Nassau County residents voiced their displeasure at the polls Monday, as the referendum that would allow for a new arena to be built for the New York Islanders in Uniondale was voted down.
The final numbers were not official when Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Islanders owner Charles Wang took the stage, but at 11:40 p.m. the duo threw in the proverbial towel with just 70 percent of the votes tallied.
"I have to tell you, I'm disappointed," Wang said. "To put it very bluntly, I'm heartbroken."
"I can tell you this, tonight is not the end of our journey, but merely the beginning," Mangano added. "In the coming weeks I will explore a path for new opportunities and growth in Nassau County."
According to the Nassau County Board of Elections, as of 1:30 a.m., with 99.83 percent of the votes counted, the margin was 88,389 against and 66,829 for – or 56.95 percent to 43.05 percent.
It is uncertain at this time whether Islanders owner Charles Wang will attempt to continue with the project and fund it himself.
Wang said it was "a very emotional time" for him and his staff, and would not discuss anything further about any possible next step for the property. He went on to say that the team is committed to Nassau County until 2015, when the current lease on the Coliseum expires.
"In the coming weeks, we will seek additional options for this property," Mangano added.
Also on the referendum was the construction of a minor league baseball stadium that would be built across the street from the current Coliseum at Mitchel Field. Back in July, County Executive Ed Mangano said that the ballpark would be looked at as a potential self-supporting, individual location.
This is a breaking news story. Stay with Patch for more updates as soon as they're made available.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance/_/year/2010 You believe what you want. The NHL is reporting 12 teams at 100% 7 @ 94-99 7@ 81-89 3 @ 71-79 and 1 at 67.9 and that one is NOT the Islanders :). The NHL is also reporting increased profits for last year. So believe what you want a a link from the FIRST MONH of the season by ABC or your second link dtaed 12/2010 talking about how both NBA and NHl are down NHL about 3% which isconsistent with a down economy and the fact the Phoenix franchise just doest draw or your 3rd link dated 10/10 after only about 5 games or your last and best link talking about the 09-10 season dated 6/2010. Why dont we all just ignore the current season and NHL links I have provided. Your links are outdated and do not include the complete 10-11 season totals and cannot be considered valid.
I'd be happy if they level the coliseum and build real industry to provide jobs to the long suffering labor pool. You are out of touch with what Long Island really needs. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.
hey 40 years ago the Drew was involved in massive development in Atlantic City 4 houses and a red hotel on Pacific Ave.
Guess you were bummed out by the outcome of the vote. I have never insulted you so please use the proper nomenclature, the name is Dooleyman. I may be old but not drooling yet. I do not have to list anything i have done. All i can say is that I have the credentials to judge financial plans and have been doing so for over 40 years. I wish you the best. Are you really in the art business ? Perhaps I could ask you some questions about your area of expertise.
I also always liked the green properties.
dooleyman 11:30am on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 Drew Art Guy Said" Everyone he spoke with was voting yes Maybe he misunderstood = punk comment I have issues when people post in absolutes, knock others' opinions while claiming to be experts. Thank you for the kind wishes. You may gladly ask me any questions that pertain to the art business. Will try and answer, of find an answer, to the very best of by ability. Art (paintings) or framing 1950-present. May even call our toll free number 877-747-7406.
How does the population of KC compare to Nassau County? once again making it so easy
Did your group have a contract with the "promoter"(your quotes not mine) Did you you have an agreement in writing with the Coliseum? Was there any agreement on what level of insurance your unnamed group was required to carry? "Extortion"? or exaggeration? Were the numbers of elevators, doors etc spelled out in your contract?
http://www.newsday.com/business/inside-long-island-business-1.811933/islanders-new-partner-tattoo-lou-s-1.3147385
Lighthouse project was never put up for a vote. It was defeated by the TOH b/c of Zoning.
Things like Sparky's Mausoleum, Bobby Nystrom's Diaper Service and Islander Religious Instruction Classes are as inappropriate as tattooing.
Ladies and Goaliemen announcing" Mac N Bill's Carny Concoctions..." Deep fried Mac n cheese (and Bill 'em now) Deep fried Twinkies, Deep fried Snickers, Deep fried Cheese cake Deep fried oreos, Deep fried icecream, Deep fried hockey pucks Deep fried butter and ... Wash it down with Sweet Tea,or Texas Tea and some Jello shots On the concourse by section 11