly Growth On Long Island,” can be looked at as yet another “special interest group.” Their interest? Having one of their own members getting their hands on the surrounding county land that needs to be developed adjacent to the hub.

Yep. They weren’t happy that Mangano mentioned Charles Wang was already in negotiation with the County to develop the almost 40 acres that make up the balance of the empty space that surrounds the decaying Coliseum.

They’re not looking at the fact that he already won an RFP for the land YEARS ago or that he spent an estimated $14 million planning, studying and paying the Town of Hempstead for their environmental study that helped Kate Murray kill the project. No. They’re all looking around the room and saying “Hey! It’s not one of US.”

Scott Rechler IS a member of this Association. But he is no longer associated with Charles Wang since the Lighthouse Project died it’s slow and painful death. Maybe he has something to do with the dissent. Maybe. Maybe not.

According to all sources, all the details of the proposed contract with the County will be made available by mid June. That will give everyone enough time to digest the information prior to an August 1st vote.

“Before the August 1st date, by mid-June, we will have put out the economics and everyone will have plenty of time to understand what the arrangements are that we are making with the county.” Michael Picker, Isles Senior Vice President, told me over the phone Thursday night from his office. (A time when most executives would have been long gone.)

It has been said that just an NHL arena is not enough to be profitable. Even Gary Bettman, when discussing the Atlanta Thrashers, said few are willing to “fund the loss” that is an NHL team. (And that’s why they’re moving.) So I asked Mr. Picker if he would be able to show in June that the Islanders in a new arena could be profitable in order to pay their portion of the proposed revenue sharing.

“There will be additional development around the arena and that will be included in the agreement that we end up reaching with the county.” And there it is, THAT is what the association of developers want to talk about.

“You’re confusing issues though.” Mr. Picker admonished me. “The borrowing and the referendum is for the building of the arena and the ball park. Nothing else. What people will have to decide,” (should they have the opportunity to!) “when they understand the economics, when you take everything into account, is it something that the people want to support and the legislative oversight boards want to also support. Which we are hopeful. We believe that when they see all the numbers, they will look at this and say that it is a positive situation to go forward with for Nassau County.”

However, the politics in Nassau County has always been “Well, what am I getting out of this?” You can see it start already between the Nassau Democrats and their Republican counterparts. It’s the push-me-pull-you that has gone on for years. Then there are the special interest groups that have forever yapped “What about US?”

Okay, this is where my personal rant comes in. I’m tired of this crap. I’m tired of going to these hearings and watching small groups ask where their piece of the pie is. At the last Town of Hempstead hearing I went to, I was appalled at how many groups were lined up to tell the developers what THEY wanted included in the Lighthouse project in order for their vote. WHAT?

What happened to the common good? What happened to “Well, you can’t please everyone”?

Face it Long Island, this is your last shot at developing that 77 acres of asphalt. The Democrat minority speaker said in her interview with SNY that Charles Wang was Long Island’s “Rainmaker.” He is the last hope to develop that property and actually turn it into something worthwhile.

When I asked Mr. Picker if the revenue sharing would start during the building phase, he told me “I don’t want to address anything in particular. All I have to say is the economics will be released mid-June and then I believe that will answer all the questions.”

Mr. Picker has more faith in our political system than I do. When I asked him if he felt this was once again a political football, he said “At this point, I’m not worried about it. You saw the Democrats abstain in their vote last week in order to take it forward. I think it was their way of saying ‘We need to learn more about this before we can evaluate it.’ Even in Dianne Yatuoro’s comments, it was very clear of her passion to make sure we have an arena for not only the Islanders but for concerts and entertainment. This is much more than an issue regarding the Islanders. This is an issue about people come to family shows and concerts and exhibits in the exhibition hall. So it’s way more than just the Islanders and that’s what people have to realize.”

Having listened to Desmond Ryan’s interview, I was interested to hear what he had to say about something Mr. Ryan threw out. “The question is, Mr. Ryan said that you offered the same proposal to Suffolk County and it was turned down.” and pause….

“That’s not true.” he said. “So you’re saying that it’s not true and he is mistaken?” I pressed. “Correct.” and that was all he said about it.

I scanned my notes for another question. “Do you believe that $350 million is enough to build an arena considering how much other arenas have cost.”

“Well you’re not comparing arena to arena. Everybody wants to make statements. We believe we can build the arena for the $350 million number.“ Mr. Picker wouldn’t commit to what existing NHL arena it would be comparable to.

Regarding the August 1st vote, “We believe right now the legislature will support the August 1st date and it will move forward.”

