Gov. fully behind project.

I wont type everything that happened at the Lighthouse meeting, but if you would like check out Islanders Point Blank,Let There Be Light(house), and for some pictures check out Islanders 7th Woman. here is the official press release from Governor David Paterson:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON URGES STATE AGENCIES TO EXPEDITE REVIEW OF LONG ISLAND DEVELOPMENT

“Lighthouse at Long Island” Would Create More than 90,000 Jobs, Generate More than $70 Million in Annual Tax Revenue

Complex Would Also Keep New York Islanders Hockey Team on Long Island


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Governor David A. Paterson today urged State and county agencies to expedite a multi-billion-dollar development project that will yield tremendous economic and recreational benefits for Nassau County and New York State. The Governor spoke from the future Lighthouse site and was joined by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, New York Islanders owner Charles Wang and other local officials.

“The Lighthouse Project has the potential to be one of the most important economic development initiatives we have ever seen on Long Island and is precisely the kind of economic stimulus that we need here,” Governor Paterson said. “That’s why I am directing our State agencies to expedite their review of this project. Our government agencies need to work diligently and swiftly to ensure that this project can move forward as quickly as possible so that we can begin to put people back to work right here on Long Island.”

The Lighthouse at Long Island is slated to transform the 150-acre Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site into a mixed residential and commercial center, featuring a variety of housing, retail, shopping, athletic and entertainment venues. The project has been proposed by the Lighthouse Development Group, a joint venture between Charles B. Wang, Owner of the New York Islanders, and RXR, Long Island’s largest owner, manager and developer of commercial real estate.

The $3.74-billion project is expected to generate $71 million in annual tax revenues, create 75,000 construction and 19,000 permanent jobs. This mixed-use development will be designed to be Long Island’s largest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or certified environmentally friendly, project, transforming the Nassau Coliseum into a state-of-the-art arena that can accommodate 17,500 fans for hockey, 18,500 for basketball and 20,000 for concerts.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “The Lighthouse presents a huge opportunity for Nassau County that will help grow our economy and create jobs. I am pleased that Governor Paterson has lent his support to this important project, which will be a major economic driver and create thousands of jobs. With the development of residential and commercial space, a large recreational park, and an improved sports and entertainment venue, the Lighthouse project will bring increased revenue to Long Island, attract new business, and place a spotlight on the Island for residents and visitors alike. Long Island needs the Lighthouse project and I am proud to stand with the Governor and call for the development of the project to be expedited so we can help rebuild Long Island.”

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said: “The Lighthouse can’t come soon enough for Nassau County and all of Long Island. This project will bring thousands of jobs to the area, breathing life into new suburbia and jump-starting our economy. Now, more than ever, we need everyone in government to work together to get this project done, and I thank Governor Paterson for his support.”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said: “Hempstead town officials are focused on innovative and progressive development. The key in reviewing all development proposals of the magnitude of the Lighthouse project is to be thorough and complete in our work. After all, the decisions we make today will affect our children and grandchildren.”

Charles B. Wang, principal and founder of the Lighthouse Development Group and owner of the New York Islanders, said: “We appreciate the support and direction from Governor Paterson and look forward to the progress he will help foster between the State, Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead to finally bring certainty to this project by the start of the next hockey season. The Lighthouse will be a catalyst to kick-start the Long Island economy and will be a destination for all Long Islanders to live, work and play.”

The Town of Hempstead Board has scheduled a public hearing for August 4 and has invited community members to make official comments on the project.


The following quotes were provided in support of the Lighthouse at Long Island project:

Senator Brian X. Foley said: “As a member of the Senate Economic Development committee I see the importance of this project as an engine for the creation of jobs and expanding the tax base for the Long Island region. This will also enable sports franchises to stay on Long Island, providing recreational outlets for our Long Island residents.”

Senator Kemp Hannon said: “Whether you are a fan of the Islanders or fan of the economy, this is one project to root for.”

