D'AMATO DOOMS LIGHTHOUSE
RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE ISLES MAIN HOPE
RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE ISLES MAIN HOPE
Last weekend, we posted on Islandermania that Alphonse D'Amato was organizing a campaign to kill the Lighthouse Project. On the following Tuesday, Anthony Santino and other Town of Hempstead Board members proved us right.
The following piece is just our view of where things stand. Most of our information comes for off the record conversations with many close to the Town Board and the Lighthouse Group. Because of that we will use no names, but out to Islandermania members that "Matty Boy" and "My friend" were with me all day and know who I spoke with. Here is how they felt about the Town of Hempstead's zoning board hearing:
Long time close friend of Charles Wang and an active Town of Hempstead Republican: "I'm afraid they (the board) are trying to prolong this. That's not good. Not good at all. Charles will walk."
Town of Hempstead Republican thisclose to the Town Board, when asked if D'Amato was behind the opposition to the Lighthouse: "I have no knowledge about that at all." This man did not miss a beat and seemed prepared for a question like that.
Democrat and long time active supporter of the Lighthouse. "It's bad. You see how it is. They let Garden City go first and go on and on. They let elected Republicans from Garden City rip this project, but will not let me or any elected official who supports the Lighthouse speak. This is deliberate. I would not be surprised, at all, if D'Amato is behind this. They (the board) look like they have their marching orders to kill this."
Hempstead Democrat, one of those who gave me a heads-up about D'Amato being behind the opposition, "Santino was the bad guy this morning. This afternoon Councilman Darcy will take over with support from Santino. This isn't good." (That is exactly what happened and I told some Islandermaniacs this BEFORE it happened).
Key Lighthouse figure with daily direct access to Charles Wang: "This is all posturing. Things are not all that bad. But, then I'm an optimist.
Top union official: "This is BS but it is just posturing. I still think something will get done.......I hope". (After speaking with me this person gathered union guys around and asked them to call for more troops to attend the night session because they were low on attendees".
After the meeting, I spoke with the same Hempstead Democrat who told about Darcy stepping in. Here is what he said: "Well, Wang got a clear message. They just told him he is not getting everything he has asked for. If he is willing to negotiate, he will get something, but we are hearing, he is still saying "all or nothing". It is down to the nitty-gritty. Will he negotiate?" When asked do you think Wang got the message, his answer was "He had to.", but than added....."You would hope he did". When I thanked him for the heads-up about D'Amato's role, he said "Oh Yeah! It's Alfonse."
The following piece is just our view of where things stand. Most of our information comes for off the record conversations with many close to the Town Board and the Lighthouse Group. Because of that we will use no names, but out to Islandermania members that "Matty Boy" and "My friend" were with me all day and know who I spoke with. Here is how they felt about the Town of Hempstead's zoning board hearing:
Long time close friend of Charles Wang and an active Town of Hempstead Republican: "I'm afraid they (the board) are trying to prolong this. That's not good. Not good at all. Charles will walk."
Town of Hempstead Republican thisclose to the Town Board, when asked if D'Amato was behind the opposition to the Lighthouse: "I have no knowledge about that at all." This man did not miss a beat and seemed prepared for a question like that.
Democrat and long time active supporter of the Lighthouse. "It's bad. You see how it is. They let Garden City go first and go on and on. They let elected Republicans from Garden City rip this project, but will not let me or any elected official who supports the Lighthouse speak. This is deliberate. I would not be surprised, at all, if D'Amato is behind this. They (the board) look like they have their marching orders to kill this."
Hempstead Democrat, one of those who gave me a heads-up about D'Amato being behind the opposition, "Santino was the bad guy this morning. This afternoon Councilman Darcy will take over with support from Santino. This isn't good." (That is exactly what happened and I told some Islandermaniacs this BEFORE it happened).
Key Lighthouse figure with daily direct access to Charles Wang: "This is all posturing. Things are not all that bad. But, then I'm an optimist.
Top union official: "This is BS but it is just posturing. I still think something will get done.......I hope". (After speaking with me this person gathered union guys around and asked them to call for more troops to attend the night session because they were low on attendees".
