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.
Showing posts with label Tom Suozzi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Suozzi. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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.
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."
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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?”
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. T
here 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.”
here 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.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Stop Playing Games Kate!
And Charles doesn't mean the one on the ice. It seems that he was very upset over the fact that the 4 pm phone call became fodder for the press. Or should I say for Newsday. But that's all part of Kate's game. Meanwhile, Tom Suozzi feels the same way. Why has it taken so long for her to try to contact the developer? All part of the game that should end come election day.
Speaking of Election Day, Kristen McElroy was wowing the crowd outside the coliseum as she talked about the upcoming election and how important the Lighthouse project is to the area.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Has The Miracle Been Put on Ice?
That was one of the best statements that came out of yesterdays’ press conference called by Tom Suozzi and the Lighthouse developers. It was followed closely by Suozzi’s very passionate please to the Town of Hempstead of “Stop playing games!”
I will admit, I enjoy listening to Tom Suozzi speak. No one is more passionate about this project than he is. Every time I listen to him address a crowd, it makes me wish I was a Democrat, or at least a Nassau County resident. He is articulate, engaging and sincere.
The other Nassau County officials in the room yesterday, all of whom also believe in the Lighthouse project, punctuated Suozzi’s insinuated condemnation of the ToH board every chance they could. Basically, this lease agreement presented to the Nassau County Legislature puts all the pressure squarely on Kate Murray’s shoulders. There is nothing left for any other agency to do until the zoning has been decided. Yes or No is all the developers are waiting to hear and the October 3rd date still stands.
The lack of cooperation between the Town Supervisor and other branches of local government was reiterated and detailed by Suozzi. The list of stumbling blocks thrown up by the Town of Hempstead is disheartening to any Long Island resident in favor of the plan.
Most new sports arena complexes are built with public funding, this one is not. Besides, Nassau County can’t afford to pay for any portion of it. Suozzi claims the new lease will give the Lighthouse Group the entire responsibility of a new Coliseum as well as keep them there until 2030. It also gives the County a positive cash flow and will create over 100,000 jobs in the county.
“It will create a destination in Nassau County that will tell people in the entire country that Nassau County is on the move. This is a place where things are happening. This will be the most exciting catalyst of what we call “New Suburbia.” (If they can ever get it built!)
His idea is to keep 90% of Nassau County the way it is now with 10% completely re-imagined. And the Lighthouse Project is a beautiful dream from the imagination of Charles Wang that could bring the County and Long Island into the future.
“This will be a sign, especially to the private sector, that Nassau County is open for business…We now need the Town of Hempstead to move forward with what they need to do to make this project become a reality. It would be horrible if after all this hard work, after all this time, after all this money invested by the developer, after all the effort that has been put in by the people in the county and the people who LIVE here in the county if this project were not to go forward. Imagine what it would be like if a month from now or three months from now the developers decided it’s not working any more. We got a better offer somewhere else. Let’s not do this project in Nassau County. The Islanders would leave after 2015 and they wouldn’t make this massive investment into the heart of our county – SHAME ON THOSE FOLKS WHO WOULD STOP THIS PROJECT FROM GETTING DONE.”
That statement made my eyes wide, he was adamant. “By working together we can achieve a first-class, world-class arena that befitting the people of Long Island. We deserve a world class facility.”
“My ideas and my talk mean nothing unless a developer is willing to put their money where their mouth is.” And with that, Suozzi asked Charles Wang, the man who has already put $15,000,000 where his mouth is, to the podium.
He thanked everyone who has worked so diligently on this project. “I am proud to announce that the Islanders look forward to decades of success right here in their rightful home in Nassau County. And when the new Coliseum is complete, finally Islander fans will have a home arena they can be proud of and have wanted for so long.”
Mr. Wang reiterated his desire to hear a decision by October 3rd and explained that further changes to the project would only incur further delays. Scott Rechler had a better explanation “To now come out at this stage of the game and say well here are the adjustments is disingenuous. It’s basically a ‘No’ when it wasn’t done throughout the entire process when it typically IS done.” And he should know the process as he is one of Long Islanders most successful developers.
In all seriousness, the time for compromise and changes has long passed and had the Town of Hempstead spent less time procrastinating and more time reviewing, no one would be in this position. I can’t understand why it has taken so long when it’s a proven fact that Long Islanders are overwhelming in support of the project. Neither can anyone else.
The News12 anchor was the first to ask the question about possible tax breaks for the developers. Mr. Suozzi explained the lease itself contains no tax benefits, “But this project should be eligible for tax benefits. This property was specifically included in the Empire zone so we could get tax benefits to encourage development at this property. With the Empire zone arrangement, the developer gets the tax benefit and the State picks up the tax burden.” He continued saying that the project could also be eligible for other breaks that are routinely given by the County and the Town to other developments all the time.