Senator Craig M. Johnson said: “The Lighthouse Project has the potential to significantly bolster Nassau’s economy and its tax base. We need to do everything we can -- especially in these tough economic times -- to ensure that this, and similar projects, are subjected to a thorough review process, but avoid becoming trapped in red tape.”

Assemblyman Robert D. Barra said: “The Lighthouse Project is the most important initiative of our time. The potential for job creation and tax revenue stability is astounding. We need this project to get Nassau County working again so we are not being taxed out of our homes, and to one day bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island where it belongs.”

Assemblyman Charles Lavine said: “I am hopeful the Lighthouse project will become a reality because of the many benefits it will provide Long Island, including housing, retail space and thousands of jobs. This undertaking can be achieved only with the cooperation of State and county agencies and the input of residents. I am hopeful that when it is completed, Long Island will have a world class facility not only for professional hockey and arena football, but a concert venue that will replace the nearly four-decades-old Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.”

Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel said: “The Lighthouse Project has the ability to accomplish many of Nassau County's goals such as offering a variety of housing opportunities, promising economic development through new job creation, and significant mass transit upgrades. It would be a Long Island hat trick. I am proud to support Governor Paterson and County Executive Suozzi as they move forward on this project.”

Assemblyman Rob Walker said: “As one of the youngest members of the State legislature, I have seen firsthand the negative impact of the downturn in the economy particularly on those young people who cannot afford to live on Long Island anymore, including many in my own family. The need for common sense development is essential and I look forward to working with all levels of government to move this project forward in order to provide the economic boost that our region needs.”

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg said: “Today’s announcement is a positive indication of progress that has included the cooperation of officials from State and local levels cooperating on a bipartisan basis to enhance the Long Island economy. With the input from the community, the Lighthouse development could provide much needed housing and retail space as well as much-needed new arena for Long Island’s signature sport franchise, the Islanders. My thanks to County Executive Suozzi and Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray for their leadership in coordinating this effort.”

Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Diane Yatauro said: “I am encouraged to see the Lighthouse project gaining significant support and momentum. This is a high priority for Nassau County. The Lighthouse will create jobs, stimulate our regional economy and revitalize our mid-Nassau business center. I thank Governor Paterson for his much appreciated support. Working together we will move the Lighthouse forward!”

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dot Goosby said: “I’m eager to build a prosperous future, but I am also seeking to ensure that our environment is protected and that whatever may be built here will enhance the local quality of life.”

President of the Long Island Federation of Labor John R. Durso said: “The Lighthouse project is the most significant project in Nassau County in decades. The jobs it will create both during the construction and post construction will have a significant impact on the economy of our County. This project will expand our tax base and bring millions of dollars into our schools and our communities. We in the labor movement applaud this project and will continue to work with all parties involved to bring this to a successful conclusion. The suburbs were born on Long Island this project represents the re-birth of our suburbs.”

Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors Association Marc Herbst said: “The Lighthouse project is the perfect opportunity for a locally-driven stimulus for our regional economy. Our construction industry is suffering from 35-40 percent unemployment. Long Island should seize every opportunity to stimulate our economy, employ our workforce and deploy our skilled expertise to advance such locally important projects.”

Executive Director Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island, a Smart Growth planning organization, said: “Vision Long Island applauds Governor David Paterson and New York State agencies for expeditious review of the Lighthouse project. The Lighthouse is the premier Smart Growth project for Long Island and has the support of local business, civic and community leaders as well as Smart Growth advocates and planners. Groundbreaking cannot come soon enough!”

Executive Director Sarah Lansdale of Sustainable Long Island said: “Sustainable Long Island applauds the leadership and partnership of Governor Paterson, Congresswoman McCarthy, County Executive Suozzi, Supervisor Murray and the other local officials who are ensuring Long Island’s economic recovery through projects like the Lighthouse. Collaborations with government, community and business lead to innovative development projects that will ensure our economic future.”

Satan coming back to the Island? and Tompson signs deal

According to Islanders Point Blank Nate Tompson has signed a one year, two way contract today. Also according to Allan Walsh, Miro Satan's agent they are currently in talks with the Islanders on a contract.

