The Lighthouse Project: Improving Life on Long Island
December 14, 2009
by Allison Rossi
The Lighthouse Project seeks to keep the New York Islanders hockey team on Long Island, further develop Long Island’s commerce, and revitalize the quality of life on Long Island. While many individuals and groups understand the advantages of the Lighthouse Project, there are several who are opposed to it. The Lighthouse Project, while a huge undertaking, is necessary, and beneficial to Long Island.
Often, when the Lighthouse Project is mentioned, Long Islanders think of it as a development project for a new arena to replace Nassau Coliseum, home to the New York Islanders. While this is partially true, the Lighthouse Project is, in fact, a lot more complex. According to the Official Site of the Lighthouse Development Group, it is a “joint venture between Charles Wang, the Founder of the Lighthouse project and owner of the New York Islanders, and RXR, Long Island’s largest owner, manager and developer of commercial real estate… The Lighthouse project is the transformation of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site and surrounding area into a modern 24/7 suburban center.” This is a plan for improving Long Island, at no expense of the tax payers, because Charles Wang intends to pay for it.
The Lighthouse project incorporates many features into its plan. As indicated by the Official Site of the Lighthouse Development Group, a new state-of-the-art arena will be home to the New York Islanders, New York Dragons arena football team, and will be a more attractive venue for musical artists. A separate sports complex will serve as a facility in which local teams can practice various sports, and will also contain a health club. The Lighthouse Project calls for Long Island’s first 5-star hotel. As a part of the plan, there will be new office space, diverse housing options, retail, and restaurants.
The New York Islanders are a storied franchise with a rich and colorful history. They were a dynasty in the early 80s, and despite losing some of their grandeur, it would be a shame, as well as a disservice to the fans, to lose them as residents of Long Island. Right now, they play their home games at Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, which is a severely decrepit and out-dated building. “Since the day it was born from a sincere idea spawned by foresight and post- World War II optimism, Nassau Coliseum has lived the tortured life of a bastard child under the neglectful watch of the historically greedy, wholly unfit parent that is the Nassau County/Long Island political machine”(Botte 75). Furthermore, “construction was never officially completed, just half-assed at the end enough to cut costs, allow events to start up and get the money rolling in for the many hands that stuck out in the receiving line” (75). The Islanders have known they need a new facility for years, and Charles Wang has been advocating for one since he purchased the team in 2000. Problems have been apparent for decades, but no previous owners bothered to do anything about them. The roof leaks, and is “so bad that fans sitting in Section 205 – prime season ticket holder seating – usually had to be moved to another area because of a steady flow of water on rainy nights” (91). The Islanders have been exploring the possibility of moving the franchise to locations such as Brooklyn, NY or Kansas City, MO, if they cannot build another arena on Long Island.
One of the main concerns associated with the Lighthouse project is traffic. Traffic around the area of Nassau Coliseum is already a problem, due to its closeness to parkways, Hofstra University, various museums, and other factors. Critics are anxious that this development would intensify pre-existing traffic conditions. As stated in Newsday, “The town board extensively questioned the developers and their traffic consultant about the number of cars that would be traveling to the site, the improvements being proposed and mass transit options such as a private bus and trolley service” at a recent public hearing (Peddie). According to Peddie, “the developers – New York Islanders owner Charles Wang and developer Scott Rechler – appeared frustrated and at times ill-prepared for the questions about traffic.”
An additional trepidation of some Long Islanders is overdevelopment. The Lighthouse Project includes plans for new extensive retail opportunities. In an anonymous letter to sportswriter James Mirtle, a member of the Long Island media writes, “One of the key components of this project is a retail mall. The project is located five minutes away from Roosevelt Field, which is one of the largest malls in the world and there are several big box developments in the adjoining area. The last thing they need is more stores.” Along with the nearness to Roosevelt Field mall, the project would also increase competition for smaller, privately owned shops in Garden City. Store owners are frightened of this possibility, and are among the people most apprehensive about the Lighthouse Project.
The owner of one of the stores located on Seventh Avenue in Garden City, who did not want her name used, recently shared her thoughts on the project with me. “The Island is too congested for something like that. We also have Roosevelt Field Mall and stores like this, and I think other retail would take business away.” She added, “The Island is too small for that new complex. It’s just not ‘Long Island.’ The Coliseum itself does need to be redone and spiffed up, but Long Island doesn’t need more stores and traffic and gondolas running through it.” To summarize her position, she stated, “As a Long Island resident and business owner, I am not for the Lighthouse Project. I support renovating or replacing the Coliseum, and revitalizing the Islanders, but I do not support the entire project.”
The Official Site of the Lighthouse Project lists “7 big benefits” as follows: “increases tax revenues, new jobs and career opportunities, ability to keep existing and attract new businesses, attractive housing alternatives for Long Islanders, increases property values, creates a destination on Long Island, keeps the NY Islanders on Long Island.”