“This property will be a NET-PLUS in tax revenues to the people of Nassau County. The County will make money, and the town and the school districts.” He said emphatically. So then what’s the question and what’s the holdup? “The town has refused to discuss throughout the entire process what they want. It’s not fair to the developers to change it now.”
Mr. Wang did say that he would take silence from Kate Murray on the 3rd as an assumption her answer is a “NO” and will open the door to new options come Monday but he was emphatic “I am committed to Long Island. I love Long Island. This is the place where the Islanders belong and we want to do something to make this great. I’ve said this over and over again, here it is. Tell me yes or no.”
After the cameras turned off and the reporters converged on the speakers, I waited to speak to Mr. Wang. Throughout this entire ordeal, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. I asked him if he felt the NHL or Commissioner Bettman could do anything additional to help him in this fight, “Yeah, he could make sure that all the refs make the right calls so we could win the Stanley Cup.” He smiled at my reaction of surprise and those around him broke into laughter.
I asked if there were any suitors for the project already lining up at the door waiting for Monday to come, he said it wasn’t for him to comment but “We WANT to stay on Long Island. YOU know that. We just want to get this thing done. Its eight years now. It’s enough. Two years ago I asked them tell me what you want and I will tell you yes or no. It’s not so complicated!” His frustration is evident, so I went back to hockey and asked who was going to drop the puck on Saturday for the Home Opener.
“Kate I think is coming.” My mouth dropped. “Well, I invited her. I did. I swear!”
Well, Kate more than likely won’t be there but her Democrat opponent for Town Supervisor, Kristen McElroy, will be! It may already be the first week of October, but it isn’t too late to show Kate Murray that her elected position is etched in stone. There is certainly time to Rock The Vote and bring in someone new that may share Tom Suozzi’s vision of New Suburbia.
Damn! I wish I could vote in Nassau County!
Damn! I wish I could vote in Nassau County!
*For additional information on potential tax benefits, please check Isles Official Doug's website!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Happy HOCTober People!
We actually made it! In April, I didn't think it would ever get here, but today is the first day of the new regular 2009-2010 Hockey Season.
It's also the date I get to have lunch with Tom Suozzi. Okay, not really, but since the press conference is at noon, guess I'll be eating fast food in the car driving back to work.
Interesting take that Newsday has on the lease announcement in today's paper. This whole thing is basically putting the ENTIRE project squarely in Kate Murray's hands.
Not exactly where I'd like to see it, but hell.... that's where it is now. It's all up to Kate and her flying monkeys- oppsss- town board. (Sorry. Wizard of Oz reference there.)
The lease runs until 2030 and the only thing I found interesting was the comment that the leaseholder would get revenue from parking, ticket sales and concessions in return for taking on all repairs.
Well, considering he'd be putting in a ridiculous amount of money to renovate the Coliseum, it's about time he gets the revenue from those items.
The County will get $1.5 mil in rent annually as well as for sure... TAX revenue from those sales. (Uncle Sam always gets his out of everything you buy, and the State is above the County, but it's in there.)
There's an IBC event today - that I won't be at, damn it. But sigh... I actually DO work for a living. As a matter of fact, I work for a company whose major client is Comcast Cable who just put a bid in to buy....
NBC!
WHAT THE HELL????
Okay, Later.
It's also the date I get to have lunch with Tom Suozzi. Okay, not really, but since the press conference is at noon, guess I'll be eating fast food in the car driving back to work.
Interesting take that Newsday has on the lease announcement in today's paper. This whole thing is basically putting the ENTIRE project squarely in Kate Murray's hands.
Not exactly where I'd like to see it, but hell.... that's where it is now. It's all up to Kate and her flying monkeys- oppsss- town board. (Sorry. Wizard of Oz reference there.)
The lease runs until 2030 and the only thing I found interesting was the comment that the leaseholder would get revenue from parking, ticket sales and concessions in return for taking on all repairs.
Well, considering he'd be putting in a ridiculous amount of money to renovate the Coliseum, it's about time he gets the revenue from those items.
The County will get $1.5 mil in rent annually as well as for sure... TAX revenue from those sales. (Uncle Sam always gets his out of everything you buy, and the State is above the County, but it's in there.)
There's an IBC event today - that I won't be at, damn it. But sigh... I actually DO work for a living. As a matter of fact, I work for a company whose major client is Comcast Cable who just put a bid in to buy....
NBC!
WHAT THE HELL????