Charles Wang on WFAN

The Charles Wang, Mike Francesa interview finally happened today at 4 pm. It featured a lot of Lighthouse talk and some hockey talk for about what seemed like an hour (could be more, could be less). In retrospect it showed a few things about each person we did or didn’t know.
First off, Wang is still very confident that his Oct. 3rd deadline will be met with a positive green light for the project to continue. Wang explained the process and gave a nice “shout out” to the Town of Hempstead for a good job on going through the zoning approval. Charles also told Francesa that he is planning to attend the September 22 game in Kansas city but their has been no negotiation with Kansas city or any other Municipalities. Later as the talk shifted to hockey Wang let the cat out of the bag sort of speak revealing that head coach Scott Gordon has 2 years remaining on his contract with the Islanders. He is positive that the Islanders have a better team on the ice this year and is confident that there will be much improvement. When asked what his biggest regret was while owning the Isles Wang responds by surprisingly say that he regrets not hiring Garth Snow as the General Manager over Neil Smith the first time(interesting). Later on Wang Thanked the fans for their patients and tells them they are going to stick to the rebuild process.
There is way more to the interview than just that , Something Jim Baumbach of Newsday noticed today was that Mike Francesa knows nothing about the Lighthouse Project (something I already knew after calling one time to correct him about wrong information he said on the air in which he proceeded to tell me I’m wrong). Baumbach wrote this in his article on the interview:

“Francesa really knows very little about the Lighthouse Project and the issues surrounding it. He also seems to pushing Kate Murray's talking point that he should rebuild Nassau Coliseum instead of the Lighthouse Project. Which leaves out the fact that Nassau County owns the Coliseum, not Wang. Francesa has as much right to re-do the Coliseum as Wang does“

IM GLAD SOMEONE FINALLY SAID IT! Mike Francesa started by mention the light rail system (which is non existent in the project) and was immediately corrected by Charles Wang who said that is not a part of this project. This is the issue I battled with Francesa over, Where he told me I was wrong, wouldn’t let me get my point across and cut me off so he could go on god for saken rant on a subject he even admitted to know little about!( sorry that still makes me angry even a couple months later.) Anyway moving back to the interview Francesa touched upon the idea of just an arena and we all know why so I will not go into why its not economically feasible or how the county doesn’t have the money to renovate or build a new arena. Later Francesa asks (with his usual nasty tone) “why are you playing a game in Kansas City?” Wan responded simply and gentlemanlike because the LA kings wanted us to play them there and the game was no way intended to be a threat, in fact it was scheduled prior to all the Lighthouse downturn during the winter months. Throughout the interview Francesa made factual mistakes or misread information. At one point the misspoke (or actually thought) there was a hearing on Oct 3, which is the deadline Charles Wang has set for a ya or nay on the project . Wang quickly corrected him yet again and said he is optimistic that they will get a green light for the project. Also later on Francesa misread an Newsday article and kept saying Dipietro could miss the season and when he asked Wang he seemed shocked by even the mention of that. Wang later said DP is on course and "some of these media reporters should be GMs they seem to know more.” Once again Newsday’s Jim Baumbach had an opinion on Mike’s miscue:

“Francesa misinterpreted Arthur Staple's column today, repeatedly mentioning a story that said DiPietro could miss the season. Don't know where Francesa read that. Not here. Wang basically said, "What are you talking about?" Francesa then read the beginning of Staple's column without ever mentioning what he was reading or what paper it was from”