After the meeting, I spoke with the same Hempstead Democrat who told about Darcy stepping in. Here is what he said: "Well, Wang got a clear message. They just told him he is not getting everything he has asked for. If he is willing to negotiate, he will get something, but we are hearing, he is still saying "all or nothing". It is down to the nitty-gritty. Will he negotiate?" When asked do you think Wang got the message, his answer was "He had to.", but than added....."You would hope he did". When I thanked him for the heads-up about D'Amato's role, he said "Oh Yeah! It's Alfonse."
WHERE DID THINGS GO WRONG?
The Town: No where really. D'Amato has been opposed to this from the start. When Wang and Islander fans put extreme pressure on the Town. They picked up speed and gave Wang some visible progress. All the while, the Board knew nothing would change and that it could give ground up to the zoning board hearing.
Wang: Most of the increased speed came after Wang let the Town know that he, his family and key Lighthouse personnel were going to donate large sums of money to Murray's Democrat challenger.
Wang blew it here by backing off that plan and thinking the Town Board was going to play square. The Board's history shows that it knew it always had the zoning board hearing to block this project.
While squabbling with the Town's consultants over bills, Wang never made sure that someone was watching those very consultants to see if they were still doing the work. What good organization takes it eye off the ball like that?
By having their traffic consultant be someone who had never worked on a project like this and was not a good public speaker. Council Santino quickly saw that and went on to roast the traffic consultant for nearly two hours.
Wang Lighthouse Group continually said they were ready for any objection from Garden City or the Board. It was apparent to even Lighthouse supporters that Wang's people were not close to being prepared questions on some matters.
Wang, himself, was completely unaware that the Town Board was going to sandbag him. How could that be? The board had consistently sent messages that they were not thrilled with the project. Not even one of them ever came out in favor of it. (Because they move in lockstep on orders from party boss Joe Mondello or Alfonse D'Amato.) How could they be unprepared when THIS BLOG made phone calls and sent e-mails telling them just what would happen. If an unimportant site could know what was coming, how could Wang and his people not know?
Wang never said anything when, at the end of the meeting, Murray said she was going to keep the public comment period open. If Wang wants a quick decision couldn't he see that by doing that, Murray was guaranteeing that decision would be put off for a long time.
Where was the rally and march along Hempstead Turnpike for this hearing? Wang organized one for August 4th but failed to do so on the day the Town could begin actively killing his project.
Where were the College Presidents, the CEOs of large pro Lighthouse companies, the CEO of North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital, the other Town Supervisors who favor the project? THIS WAS THE DAY THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE NOT AUGUST 4.
Islander Fans: Oh yeah, we dropped the ball big time. Only the unions presence helped save the morning and afternoon sessions from being total disasters. Yes, school has started. Yes, people had to go to work. But, how many Islander fans ignored this key meeting because they believed it was a done deal. Those present made a lot of noise, but the Town Supervisor even commented on the reduced size of the crowd.
Wang: Most of the increased speed came after Wang let the Town know that he, his family and key Lighthouse personnel were going to donate large sums of money to Murray's Democrat challenger.
Wang blew it here by backing off that plan and thinking the Town Board was going to play square. The Board's history shows that it knew it always had the zoning board hearing to block this project.
While squabbling with the Town's consultants over bills, Wang never made sure that someone was watching those very consultants to see if they were still doing the work. What good organization takes it eye off the ball like that?
By having their traffic consultant be someone who had never worked on a project like this and was not a good public speaker. Council Santino quickly saw that and went on to roast the traffic consultant for nearly two hours.
Wang Lighthouse Group continually said they were ready for any objection from Garden City or the Board. It was apparent to even Lighthouse supporters that Wang's people were not close to being prepared questions on some matters.
Wang, himself, was completely unaware that the Town Board was going to sandbag him. How could that be? The board had consistently sent messages that they were not thrilled with the project. Not even one of them ever came out in favor of it. (Because they move in lockstep on orders from party boss Joe Mondello or Alfonse D'Amato.) How could they be unprepared when THIS BLOG made phone calls and sent e-mails telling them just what would happen. If an unimportant site could know what was coming, how could Wang and his people not know?