Okay, Later.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Game 7: The 87th Game of the Season for #87
This is it! Tonight's the night that the entire league has waited for since camps opened last year. I would say it's been toughest on the media with the multiple game 7s that took place this year. I'm sure some of them wake up and don't even know where they are any more.
But tonight we find out if it will be Marian Hossa or Sidney Crosby who ends up with their name etched on the Cup for eternity. So many side show dramas. So many fans biting their nails. It's going to be interesting. I'm just hoping the Internet isn't more interesting tonight than the actual game.
However, today's news is more interesting in a bizarre sort of way than anything we could make up. The State Senate has turned into a sideshow that I can't even read about because it will do nothing but piss the living daylights out of me. I never thought I'd see the word "coup" in conjunction with my own government.
Then again, I never thought I'd hear that Cher's daughter, Chastity Bono, wants to be a man. WTF? And she waits until she's 40 to do it? Hey Newsflash. Sex change is beyond major surgery. It's a series of major surgeries. We don't heal as well as we get older. And honey, er, uh, Sir.... you're OLDER.
There's a small article in Newsday regarding yesterday's Nassau County meeting with a headline of "Suozzi: Lighthouse a big draw." Tom Suozzi wants to have the St. Patrick's Day Parade there when it's built. Well, okay then.
However, I heard the words "land grab" all yesterday. I'm tired of it. Maybe I misunderstand the meaning of the words together, but to me it sounds like theft of actual property. I can't explain to these detractors that 1) The County CHOSE Wang & Rechler to propose development of this COUNTY land. 2) The County is not SELLING the land, they are leasing it.
This isn't greed, it's economic development. I've come to the conclusion that you will never in a million years make everyone happy. I'm just hopeful that more people get "happy" because I seriously can't take the negativity. UGGGHHH... I should just stop reading the paper and watching the news.
But tonight we find out if it will be Marian Hossa or Sidney Crosby who ends up with their name etched on the Cup for eternity. So many side show dramas. So many fans biting their nails. It's going to be interesting. I'm just hoping the Internet isn't more interesting tonight than the actual game.
However, today's news is more interesting in a bizarre sort of way than anything we could make up. The State Senate has turned into a sideshow that I can't even read about because it will do nothing but piss the living daylights out of me. I never thought I'd see the word "coup" in conjunction with my own government.
Then again, I never thought I'd hear that Cher's daughter, Chastity Bono, wants to be a man. WTF? And she waits until she's 40 to do it? Hey Newsflash. Sex change is beyond major surgery. It's a series of major surgeries. We don't heal as well as we get older. And honey, er, uh, Sir.... you're OLDER.
There's a small article in Newsday regarding yesterday's Nassau County meeting with a headline of "Suozzi: Lighthouse a big draw." Tom Suozzi wants to have the St. Patrick's Day Parade there when it's built. Well, okay then.
However, I heard the words "land grab" all yesterday. I'm tired of it. Maybe I misunderstand the meaning of the words together, but to me it sounds like theft of actual property. I can't explain to these detractors that 1) The County CHOSE Wang & Rechler to propose development of this COUNTY land. 2) The County is not SELLING the land, they are leasing it.
This isn't greed, it's economic development. I've come to the conclusion that you will never in a million years make everyone happy. I'm just hopeful that more people get "happy" because I seriously can't take the negativity. UGGGHHH... I should just stop reading the paper and watching the news.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Local Government - Live on Twitter!
Sorry, but I do find it truly amazing that I can go onto Twitter and find quotes and minute to minute descriptions of the action of so many government proceedings. I found it fascinating in the Phoenix Coyotes court and now I'm using it to catch up on the Tom Suozzi meeting that I missed this evening.
Even veteran beat writer Greg Logan blogged about tonight's meeting. (And to think we used to have to wait for the morning paper to hit the driveway in order to find out how things went. Now, we're in real time. It's mind boggling.)
But while I am fascinated at the technology, I am also fascinated by the ease of which we can become complacent. Certainly things look rosy as all parties are sitting down, shaking hands and making nice nice for the camera. But please do not forget that there are many other ToH communities who are still waiting for THEIR campaign promises to be fulfilled.
While the majority of attendees were supporters of the LighthouseLI project, support does not mean it will actually get done. It only gives the impression it will have more than a snowball's chance in hell of getting done.
We all feel good after all the great press from this past week, but let the optimism be cautious at best. The Town of Hempstead is not yet off the hook and considering what the hell is going on in Albany right now, how can we expect assistance from them? It's a political three-ring circus upstate between the Democrats and the Republicans. Our little political struggle is only a side show.
Again, our best hope for this to get to a point where it is a financial success for everyone and done correctly is to "advocate and educate."