Mr. Wang has offered to reimburse the County for the expense of the August 1st vote, but the County has not taken him up on the offer yet and has not voted on whether or not it can take place.

That brings us to Monday when there will be another “Major Press Conference Regarding the Nassau Coliseum’s Future.” And you’re invited.

Brian Rosenberg, President of the Long Island Restaurant Association, will join with businesses, labor unions, merchants, hotels and hospitality groups, restaurants, New York Islanders fans and corporate partners, and representatives from the newly formed coalition, Build a New Coliseum, in holding a press conference regarding the future of the Coliseum site.

Be there on Monday at 11:30 am out front of the Coliseum.

This is going to be an interesting few weeks as each side tries to gain support for their position. But as stated in the press release in my email in-box,

Should the Coliseum not be built, thousands of jobs will be affected, and the revenue of local restaurants, bars and businesses will significantly decrease. The region will essentially turn into a ghost town. Local merchants will reveal the ways in which they will be adversely impacted by the loss of the Coliseum. Islanders fans and concert buffs will discuss the need to travel outside the region in order to attend professional sporting events, concerts, family shows and exhibitions.

So forget about everything else for now, and let’s just focus on the task at hand -- August 1st.

Committed to the Fans

**Interesting note from Art Staples article on same subject. Ranger tix going up 23% and Knicks up 49%. BWAAHHHAAA #EVILDOLANEMPIRE needs YOUR money.**


11:25 am: Hey gang, guess what? Doug Weight is done for the year. (Which sounds like career.) Also, Milan Jurcina left practice this morning with a tweaked right hip flexor and will be evaluated later. And Bruno Gervais is still out.

7 am:The Islanders announced their new full season ticket pricing for 2011-2012 and at first glance, it may seem a little daunting. Pricing tiers went from the 13 tiers to a whopping 23 with more descriptive names to help fans chose the experience they are looking for.

When I asked Senior Vice President Michael Picker how this new pricing came about, he told me they spoke to the fans -- and listened. “We spoke to season subscribers, to potential subscribers and debated it internally. We basically looked at the whole bowl in a different way. Not only from a pricing standpoint but in a way to break down price levels.”

Looking at the bright, color-coded graph compared to last year’s graph, it is obvious that much of the arena seating will see significant discounts. However, it is true that not ALL the seats have been discounted.

“Nobody sees a price INCREASE, while over 60% will see an actual price DECREASE and almost 80% of the renewing people will see a financial benefit.” One of those benefits would be free or discounted parking which could be as much as $1,050.

If you look across the league, you’ll see ticket pricing varies greatly from club to club. I wondered if the League has any say in pricing. Nope. Each club is on their own and sets their own pricing based on their particular market. That being said -- remember where you live.

Also, don’t go looking for the fine print that says “These prices valid only until April 30th.” You can pay in full or opt for the four payments due May 16th, June 15th, August 1st and finally September 1st.

Partial plans will be available but cannot be determined until the League releases next season’s schedule. We’ll have to wait and see what sort of price breaks there will be with those. But the most interesting item about pricing is in the Group Sales division.

The Islanders have a very strong group sales department and while the dates haven’t been announced yet, we will see some group sales seating going for as little as $12. What could be a better night out for a large group than being able to see an Islander game and still be able to afford a few treats -- like the cupcakes. Yes, I said it. The cupcakes.

An additional perk to full-season tickets, at either the Standard or Elite level, is the return of the 15% Off discount on Islander merchandise in arena or at the Team Stores. (Just in case you want to get that new Grabner jersey.) While the Islanders may not have the same high tech gadget for STH discounts like the a proximity chip sewn into a jersey like the Tampa Bay Lightning, they’re sure to come up with something to make their STHs feel pretty special; Meet & Greets, subscriber gift, sponsor discounts. Things that many who have previously been season ticket holders remember are back. See? They did listen.

They are still listening. As you know, the Islanders are utilizing all the new social media networking devices to connect with their fans and it is working. Look for more Social Media nights and other events that will bring technology and fans together through the common thread of Islanders Hockey.

But there is something even more important than the pricing. Looking at the graphic on the new pricing page you should also notice the new promotional line tag line which seems to make the biggest statement.
“We’re committed to Long Island. We’re committed to seeing this through.”

When I asked Mr. Picker if that was a statement without actually making one, he said they are absolutely committed to Long Island. “Nassau County is still our number one choice and we’re hopeful we can work something out.” Let’s hope Nassau is committed to them.

Sadly, as we know Nassau County has no money, there are no planned renovations or upgrades to the seating areas other than scheduled maintenance.

