Nassau County Voters Reject Plan

On Monday, August 1st, Nassau County, NY voters rejected a plan by Islanders owner Charles E. Wang and Nassau County officials to overhaul the aging Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The $400 million proposal included refurbishing the arena and constructing a minor league baseball stadium. According to the New York Times, as of late last night, with 82 percent of the ballots counted, the vote was 57 to 43 to reject the plan.

The $400 million plan is a compromise. Originally, Wang sought to build the Islanders a new home on Long Island, but Nassau County and the Federal Government would not kick in the extra funding necessary. Wang is still seeking assistance Edward P. Mangano, the Nassau County Executive who supported the latest plan, to overcome redevelopment and zoning issues on the current site.

Supporters of the plan point to increased revenue and taxes from a new or refurbished arena, which could host countless events, concerts, and hockey games. Many, who would not normally support such a large expenditure expressed support for the plan because in the words of an unemployed plumber commented to the New York Times, with the Islanders goes millions of dollars supporting local restaurants and businesses.

Finances in Nassau County are in such poor shape that they are monitored by the Nassau County Interim Financing Authority and an outside company. The County is already set to run a $140 million deficit. An additional $400 million would cause undue burden on the County and would result in a significant jump in property taxes for Nassau County residents. The special election alone cost $2 million and Mr. Wang offered to cover the cost only if the proposal passed.

Averaging 11,059 fans per game, support has been dwindling. Last season, a large contingent from Quebec City made the journey down to Uniondale to show their support for the franchise moving north of the border. Mr Wang told reporters Monday he was "disappointed" and "heartbroken." Wang also stated he will honor the Coliseum lease. The Islanders are under contract with Nassau County through the 2015 season. If economic conditions do not change and Islander fans do not magically appear in the seats, expect the 2015 season to come much sooner.