And speaking of "Educate," I attended a high school achievement award meeting tonight. I'm amazed at what my school district actually has accomplished this year. Long Island is a wonderful place to grow up. We are very lucky. We need to keep growing and getting better. And we can.
Even veteran beat writer Greg Logan blogged about tonight's meeting. (And to think we used to have to wait for the morning paper to hit the driveway in order to find out how things went. Now, we're in real time. It's mind boggling.)
But while I am fascinated at the technology, I am also fascinated by the ease of which we can become complacent. Certainly things look rosy as all parties are sitting down, shaking hands and making nice nice for the camera. But please do not forget that there are many other ToH communities who are still waiting for THEIR campaign promises to be fulfilled.
While the majority of attendees were supporters of the LighthouseLI project, support does not mean it will actually get done. It only gives the impression it will have more than a snowball's chance in hell of getting done.
We all feel good after all the great press from this past week, but let the optimism be cautious at best. The Town of Hempstead is not yet off the hook and considering what the hell is going on in Albany right now, how can we expect assistance from them? It's a political three-ring circus upstate between the Democrats and the Republicans. Our little political struggle is only a side show.
Again, our best hope for this to get to a point where it is a financial success for everyone and done correctly is to "advocate and educate."
And speaking of "Educate," I attended a high school achievement award meeting tonight. I'm amazed at what my school district actually has accomplished this year. Long Island is a wonderful place to grow up. We are very lucky. We need to keep growing and getting better. And we can.
I'm Supportive In Abstentia Today
The Lighthouse Development Group will present an update on the Lighthouse project to the Nassau County Planning Commission TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, located at 1550 Franklin Ave. Islanders owner Charles Wang and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi will be on-hand and everyone is invited to attend.
But I'll be attending a high school assembly while my daughter gets an award for -- softball. What else? So, those attending, please let me know what happens.
But I am wearing my Islanders brown hoodie that I got from the Massapequa team store. Hopefully that does count as being supportive.
Also, check out the Summer player appearance calendar. At least it's something for us to look forward to here and there. Many of the appearances are private, but there are ones that are public for each of the players that will be visiting us over the summer. The calendar can be found on the main Islanders website.
I can't believe the season will end tomorrow. Well, it certainly was an interesting one.
But I'll be attending a high school assembly while my daughter gets an award for -- softball. What else? So, those attending, please let me know what happens.
But I am wearing my Islanders brown hoodie that I got from the Massapequa team store. Hopefully that does count as being supportive.
Also, check out the Summer player appearance calendar. At least it's something for us to look forward to here and there. Many of the appearances are private, but there are ones that are public for each of the players that will be visiting us over the summer. The calendar can be found on the main Islanders website.
I can't believe the season will end tomorrow. Well, it certainly was an interesting one.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
CONVINCE ME KATE!
Okay, I've slept on it for two nights. I've given it some thought. I've discussed it with other people. I'm not convinced.While the euphoria of Friday's love fest for the cameras between the politicians and the Lighthouse developers gave Islanders County a moment of joy, personally I'm not ready to buy season tickets for the 2012 season yet.
Previously, I have been called "cynical" by certain other prominent writers. In certain aspects I am. Politics falls into that "I ain't buying it" category.
Friday's meeting was important during the campaign season to show "good faith" to the voters who have been bombarding the Town of Hempstead regarding the lack of movement on the Lighthouse project. The Tuesday Long Island Planning Council's wrist slapping of the town was the cherry on the political cake. Couple that with Governor Patterson's meeting with the developers and you've got a campaign scrambling to look better in the eyes of the voters.
The Democrats have won so many offices lately that the Republicans cannot stand to lose the Town of Hempstead. They will do anything to keep Republican control over it. They will do anything to make sure Kate Murray is re-elected. Personally, I believe this is Step 1.
By giving the impression of being proactive on the Lighthouse LI project they have effectively taken a good portion of the wind out of Kristen McElroy's campaign sails. Certainly the Lighthouse is not her only platform, but it is the one that could garner her crossover support.
The July 7th meeting is strictly to VOTE on whether the DGIS is complete. Does Ms. Murray HAVE to be there? I'm not sure. Could she be on vacation at the time? Perhaps. But July 7th is the only meeting of the board in July. They have one in August as well, so the July 7th date was strictly the only date available on the town calendar and not necessarily a show of "I'm running as fast as I can."
With luck that date will then put an end to the consultant's pay checks. (Note: I believe it's cost the developers an estimated $54,000 to make changes to the DGEIS so far.)
But before we all jump on that "I Like Kate" bandwagon that is pulling up to the Coliseum, I'd like to bring up just a few things that LetThereBeLighthouse's Nick Giglia sent me. He received an e-mail from The Community Alliance entitled "Debunking the Murray Myth."