I also got the feeling at times that even though Francesa admittedly knows little about the project he seems to have an opinion already formulated in his head. Near the end of the interview Francesa called the Lighthouse “outrageously expensive” , I mean don’t get me wrong $3.7 billion is a lot of money, but Francesa makes it seem like the whole project is outrages. The Hot headed Mike Francesa that we all know but may not love also showed up for a brief appearance while debating Charles Wang. The brief debate happened as Mike said he feels there are enough people on Long Island but got the statistics wrong and was once again corrected by Wang and disagreed on what Long Island’s identity is and what it should be. It was finally wrapped up by Wang saying that after Oct 3 all options are on the table including a possible refurbished or new Nassau coliseum ( just to name one) but, that he is still confident they will get a positive answer on the deadline.
At points this may have seemed like I may have bashed Mike Francesa but that was not my intention. He is a highly respected media personality in NY sports and knows a lot too. Hockey and the Lighthouse really aren’t things he knows a lot about as Jim Baumbach and I have noticed during the interview with his slip ups in information and his misinterpretation of Newsday’s hockey writer. Im glad that Charles Wang finally got on WFAN and gave some more press to the Islanders and the Lighthouse project. I also give credit to Mike Francesa although wrong and at times hot headed, for at least trying today understand some more about the Project, even promising Charles Wang that he will look into the project more and if he sees it helps Long Island he will become a supporter. Click Here to listen to the Interview and defiantly check out Jim Baumbach’s opinion on today’s interview.

BREAKING NEWS: Islanders sign Martin Biron

Breaking News: The New York Post is reporting that the Islanders have singed free agent Goalie Martin Biron to a 1 year deal worth $1.4 million. The 32 year old would be the second pro goalie the Islanders have signed and the second biggest free agent signing since the signing of Dwayne Roloson. Biron went 29-19-5 with a 2.76 GAA last season while sharing duty with Antero Nittymaki and helped lead the team to the playoffs last season before loosing to Pittsburg in the opening round. This could be a sign that Rick Dipietro, the franchise goalie who was drafted 1st overall in 2000 might take longer than expected to comeback to full health this upcoming season.

Islanders let go of their radio broadcast team

Today The Islanders let go of their radio broadcast team in what has been called a cost cutting move. Steve Mears and Chris king who have been worked the radio booth together for the last 3 season were let go and next season the Isles radio broadcast will feature a TV simulcast of Billy Jaffe and Howie Rose. The simulcast which will start next season is similar to the simulcast agreement which MSG has with the Buffalo Sabres. King told Newsday’s Greg Logan that the Islanders have offered him a position in the Islanders pre and post game shows and a possibility of a full time position in the organization. Also MSG will not renew C.J Papa’s contract and no replacement has been announced (could it be Chris King?) Many fans have weighed in calling the decision sad and calling the Islanders a classes organization, Yes its sad that they lost their jobs but to the Islanders classless is a stretch. A hockey team is a business and sometimes business have to cut costs and good people loose their jobs ( especially in today’s world). They are also both professionals and know its nothing personal. Also this isn’t another sign that the Islanders are moving anywhere as some fans might speculate. Just because a team changes it’s staff up doesn’t mean they are getting ready to pack up the trucks and leave. One thing I will miss from the Mears, King broadcast was the post game shows at Doolin’s Pub, hopefully they will somehow keep that going in one way or another.

Search for new bloggers

Islanders Crazy is actively seeking new writers to contribute to this blog, who not only have a passion and knowledge of Islanders hockey but also the NHL as a whole. With one new writer, I am actively seeking a few more. If you are interested please contact me at ChristianArn312@aol.com and write Islanders Crazy in the subject tab. Look forward to hearing from the interested bunch of hockey enthusiasts.

Islanders have NOT contacted Alex Tanguay!!!

In other Islander news Islanders Independent is reporting that the Islanders management has NOT contacted Alex Tanguay’s camp. Contrary to several reports on Hockey Buzz and Islanders Independent, Gallof spoke with Bob Sauve, Tanguay’s agent who said that any call to the Islanders has not been responded to and that the Islanders have not contacted them. The news of Tanguay possible going to L.I broke last week as many of the big names were swiped off of free agency early on and after Alexei Kovalev was signed by the senators on July 6th . Now that Tanguay may or may not be on the Islanders radar, it leaves this question in the minds of many fans: WHAT IS GOING ON?