Wang never said anything when, at the end of the meeting, Murray said she was going to keep the public comment period open. If Wang wants a quick decision couldn't he see that by doing that, Murray was guaranteeing that decision would be put off for a long time.
Where was the rally and march along Hempstead Turnpike for this hearing? Wang organized one for August 4th but failed to do so on the day the Town could begin actively killing his project.
Where were the College Presidents, the CEOs of large pro Lighthouse companies, the CEO of North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital, the other Town Supervisors who favor the project? THIS WAS THE DAY THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE NOT AUGUST 4.
Islander Fans: Oh yeah, we dropped the ball big time. Only the unions presence helped save the morning and afternoon sessions from being total disasters. Yes, school has started. Yes, people had to go to work. But, how many Islander fans ignored this key meeting because they believed it was a done deal. Those present made a lot of noise, but the Town Supervisor even commented on the reduced size of the crowd.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
Most likely the Town Board avoids responding until around November 15. At that time, the board will do what this site always has feared most. It will make Wang an offer he can't accept.
As for Charles Wang, after October 3, Wang will start contacting Kansas City, Queens, Brooklyn and any other area remotely interested in the Islanders. Hopefully, he will look to sell to local interests first and the Russian who just bought the Nets is the most likely candidate. Why would you want a new arena with only 41 guaranteed NBA nights if you can have 82 nights guaranteed by buying a NHL team.
As for Charles Wang, after October 3, Wang will start contacting Kansas City, Queens, Brooklyn and any other area remotely interested in the Islanders. Hopefully, he will look to sell to local interests first and the Russian who just bought the Nets is the most likely candidate. Why would you want a new arena with only 41 guaranteed NBA nights if you can have 82 nights guaranteed by buying a NHL team.
IS SUOZZI PLANNING SOMETHING SCARY?
Supposedly, this week Tom Suozzi and Charles Wang are going to sign a new lease. Will Suozzi roll the dice and give Wang a new lease that, if not approved by the Nassau Legislature in 60 days, the Islanders have an out allowing them to move 2015.
If Suozzi can get the new lease approved by the County Legislature, there is no big threat. The Nassau Legislature is controlled by Democrats, but that could change in November. So, Suozzi better know what he is doing. What does the new lease accomplish? It makes it clearer that the only group killing the Lighthouse is the Town of Hempstead. Will the Town of Hempstead care about the new lease? You have seen them operate. What do you think?
Finally, I want to make this clear. The Town of Hempstead is 100% responsible for the failure of this project. Charles Wang only made it easier for them by reverting to his "I like proving everyone wrong. Mike Milbury is staying. No one knows more about hockey than Mike Milbury. I don't care what the fans think or the record shows, Mike's staying.
You can translate that into. I know if I hire Armand D'Amato, the Lighthouse will fly through. If I don't Al will do everything he can to block me. They say he is the most powerful guy in Nassau County. They say he is vindictive. I don't care. I like proving everyone wrong. I'll keep Milbury, but not hire Armand. To hell with Al D'Amato. Who needs him?
Supposedly Armand D'Amato is a boob. Al D'Amato was strongarming Wang. Right was on Wang's side for not hiring him. But if you want your 3/4 billion dollar project approved, don't you bend a bit? Not if you are Charles Wang you don't and that is why we are where we are.
Like we have said all along, we will believe this will happen ONLY AFTER WE SEE A SHOVEL IN THE GROUND!
If Suozzi can get the new lease approved by the County Legislature, there is no big threat. The Nassau Legislature is controlled by Democrats, but that could change in November. So, Suozzi better know what he is doing. What does the new lease accomplish? It makes it clearer that the only group killing the Lighthouse is the Town of Hempstead. Will the Town of Hempstead care about the new lease? You have seen them operate. What do you think?
Finally, I want to make this clear. The Town of Hempstead is 100% responsible for the failure of this project. Charles Wang only made it easier for them by reverting to his "I like proving everyone wrong. Mike Milbury is staying. No one knows more about hockey than Mike Milbury. I don't care what the fans think or the record shows, Mike's staying.