The stabilized town tax platform? Town taxes were raised by 6.6%.
The highest Wall Street credit rating for ToH? It seems that may be true, but that Ms. Murray was left by her predecessor with a $50 million surplus probably has a lot to do with that.
The restoration of eroded beaches was actually a federally funded project by the Army Corps of Engineers.
There are many, many holes in her political platform for this year's re-election. But I'm glad Nick forwarded me the email, I will certainly now be check on this blogsite that seems to follow the Town Supervisor very closely.
"If the wolf puts on a sheep mask and sits down with the Shepard for tea, is it not still a wolf?" Yes, it is. And it's motives are the same, only the perception has changed.
As Islanders fans and as Long Islanders we need to stay diligent in this cause. We cannot become complacent because Tom Suozzi brokered a photo op. I urge you to stay informed, stay involved, and stay concerned. I'd like to be 100% sure I'll know where our 2009 1st round draft pick will be playing in five years. I'd like to be 100% sure it will be in Uniondale, NY, Town of Hempstead, Long Island.
Until then... come on... Convince me Kate.
Friday, June 5, 2009
NEWS FLASH FROM TOM SUOZZI --
**Updated:
The LIBN story on today's meeting and love fest. check it out. Good read!
VIA TWITTER!!
Tom_Suozzi Great progress on Lighthouse Project. Reached agreement that TOH will vote on environmental study at public mtg on 7/7. Keep moving forward
12:37 PM from web
OKAY! So how cool is that???
I wanted to be there for the media portion this afternoon, but work was just a tad cranky. Can't wait to hear the reports from LIBN and the other outlets that I'm sure were there.
But seriously... YOU JUST GOTTA LOVE TWITTER!
The LIBN story on today's meeting and love fest. check it out. Good read!
VIA TWITTER!!
Tom_Suozzi Great progress on Lighthouse Project. Reached agreement that TOH will vote on environmental study at public mtg on 7/7. Keep moving forward
12:37 PM from web
OKAY! So how cool is that???
I wanted to be there for the media portion this afternoon, but work was just a tad cranky. Can't wait to hear the reports from LIBN and the other outlets that I'm sure were there.
But seriously... YOU JUST GOTTA LOVE TWITTER!
The Tom Suozzi "PEACE" Initiative
Today Kate Murray and Charles Wang will meet again in Mineola for a little sit down session brokered by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. There will be fire trucks stationed outside the building. (Just kidding.) Why it has taken this long is beyond any one's comprehension, but as the calendar keeps turning, this needs to move quickly.
Mr. Wang has been exceptionally busy this week. Yesterday he met with NY Governor Patterson. Unlike the Town Supervisor, the Governor was well informed on the project. Perhaps he realizes how important this is and how other states and cities are doing exactly the same types of multi-use developments to increase their economic wellness.
The Mets bumped Mr. Wang off the FAN yesterday and I haven't received word of when it will be rescheduled. Lucky for Francesa.
Penguins make it a series with a brilliant game last night. The hockey faithful will hold on to our sport for as long as we can before we head into that dry spell called "the off season."
More later. I'm hoping.
Mr. Wang has been exceptionally busy this week. Yesterday he met with NY Governor Patterson. Unlike the Town Supervisor, the Governor was well informed on the project. Perhaps he realizes how important this is and how other states and cities are doing exactly the same types of multi-use developments to increase their economic wellness.
The Mets bumped Mr. Wang off the FAN yesterday and I haven't received word of when it will be rescheduled. Lucky for Francesa.
Penguins make it a series with a brilliant game last night. The hockey faithful will hold on to our sport for as long as we can before we head into that dry spell called "the off season."
More later. I'm hoping.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tom Suozzi LandShark? Don't Bite!
Newsday's story today by Celeste Hadrick regarding Tom Suozzi's quiet sale of two parcels of County owned land is causing the Democrat a little Republican grief. But then again, the Republican party would find a problem if Suozzi helped a little old lady cross Hempstead Turnpike.
"The Woman was accosted by Suozzi as she didn't WANT to cross the dangerous roadway."
Yes, there is a political spin to everything.
Here's my take on the half page article:
Tom Suozzi is trying to sell 13 acres of County owned land that is doing the county no good in revenue generation. These 24 leases were given 20 years ago by Republican Francis Purcell to Republican party associates. They are 99 year leases and many have no rent increase provisions for the next 75 years.
BWWAAAHHHAAA!!! And we wonder why the County is BROKE?
So Suozzi went to the tenants on the land and asked if they want to purchase the property. This is a problem? You're kidding. Where else would you go?
Under market value? Have the Republicans SEEN the market lately?