John Tavares faces the ultimate test in season opener

It’s official John Tavares has signed to a 3 year entry level contract with the New York Islanders. Tavares, the first overall pick in last months draft said “I’m excited to officially become a part of the New York Islanders organization and begin my professional career this upcoming season.” Tavares will be thrown right into the mix this upcoming as his first NHL game will be against Sidney Crosby and the defending Stanley Cup champion penguins October 3rd at the Coliseum. In what will be the most highly anticipated season opener for the Islanders in a very long time, expect for a major national interest in Tavares’s first game and how well he holds up playing with the big boys. The rest of the schedule can be found at the Islanders website. If all goes well for Tavares and the Isles you can maybe foresee NBC and the NHL broadcast crew making a few trips the old barn in Hempstead this season.

Prospect Camp- Open to the public day.

Today’s mini camp, the only one that was open to the general public was fun, exciting and left much to be desired. That may be the most confusing sentence iv written but let me explain. Fans arrived at 5 AM and continued to show up throughout the morning before and as the isles staff handed out the wrist bands to get into Ice Works, then were left to wait another hour and half to get in. So as I caught up with some old friends who I haven’t seen since the end of the season a lady apparently fainted from overheating while waiting outside. This was the only really bad part of the day besides the fact they snuck Tavares out the back door, so all the fans who had come out to meet him and get autographs went home without his. Now that I have quickly vented lets get down to Tavares’s first skate in front of a packed house of Islanders fans. Well it was less than impressive. Tavares who played a few shifts really wasn’t the offensive power house that fans have come to expect out of him. Tavares did blend into the background and at times I had to ask my friend Larry where’s Tavares? But understandably we have to cut this 18 year old kid some slack since he’s just that, an 18 year old kid. Also adding that this was a mini camp scrimmage and a time to learn the new system for the team he will be playing with next season. In the media scrum following today’s camp when one reporter asked what Tavares needs to work on he responded by saying “everything…….you can never be a perfect player.”

In other news from today a lot people were impressed by the “bulkier” Josh bailey who did extremely well in the face off circle including in several match ups against Tavares, also scored a goal in today’s scrimmage. Josh who had experienced much of what Tavares is going through (minus the constant media attention) has been showing john around long Island and forging a friendship to help ease his transition.

Although I didn’t get to meet Tavares or get on TV it was a fun time and wish the camp had been open more than once. Ill have pics up on the Islanders Crazy flickr, maybe myspace and probably on this site by tomorrow.

Calvin De Haan

A interesting interview shot prior to the draft of De Haan

A video put together of some of John's highlight goals


Also Islanders Crazy is still looking for someone to attend the Tavares press conference. If you are going to be in attendance and would like to contribute to this blog with a first hand report on the conference please contact me by leaving a comment on this post or email me at ChristianArn312@aol.com immediately.

Lighthouse, Press Confrence, and Prospect camp all in one week!!

Its been nearly 3 months since the last puck hit the ice at the Nassau Coliseum, yet in the second week of July Islanders hockey news is still abundantly present. This Tuesday begins a week of Islander related events starting with the vote on the completeness of the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement that was submitted by the Lighthouse Group. The vote will mark a major milestone towards the completion of the Lighthouse project, which was stalled due to ongoing political rhetoric between developers, town and county government. But following a successful meeting between Charles Wang, Tom Suozzi, and Kate Murray in which they agreed to work together to expedite approvals for the project. All readers are encouraged to attend this important meet to help preserve Long Island’s future and Islanders hockey. Following Tuesdays Lighthouse festivities, Wednesday will feature Tavares Fest part 2 at the Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders organization will be holding a press conference to formally introduce John Tavares as an Islander and will probably hand him his number 91 Vintage blue Islanders jersey that he will be wearing for the 2009-2010 season. The event is open to the public and should have a healthy turn out of fans and an even healthier turn out of New York and Canadian media, a turn out that hasn’t been seen since the Islanders acquired Ryan Smyth at the trade deadline back in 2007. Unfortunately due to work I will not be able to attend the press conference, but hope to have someone their to give a first hand account of this installment of Tavares Fest.This Thursday marks the beginning of Islanders Prospect camp at Islanders Ice Works, but this years camp will not be open to the public except for Sunday July 12th. The decision to only open one day off camp to fans has confused and upset some fans who were looking forward to attending camp to see prospects who will be in the Islanders system (most just wanna see Tavares though). So with Sunday being the only open day expect it to be packed to capacity as even the Islanders are warning fans to come early. The doors open at 10:45 AM and admission is a first-come, first-serve basis. Along with the prospects on the ice, the Islanders are making this a big event sending over the I.C.E Tour, Sparky and the Ice Girls something which wasn’t featured at last years prospect camp. Islanders Crazy will be on hand for what should be a fun filled day to see first hand the newest members of the Islanders organization. Even though hockey season is over, the Islanders have managed to keep their name in the paper and this week should be the same as a plethora of Islanders news will be made this week.

