Islanders bid for new arena defeated at polls

[Forkboy]

Nassau County residents voted down a $400 million referendum in Monday's special election that could have led to the construction of a new home for the New York Islanders.

The referendum failed in a 33,526 to 24,553 vote Monday in what elections officials said was a very low turnout for the unusual midsummer election.

"I have to tell you I'm disappointed," team owner Charles Wang said during a concession speech at the team's media reception. "And, to put it bluntly, I'm heartbroken."

County officials who supported the effort said a yes vote was needed to give officials enough time to build a replacement for the aging Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum before the Isles' lease expires in 2015. Without a new building, Wang has said he may have to move the team out of Nassau County, either to another site on Long Island or to another market.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=post&forum=215

[Renew Deal]

1. It's really not a surprise.

There was almost no positive press for this.

[Forkboy]

2. Too bad. I'd hate to see them move, but that's a likely outcome now.

We'll see, maybe they can arrange something between now and 2015. But it would be sad to see no more Islanders/Rangers battles. It's one of the better rivalries in the game and, like Boston/Montreal, it's pretty heated even when both teams aren't doing well.

[Renew Deal]

3. I am a Ranger fan, but would hate to see my friends lose their team.

There is a way forward if the Democrats get their way. The problem is Kate Murray and the republicans.

[madinmaryland]

4. Good for the residents of Nassau County. Good to see there are some citizens

not getting bamboozled by sports teams.

mim is now going into hiding!

[Forkboy]

6. Labor unions supported the proposal heavily.

It was money up front, but it would have paid back to the area tenfold in the long run. If the team moves it hurts businesses, tourism, etc. The owner has done about all he can to keep the team there in fair way. Just a tough time to ask voters for money.

If my OP had included the right link you would have been to read that lol. :)

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=585584&navid=mod-rr-headlines

[madinmaryland]

8. I could think of a LOT of infrastructure projects that would provide much more

in the ways of benefits for the community than a sports stadium. (Yes, JJ soaked Dallas taxpayers for nearly a billion dollars).

And if the team moves it hurts businesses? Maybe a little bit. But in New York there is more to do than just see a hockey game, or for that matter the Knicks or Nets. Just sayin!

[Forkboy]

9. I agree, but we all know that isn't happening anytime soon.

And I've spent time on Long Island...there really isn't that much more to do. ;)

[madinmaryland]

10. WHAAAAAT????

Have you ever tried to get from Norwalk, CT to either LaGuardia or JFK??? Don't get me started on getting actually anywhere out there!

:grr:

For a fucking hockey rink???

[KamaAina]

5. First Winnipeg, now Hartford?

They wouldn't even have to move their AHL team, which is already in Bridgeport!

[Forkboy]

7. If they move anywhere, that would be the best place to go.

Save the Whale! :)

[DinahMoeHum]

11. How about Seattle or Portland? if not Hartford.

Could you imagine a cross-the-border rivalry between Vancouver and Seattle hockey teams?

Just askin'.

[Forkboy]

12. I wouldn't mind, but my guess is the team goes to Quebec if anywhere.

Quebec is already in the process of building a new arena to attract an NHL team back there (they never should have lost it in the first place). Plus, Quebec fans did one of the funniest things all year, when thousands showed up at a New Jersey game in the old Nordiques uniform to send a message that they wanted a team back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvqBvhxr1G0&feature=related

I do think Seattle would be a cool place for a team though. Could be good rivalries with Vancouver and the whole Pacific Division. :)

[KamaAina]

13. Did you know? Seattle once raised the Stanley Cup

with the 1917 Metropolitans. You might say they were the seventh (or eighth, with the Ottawa Silver Seven) of the "Original Six".

[Forkboy]

14. I actually did know that.

Anything involving a loss by Montreal is something I'm well acquainted with. :D

[inthebrain]

15. The Islanders are not moving off of Long Island

That's already set in stone.

This vote wasn't really a vote asking whether or not the folks in Nassau want the Islanders to move. It was a vote on whether or not Wang gets tax payer funding for a new arena. With Nassua already deep in debt and the property taxes sky high, this vote was already dead in the water before it began.

More than likely the team moves to queens.