This is the quote that caught my eye:
"But Republican critic Peter Schmitt, minority leader of the county legislature, complained that Suozzi should have publicly announced his plans before selling at the bottom of the market. He predicted Mitchel Field land values will soar if the proposed Lighthouse complex is built."
This is the same Republican rep that went to Washington to talk about infrastructure money for the next five years WITHOUT any thought of the Lighthouse Project. A few weeks ago he called it premature. Now he's saying the "land value will soar if the proposed Lighthouse complex is built."? So does that mean he realizes that it is a beneficial project for the area????
Okay, so the really curious part of the article comes at the end of the second paragraph saying he has accepted bids from two leaseholders for 13 acres of the public land "...that includes the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum."
I'm guessing this is to lead readers to wonder or believe (as my husband is doing right now) if that means the County Legislature is offering up the Coliseum LAND for PURCHASE. I guess that would require researching the other 22 leases and what property they cover.
I wish I had more time, but I'm already running late this Tuesday morning. Maybe we can get Nick on this.
Uggghh!!! It's always something.
"The Woman was accosted by Suozzi as she didn't WANT to cross the dangerous roadway."
Yes, there is a political spin to everything.
Here's my take on the half page article:
Tom Suozzi is trying to sell 13 acres of County owned land that is doing the county no good in revenue generation. These 24 leases were given 20 years ago by Republican Francis Purcell to Republican party associates. They are 99 year leases and many have no rent increase provisions for the next 75 years.
BWWAAAHHHAAA!!! And we wonder why the County is BROKE?
So Suozzi went to the tenants on the land and asked if they want to purchase the property. This is a problem? You're kidding. Where else would you go?
Under market value? Have the Republicans SEEN the market lately?
This is the quote that caught my eye:
"But Republican critic Peter Schmitt, minority leader of the county legislature, complained that Suozzi should have publicly announced his plans before selling at the bottom of the market. He predicted Mitchel Field land values will soar if the proposed Lighthouse complex is built."
This is the same Republican rep that went to Washington to talk about infrastructure money for the next five years WITHOUT any thought of the Lighthouse Project. A few weeks ago he called it premature. Now he's saying the "land value will soar if the proposed Lighthouse complex is built."? So does that mean he realizes that it is a beneficial project for the area????
Okay, so the really curious part of the article comes at the end of the second paragraph saying he has accepted bids from two leaseholders for 13 acres of the public land "...that includes the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum."
I'm guessing this is to lead readers to wonder or believe (as my husband is doing right now) if that means the County Legislature is offering up the Coliseum LAND for PURCHASE. I guess that would require researching the other 22 leases and what property they cover.
I wish I had more time, but I'm already running late this Tuesday morning. Maybe we can get Nick on this.
Uggghh!!! It's always something.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tom Suozzi: Rolling Up His Sleeves & Dropping the Gloves
"I am ready for a fight! Are you ready for a fight?" he addressed a crowd on Tuesday at the RXR Plaza. The battle cry was met with cheers by the Democrats in attendance as he announced his intent to seek a third term.So, while the Islanders brass may have been entertaining draft prospects across the street, Tom Suozzi was leading the battle cry to make sure that prospect has some place to play hockey in Uniondale.
"We NEED to build the Lighthouse across the street at the Coliseum." Mr. Suozzi is, in deed, the Lighthouse's most vocal political proponent. He 'gets it'.
While he cited the high tax burden on Long Island and the tax relief the area would get from the completion of the visionary project, there are those other towns that scoff they would see no benefit from the project.
They are wrong. One visionary project such as the Lighthouse will be a catalyst to bring additional business into the area. Our area, as beautiful as it may be, has NO benefits to entice or maintain big business. Point and case: the company I have worked for these last 29 years looked South when they expanded and built their own printing facilities. The art and sales facilities are always in danger of moving with them. The only reason we are still on Long Island is that key ownership's own family didn't want to move. THAT'S IT!
There are no tax benefits, there are no work force benefits, there are no government incentives to keep large business on Long Island. What the project should bring to the Island is not only jobs to the area, but the ability to entice other companies to jump on the bandwagon and bring Long Island back to positive growth.
"We've got to stop the GOP. We've got to stop the Town Of Hempstead. We have to stop Kate Murray."
That "WE" is a collective term. That means all of us, Democrats and Republicans. Can they every join forces? Probably not. Yesterday on Twitter, Tom Suozzi posted this link to a Newsday Video about a Republican who left her party to join the Democrats. After watching it, I don't know why anyone would want to be in politics.
The truth is, we now have a Democratic President and a largely Democratic Senate. They were VOTED in by the American people. It's time for us to try things their way. If it doesn't work, we have a chance to change it in the next round of elections. For now, let's follow President Obama's suggestions of cutting through the petty politics and working towards a new era for the US and our little piece of it.