Free agent Signings (so far)

When GM Garth Snow said their would be no big name signings this off season he meant it. The Only big name to join the Islanders roster so far was a desperately needed 1-a goalie by the name of Dwayne Roloson. The 40 year old net minder who played 63 games last season for the Edmonton Oilers put up a .910 save % , and a 2.77 GAA. When asked, Dominik of Lighthouse Hockey gave this opinion on the signing of Dwayne Roloson:
“I'm fine with Roloson. Obviously, in a vacuum he's not the most ideal option. But considering the Islanders are only offering a job with the caveat of a) backing up DiPietro if he's healthy and b) not sticking around for long if he ever does get healthy, Roloson is a good fit. I doubt Anderson would have taken that role, and certainly Biron and Khabibulin wouldn't have. Roloson, though old, has more legit starting experience than Anderson, Clemmensen, or Conklin.”
Roloson admitted if the Oilers had offered him a second year he would have stayed. The Signing of Roloson finally brings a reliable goaltender to back up Rick Dipietro if/when he gets re injured, now all the Islanders have to do is fix everything else.



The following day Snow add depth to the Isles farm system by signing goalie Scott Munroe, LW Jeremy Reich, and defensemen Brett Westgarth.

UNIONDALE, NY, July 2, 2009 -- The New York Islanders announced today that they have agreed to terms with three players. Goaltender Scott Munroe, left wing Jeremy Reich and defenseman Brett Westgarth all have signed one-year, two-way contracts.

Munroe, an undrafted goalie from Moose Jaw, SASK, has been a part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization for the past four seasons. He received his first call-up to the National Hockey League last year with the Flyers. The 27-year-old net-minder posted a career year last season with a record of 31-19-0-4, a save percentage of .926 and four shutouts. Munroe led the Phantoms to the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of the past two seasons. During the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs, Munroe made 65 saves in a five overtime contest against the Albany River Rats to earn the victory in the longest game in American Hockey League history.

Reich has played in a total of 99 NHL games scoring two goals and four assists while compiling 161 penalty minutes. The Craik, SASK native has been a part of the Boston Bruins organization for the past three years and played under Islanders head coach Scott Gordon his first two seasons with the team's AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Last season, the 6'1", 196 pound left wing, served as the team captain of Providence, setting single-season career high numbers of 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 76 games. Reich was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (39th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Westgarth played the last three seasons in the AHL. Last year, the 6'2", 215 pound defenseman played for the Worcester Sharks, AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, scoring nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) while totaling 137 penalty minutes. Westgarth, a native of Amhertsburg, ON, is a Princeton University graduate who skated for the Tigers from 2002-2007 where he compiled four goals and 20 assists for 24 points

Today wasn’t much different as the Islanders signed defensive prospect Mark Flood formerly of the Albany River Rats. Flood was 6-15-31 in 76 games with the River Rats. He had 10 goals in 53 games in ‘07-08. Greg Mauldin Was also signed today, maudlin was formerly of the Binghamton Senators. Along with that Hockey Buzz is reporting that the Islanders are interested in signing Alexei Kovalev.