But you have to admit, that old barn is still pretty special -- when it’s packed.

*Also, here is the link to the NYHockeyTalk episode I did with Brad Kurtzburg, Matt Sweetwood and Margaret Hurley on WGBB AM from Sunday.

Lighthouse Project Featured at Republican Roundtable

Saturday's gathering was billed as the Republican Roundtable on Economic Development, Sports and Tourism on Long Island. It may as well have been called, “How Can the Lighthouse Project Help YOUR Business?”

When they coined the term “Government for the people, by the people” I hardly think they had any idea there would be THAT many people to govern. Surely, you can never make everyone happy. However, the amount of industries and small businesses that could benefit from the proposed Lighthouse Project development and all it entails is remarkable and something I would have never thought of.

While this discussion was based on the sports industries, tourism and performing arts were also on the table for discussion.

As the NY Islanders are the only major sports franchise on based within Nassau or Suffolk County, we are not in any financial position to lose them. The smart thing to do would be to bring in MORE sports franchises and events. That is what Assemblyman Rob Walker (R,C,I,WF-Hicksville) and Assemblyman Robert D. Barra (R,C,I-14th Assembly District) are trying to do.

A good portion of this meeting was about formulating a new bill to legalize Mixed Martial Arts in the State of NY. I didn’t know it was illegal here, but there are states where it is legal, and it is bringing not only fans, but tax revenue. Marc Ratner, Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, Ultimate Fighting Championship, stated emphatically that they did not want to bring the UFC to any area that would not regulate it. “We want to be regulated and pay taxes. This sport is on regional, national and cable TV. You’re not protecting people on Long Island. We’ll do big business.” It’s a growing industry. There are 44 states that have an athletic committee. Thirty-seven of them have now approved Mixed Martial Arts. “I’m disappointed that New York State is holding people hostage.”

“We do a good job of that.” Mr. Walker quipped.

The six annual UFC shows generate $50 million dollars in revenue. This will bring a windfall in both state and local taxes, which the UFC is willing and EAGER to pay. But where can they have these events? If the current coliseum loses its main tenant, the county will not be able to afford to renovate it and therefore it will not be able to be profitable. As a matter of fact, one of the assemblymen stated he believed that right now the I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) can come in and condemn the building.

In addition to the renovated Coliseum, the Lighthouse Project includes a convention center facility. Think hard. When was the last time you saw a major convention being held on Long Island? You haven’t. They are all held in Manhattan because Long Island has no facility that can host one. This fact was reinforced by Joan LaRosa, Director of Sales, Long Island Convention & Visitors' Bureau and Sports Commission. “We have no place for a convention. We’ve actually had to turn away meetings and conventions.”

Turning them away is turning away their revenue, not only for the local governments but for the small business owners as well.

Rich Giuardino from Hofstra University said “The Lighthouse Project is important for this region. We hosted a Presidential debate (at Hofstra). This area can handle a large scale event. It’s important to Nassau County and the Island. We have to create our own stimulus plan. We want to lend our voice to the support of this project.”

Another voice of support for the project, although absent from this meeting, is Frank Boulton of the very successful Long Island Ducks. He would love to have a second minor league baseball team on Long Island, especially in a brand new stadium in the center of Nassau if the County would RFP it. Think of the employment as well as the entertainment value. What a perfect marriage since the last remnants of the hockey season is the first week of June. Another baseball stadium would keep that area busy and profitable all summer long.

Michael Picker, President of the Lighthouse Project, addressed the panel. “We’re looking for answers and trying to get to the finish line. Our principal has set a deadline of October. After that, all bets are off. We’re trying to get approval and we are struggling a little. The project brings significant benefits. With it come issues, which we will deal with.”

Mr. Picker was asked what some of the obstacles are that he felt they are facing. Mr. Picker answered “The SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) process: Is it doing what it should be doing?”

I didn’t realize that the developer pays a consultant to review the documents for completeness for the town. The SEQRA process also identifies a maximum time frame, but it doesn’t identify a minimum. Is that really fair while the developer pays for the process?
“They have a maximum of 45 days to review the SEQRA. It doesn’t mean they can’t take less. It’s an important project.”

It seems that the first pass is supposed to be for completeness and not for debate on the conclusions. “There were 179 comments on the first round. Nineteen were valid. That means 89% of the first round were not questions they should be asking now.”

Politics as usual as the town passes the “puck” to the County and so on. But ‘We as Long Island need to decide what we WANT for Long Island.’

