News: Vote Against Islanders Arena
(Long Island, N.Y.) The New York Islanders hoped to team up with Nassau County officials to borrow up to four hundred million dollars utilizing a general obligation bond for a new arena. The deal, which would involve Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, is designed to replace the Nassau Coliseum. The attempt to borrow the money failed, and reports stated that most voters have decided against the plan.
Reports stated that Mangano promised to keep the Islanders despite the disappointment. Sources claimed that the county executive admitted the defeat just before midnight on August 2nd. At least eight hundred of nearly twelve hundred precincts reported showing 44,839 in favor and 60,228 against the plans.
The owner of the Islanders stated that he was disappointed in the result of the vote, claiming he was heartbroken along with the team members. Many believe this may force him to have to move the team, and reports stated that the Islanders have a lease that runs until 2015.
The polls were open until nine yesterday evening, and sources claimed that only fifteen percent of residents came out to vote. Many reports stated that Long Island Rail Road service problems, in addition to bad weather conditions, may have contributed to the low voter turnout.
Sources stated that the three thousand jobs promised by the deal were exaggerations. Reports also claimed that the revenue-sharing plan was not guaranteed. Many felt that the plan was constructed for financial reasons rather than designed to support the deep roots Long Island has with its only professional sports team.
Many felt that a new arena was an irresponsible investment given the tough economic times. Sources claimed that they believed the reasonable decision was to utilize the current area until changes are necessary. The vote came during a hundred million- dollar gap in this year’s budget. Also amidst the voters’ dilemma, reports stated that Nassau County has reached the highest property taxes in the county’s history.
Mangano previously claimed, in support of the plan, that the arena would have only cost taxpayers fourteen dollars annually. The plan was designed to cost the individual such fees over the next three decades. Other reports stated that the cost could have reached as high as sixty dollars per person.
The Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which is located across from Nassau Community College and not far from Hofstra University, has been open since 1972. It currently occupies sixty-three acres of a former Army and Air Force Base.