It's not about hockey. It's about the future. There are those who see it, there are those who want to live in the past.
Speaking of Hockey... we have hockey tonight.... Thank God.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Caps Force a Game 7!
This was a tough game! The Penguins were so close to taking the series, but one overtime goal gave the Caps another shot at life. So back to Washington boys.Dan was playing "Count the ex-Islanders on the ice." He came up with six. Tiger Track Tom Liodice corrected us and made it eight if you add coachs.
This really is one heck of a series.
Even better than the hockey tonight was my THIRD item made with my $35 worth of Lobster. Tonight for dinner I made Lobster Club sandwiches. There is nothing more decadent than Lobster club.
Okay, here were go
Good bread of your choice. I used soft Italian bread, no seeds
3 cooked lobster tails sliced in rounds
six sliced Turkey bacon cooked flat & crisp in the microwave
Six sliced large red tomato
Iceberg lettuce
Oliveoil Mayo (or regular mayo, but the olive oil one is really really good)
Do I really need to tell you how to make a sandwhich? No. But if you toast the bread slightly and then put it together, it's amazing.
I also made pasta salad with shrimp, peas and scallions in a honey mustard sauce that seemed to work well with the sandwhich. And I STILL have enough for Lobster Quesedilla tomorrow!
Oh, Blackhawks up 2 - 1 in the second.
Kate Muray didn't show up to a Lighthouse meeting today with Tom Suozzi and the developers.
Victor Hedman should be coming to Long Island some time in the beginning of June.
And my brand new laptop battery isn't charging.
SOB!!!
Night!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Lighthouse Outreach Meeting #180 Quotes
There were some notable quotes from the meeting that was held on March 26th. I scribbled them down as best I could, not necessarily writing down who uttered the words to the crowd. That may or may not be a good thing. But I'd say that some of them could be used as promo posters for the project itself.
You have seen the quote from Mr. Wang on the main website "Don't count us out on Long Island." That is, of course, what every Islanders fan wants to hear. It wasn't just "Don't count us out in New York" but Long Island itself. As most of us don't consider the other boroughs part of Long Island, even if a very detailed map tells us differently.
"We want to make it happen, we MUST make it happen." That was a call to arms. Rally the troops, we're going in.
"The Lighthouse Project is the FUTURE of Long Island." I don't know why, but that made me think of the GE Theater at Disney's "Land of Tomorrow."
"We are committed to the community." After 180 meetings, who can say they aren't.
"We need to act with a sense of urgency. We need to move with certainty." Or as John Mellencamp put it "It's what you do and not what you say. If you're not part of the future, then get out of the way!"
"Suffolk's pretty far from here." Yes Mr. Wang, it is. But it certainly SEEMS closer than Brooklyn.
"I hope I get the pronunciation right -- Mike Boss-E?" Very endearing along with the story of how he had him kicked out of the owner's suite because he didn't know who he was.
A little something for the Season Ticket Holders "The Islanders will win the cup before the Rangers do."
"We cannot allow it NOT to happen for the future of Long Island and our economy," and "This has to be done UNION to do it RIGHT." Two guesses which speaker made than impassioned plea. (Hint: Read Point Blank.)
"Suburbs STARTED on Long Island. Revitalization HAPPENS on Long Island." Oh! I like that one!
"We will go to D.C. We will go to the ends of the Earth to make this project happen." Pappa, saddle the horses and load the guns. We ride at dawn.
"No other county has lost population four years in a row."
"We are losing our most vital resource." Our youth.
Bobby Nystrom is a wonderful public speaker. He captured every one's attention when he recounted his first memories of the Island. "I had the opportunity because someone had a vision."
"If you don't grow, you die." That is a valid point in just about every aspect of life. But even more important in the business and financial worlds that are gasping for breath right now.
"There will be $36.5 million in tax revenue for Uniondale school district - approximately 330 additional students enrolled." Um, excuse me, but that seems like a lot of tax money for a pretty small number of students. I don't think there would be 330 first graders all showing up on the first day of school one year. So I'm wondering what the average student requires in tax revenue. If I did the math correctly, this is $11,060 per extra student in extra taxes.
"Stay informed and keep talking to your elected officials." That was the answer to 'what can we do to help?' As it is the "elected OFFICIAL" that will make or break this deal, then the residents of the voting public need to let their feelings be known so that the "official" knows what the majority of the voting public needs and wants. Otherwise, they will think you don't care and not consider what YOU want. "Help the Town of Hempstead understand what we want and need. Speak with that ONE voice."