Assemblyman Fred Thiele, who has had experience with SEQRA, chimed in. “SEQRA can be used as a tool or a weapon.” Mr. Thiele is a representative from the East End of Long Island. “You can have a good law and bad officials, or a bad law and good officials. We need to do everything we can to keep you [the Islanders] here. It is of critical importance.”

Mr. Picker continued, “No one wants to skip steps. Just don’t let politics get in the way. We get a battle between the Republicans and the Democrats. How do we get it done?”

This is an age old question. How do you get the parties to agree on something – anything - that will benefit everyone?

“There are bathrooms OUTSIDE the Coliseum.” This is indeed embarrassing. “We are so far behind the times. The county loses money on the Coliseum today. Without your major tenant, this building just goes away.”

Meanwhile, the Islanders organization is being courted by many areas in North America and Canada. “We have told everyone, we’re not interested. But once the time comes, we may have to think differently.” Mr. Picker was not issuing an ultimatum, just stating fact.

Sports franchises are different from other businesses. Retail can pack up and move in a blink. They can pull a truck up in the middle of the night and be up and running in a different spot 24 hours later. You can’t do that with a hockey team. Time is of the essence here. “You can’t wait until 2012 to think about where it’s going to be.”

The assemblymen listened as Mr. Picker detailed what they already knew; how much tax revenue the county will lose if the Islanders have to relocate and how much tax revenue could be garnered if their development is approved.

Some detractors may say the Lighthouse Project has over estimated the potential revenue stream. “Just take HALF our numbers and tell me if you think they’re good.” In a cash-strapped economy, even half is staggering.

But if two prominent, highly visible Long Islanders can’t get a project done on Long Island, what does that say to anyone else who may want to develop and improve our economy? “Charles wants to create a new industry, creating good paying jobs that marry sports and technology.” He is willing to invest in our economy. Is there anyone else on this short line?

“What permits do you need?” Mr. Picker was asked. I thought he would be able to recite them in alphabetical or numeric order. But he answered “Our application is for 150 acres. We own eight acres of land. We put forth an application for 300 five-star hotel rooms, a conference center to do mid-level conferences, 2300 residential units, 20% of which are next generation, 500,000 sq. ft. of retail space, which would be complimentary. This is a mix-use, SMART-use development. We’ve spent $15,000,000 on this entitlement process. We need answers. We need the P.D.P. (Planned Development Permit) approved, the lease done with the County (which they have already begun working on), Sub-division approval and DEC and DOT signoffs.”

Mr. Picker said something very important that I hope didn‘t fall on deaf ears. “If we don‘t work sequentially we can‘t do it. We‘re surrounded by a lot of communities with varying view points. We can‘t please ALL of them.”

One of these groups that were identified in Newsday is the veterans. While the veterans’ organizations showed up to the 180th Community Outreach meeting and endorsed the project, a follow-up article cited complaints regarding the naming of the arena. What was not covered in that article was the fact that the Lighthouse group had worked with the veterans in order to come up with a compromise to properly recognize them. By changing the name of the roadway where the development will be built, that would assure that the words “Veterans Memorial” would not be dropped from the Nassau Coliseum vocabulary.

In all seriousness, how many of us actually call it “The Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum”? Find me one.

Certainly traffic concerns are at the top of the list. Considering how much money, time and effort have been expended studying the traffic situation, Mr. Picker made an obvious statement. “If we create an unbearable traffic situation, we hurt ourselves.”

There were 279 intersections covered in the DGIS. Some would need to be configured right away, and others as the project develops. Traffic is a wide spread problem. Even Ron Foley, Regional Director for Long Island, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, admitted the traffic situation the annual air show over Jones Beach creates is a problem. Does anyone say “don’t do it”?

As one of the assemblymen took a trip down memory lane, he said something I never thought about. Years ago on a Saturday night when Roosevelt Raceway was open with 30,000 patrons, and the Islanders were playing with 12,000 patrons, and Hofstra may have had a basketball game, the roadways clogged, but they were not at a standstill. “It’s not as big a problem as people think.”

There are ways to ease traffic problems: staggered work hours, traffic pattern changes during high volume egress of events, among others. The problems are not insurmountable. “The peak hours are only part of the day.” Mr. Picker reasoned.

We have an opportunity to create a world-class leisure and recreational destination. We have the opportunity to create our own stimulus bill. We don’t have what the Lighthouse Project has to offer anywhere on Long Island. It can be a catalyst for change, or it can be a parking lot.

The people have to choose. The people have to be heard. The people have to tell their political representatives what they want. And they have to tell them NOW.