You can translate that into. I know if I hire Armand D'Amato, the Lighthouse will fly through. If I don't Al will do everything he can to block me. They say he is the most powerful guy in Nassau County. They say he is vindictive. I don't care. I like proving everyone wrong. I'll keep Milbury, but not hire Armand. To hell with Al D'Amato. Who needs him?
Supposedly Armand D'Amato is a boob. Al D'Amato was strongarming Wang. Right was on Wang's side for not hiring him. But if you want your 3/4 billion dollar project approved, don't you bend a bit? Not if you are Charles Wang you don't and that is why we are where we are.
Like we have said all along, we will believe this will happen ONLY AFTER WE SEE A SHOVEL IN THE GROUND!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
We originally said we would publish the7thmanblog until there was some resolution about the Islanders futre. Unfortunately, that will not happen. We have followed this comedy/tragedy since 1990 when we first spoke with a key representative of John Pickett about the Islanders future.
Sorry to say, nothing has really changed since that day and we have HAD ENOUGH. There will be no quick resolution to this thing one way or another. Teams do not move overnight nor do they get sold quickly. The Town of Hempstead's game playing has gone on for over a century. Why would it change now? The answer is: IT WON'T!
Outside of a purchase of the Islanders by a Russian billionaire and a move to Brooklyn, we can not see anything final happening this year or next. Odds on this ever happening 10-1.
The only other ways we see the Isles staying in the metropolitan area are these.
1. Charles Wang and The Town Of Hempstead reach an agreement on the Lighthouse. ODDS: 80-1
2. Faced with losing the Islanders a re-elected Tom Suozzi floats bonds to renovate the Coliseum. Suozzi's position is "We can not let the Town of Hempstead's political leaders drive the Islanders away." Knowing he will never again run in Nassau County, Suozzi takes the risk regardless of opposition to it.
In this scenario, most likely Charles Wang sells to local interests who get a great lease from the County, get rid of SMG and get an embarrassed Town of Hempstead to re-zone allowing them to put up a hotel and a number of higher class restaurants and bars. ODDS: 25-1
3. Local interests step in and are willing to buy the Islanders and renovate the Coliseum while agreeing to the Town of Hempstead's proposed development plan.
ODDS: 50-1
4. Mayor Bloomberg is the driving force in getting the Islanders to move to Queens. Again, this most likely happens under owners other than Charles Wang.
ODDS: 15-1
Sorry to say, nothing has really changed since that day and we have HAD ENOUGH. There will be no quick resolution to this thing one way or another. Teams do not move overnight nor do they get sold quickly. The Town of Hempstead's game playing has gone on for over a century. Why would it change now? The answer is: IT WON'T!
Outside of a purchase of the Islanders by a Russian billionaire and a move to Brooklyn, we can not see anything final happening this year or next. Odds on this ever happening 10-1.
The only other ways we see the Isles staying in the metropolitan area are these.
1. Charles Wang and The Town Of Hempstead reach an agreement on the Lighthouse. ODDS: 80-1
2. Faced with losing the Islanders a re-elected Tom Suozzi floats bonds to renovate the Coliseum. Suozzi's position is "We can not let the Town of Hempstead's political leaders drive the Islanders away." Knowing he will never again run in Nassau County, Suozzi takes the risk regardless of opposition to it.
In this scenario, most likely Charles Wang sells to local interests who get a great lease from the County, get rid of SMG and get an embarrassed Town of Hempstead to re-zone allowing them to put up a hotel and a number of higher class restaurants and bars. ODDS: 25-1
3. Local interests step in and are willing to buy the Islanders and renovate the Coliseum while agreeing to the Town of Hempstead's proposed development plan.
ODDS: 50-1
4. Mayor Bloomberg is the driving force in getting the Islanders to move to Queens. Again, this most likely happens under owners other than Charles Wang.
ODDS: 15-1
The7thmanblog.com will still post Bob Adler's stories, but anything else will be published only occasionally. Watch the Islandermania board for notice of when Bob Adler has published something.
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