"I'm holding it up. I don't want it in my backyard." As the lone objection rang out. As others have said, it would have been wonderful if that lone voice elaborated their objections rather than that simple phrase. Where is her backyard? Hofstra? The McDonalds on the corner? Considering there are no residences as far as the eye can see around this property, I'd like to know where her back yard starts.
"We have a deadline. We're negotiating a lease because we think we can get it done." Nassau County does not want to lose this rental income. They need it. They want it.
"Our public transport system is non-existent and the MTA is pricing people out of using it." Ain't that the truth. How many people do YOU know that take the bus or train to anyplace ELSE other than Penn Station?
Interesting fact though, the MTA gets their money from Sales Tax revenue. I didn't know that.
"If we imagine it, it will happen." They've been imagining this thing for years. It had better happen. Mr. Wang was very telling in a quote I took from his recanting of another real estate deal he had worked on that didn't materialize. "There comes a point where I say 'That's it!'" Uh oh.
"No one has spoken for God, but I seem to think he's in favor of it." Okay then. Not going to argue with that.
You have seen the quote from Mr. Wang on the main website "Don't count us out on Long Island." That is, of course, what every Islanders fan wants to hear. It wasn't just "Don't count us out in New York" but Long Island itself. As most of us don't consider the other boroughs part of Long Island, even if a very detailed map tells us differently.
"We want to make it happen, we MUST make it happen." That was a call to arms. Rally the troops, we're going in.
"The Lighthouse Project is the FUTURE of Long Island." I don't know why, but that made me think of the GE Theater at Disney's "Land of Tomorrow."
"We are committed to the community." After 180 meetings, who can say they aren't.
"We need to act with a sense of urgency. We need to move with certainty." Or as John Mellencamp put it "It's what you do and not what you say. If you're not part of the future, then get out of the way!"
"Suffolk's pretty far from here." Yes Mr. Wang, it is. But it certainly SEEMS closer than Brooklyn.
"I hope I get the pronunciation right -- Mike Boss-E?" Very endearing along with the story of how he had him kicked out of the owner's suite because he didn't know who he was.
A little something for the Season Ticket Holders "The Islanders will win the cup before the Rangers do."
"We cannot allow it NOT to happen for the future of Long Island and our economy," and "This has to be done UNION to do it RIGHT." Two guesses which speaker made than impassioned plea. (Hint: Read Point Blank.)
"Suburbs STARTED on Long Island. Revitalization HAPPENS on Long Island." Oh! I like that one!
"We will go to D.C. We will go to the ends of the Earth to make this project happen." Pappa, saddle the horses and load the guns. We ride at dawn.
"No other county has lost population four years in a row."
"We are losing our most vital resource." Our youth.
Bobby Nystrom is a wonderful public speaker. He captured every one's attention when he recounted his first memories of the Island. "I had the opportunity because someone had a vision."
"If you don't grow, you die." That is a valid point in just about every aspect of life. But even more important in the business and financial worlds that are gasping for breath right now.
"There will be $36.5 million in tax revenue for Uniondale school district - approximately 330 additional students enrolled." Um, excuse me, but that seems like a lot of tax money for a pretty small number of students. I don't think there would be 330 first graders all showing up on the first day of school one year. So I'm wondering what the average student requires in tax revenue. If I did the math correctly, this is $11,060 per extra student in extra taxes.
"Stay informed and keep talking to your elected officials." That was the answer to 'what can we do to help?' As it is the "elected OFFICIAL" that will make or break this deal, then the residents of the voting public need to let their feelings be known so that the "official" knows what the majority of the voting public needs and wants. Otherwise, they will think you don't care and not consider what YOU want. "Help the Town of Hempstead understand what we want and need. Speak with that ONE voice."
"I'm holding it up. I don't want it in my backyard." As the lone objection rang out. As others have said, it would have been wonderful if that lone voice elaborated their objections rather than that simple phrase. Where is her backyard? Hofstra? The McDonalds on the corner? Considering there are no residences as far as the eye can see around this property, I'd like to know where her back yard starts.
"We have a deadline. We're negotiating a lease because we think we can get it done." Nassau County does not want to lose this rental income. They need it. They want it.
"Our public transport system is non-existent and the MTA is pricing people out of using it." Ain't that the truth. How many people do YOU know that take the bus or train to anyplace ELSE other than Penn Station?
Interesting fact though, the MTA gets their money from Sales Tax revenue. I didn't know that.
"If we imagine it, it will happen." They've been imagining this thing for years. It had better happen. Mr. Wang was very telling in a quote I took from his recanting of another real estate deal he had worked on that didn't materialize. "There comes a point where I say 'That's it!'" Uh oh.
"No one has spoken for God, but I seem to think he's in favor of it." Okay then. Not going to argue with that.
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