A new Coliseum would ensure the New York Islanders would continue to call Long Island “home.” Also, a new Coliseum would attract more musical artists. Currently, many performers are hesitant to book a show at Nassau Coliseum due to capacity limitations, out-dated equipment, lack of restrooms, and small, inefficient dressing rooms. An updated building would put Long Island on par with other venues such as Madison Square Garden. The new Coliseum would have the capability to house an NBA team as well. If the Lighthouse Project never comes to fruition, Long Islanders will be forced to travel either to NYC, New Jersey, or perhaps Connecticut for their musical and sports entertainment.
Many other aspects of the Lighthouse Project’s plan would increase the quality of life on Long Island. The sports complex would serve as a practice facility for local teams, and have the potential to host a national event. There will be a park similar in size and design to New York City’s Bryant Park, which will serve as a safe, beautiful recreational space for local families. Restaurants and cafés will enhance the dining experience of residents and visitors alike. The housing element of the plan will hugely impact the lives of Long Islanders by providing them with a wide variety of new options. A short time ago, “Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz spoke about the ‘brain drain,’ of young people ages 25-35 leaving the Island to go live in more inexpensive suburbs across the country” (Christ). With a more affordable housing selection, younger Long Islanders would be able to stay and develop their lives on the Island.
The most significant benefit to the Lighthouse Project is the job opportunities it creates. Due to the current economic state of the nation, jobs are scarce. “‘This project is more than hockey,’ said John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor. ‘It’s about jobs, careers and an opportunity to raise our families on Long Island’” (Christ). The Official Site of the Lighthouse Development group projects that “over 75,000 construction and support jobs (almost 15,500 and almost 60,000 respectively) will be created over the estimated 10-year build period.” At a recent public hearing, “the talk of job opportunities…was a common theme among many of the speakers. Many labor representatives came up and spoke about how important it was for them to have their workers find jobs” (Christ). In addition to the construction related jobs, the Development Group estimates “almost 19,000 permanent jobs (full and part-time; on and off site) will be created at full build out.” These jobs are essential to improving the quality of life on Long Island. Not only will the Lighthouse Project create jobs right away, but it will also guarantee there are more employment opportunities available in the future.
The benefits and advantages of the Lighthouse Project greatly outweigh the potential risks. This is a development project that has been in planning for years, and has been researched at length. The need for jobs, immediately and in the long run, is imperative, and should be the focus of this project. “Oddly, the criticism thus far has been pretty muted, perhaps a sign that people realize that, particularly in this miserable economy, Nassau desperately needs a second act, and this may be the only game in town” (Applebome).
Regardless of the conclusion, the Lighthouse Project will continue to be a key issue for Long Islanders to consider in the upcoming years, because the outcome will affect all residents in some way, either directly or indirectly. Developer Scott Rechler declared that the “‘general public was very much in favor’ of the proposal to build a new home for the New York Islanders, and a mixed-use community with a hotel, shops, offices and more than 2,300 residential units” (Winzelberg). Residents realize that the Lighthouse Project is an opportunity to better their lives, and build a better future for generations to come.
An amazing look at the Lighthouse Project, which has been something I haven’t fully understood or looked into until now.
Great job looking into and explaining the situation. Long live the NYI.
This is a great article! As a resident of western Pennsylvania, I didn’t know much about the Lighthouse Project beyond the building of a new arena. After reading more about it, you’ve convinced me that it would be a great way to revitalize Long Island!
Very nicely done. It was very easy to understand and flowed logically. There are definitely a lot of advantages and disadvantages to this project. As a hockey fan, I’d hate to see New York lose the Islanders and they are obviously in desperate need of a new facility but it sounds like there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out before that can happen. Good read!
Good points for and against. Well written! I would say I am for the Lighthouse Project as I agree the benefits outweigh any issues it would bring Long Islanders. I like this Botte person. Their quotes are amazing. This makes me want to move to Long Island. If this doesn’t affect the taxpayers, then I don’t think they should have much of a say in the matter. The problem with the one store-owner is that she is biased. Of course new retail around her store is going to be bad for her business because it will take some away. I support the Lighthouse Project!
very thorough. good interview of a local business owner and excellent use of the issue of job development. good read.
While I understand the concerns of business owners in the area, one has to look at the long-term impact this project will have on the area. The potential relocation of the team will mean a loss of jobs and revenue, not only for the Islanders staff but for the local community. The residents of the area need to look at the future growth of their community: an increased job market, housing, economic growth. I sincerely hope the Lighthouse Project is successful; it has the potential to become a model for other areas.
Really interesting article. It brings up the question of what is good progress? Long Islanders obviously want to keep their hockey team around. The community needs affordable housing for young people and they need localized entertainment options. At the same time, does Long Island need another shopping mall? The sensitivity of local business owners should be taken into account. A community needs to support and sustain locally owned businesses, because it’s what gives the community flavor and it’s how a community distinguishes itself from other places in the country.
I feel a deeper question of the project should be asked. What’s in it for the owner of the Islanders? It seems like he could easily walk away from the community if the project doesn’t work out, or if the project is a success, he’ll be making a lot of money from the community, but where’s the proof that the community will benefit? I think the community needs to find a happy balance and to make sure that they aren’t getting setup or used.
This is wonderful summary of the issues that provides an articulate argument for the Lighthouse Project — thanks!
Very well researched and an enjoyable and informing read!
I do hope that Long Island chooses to build a new arena and I like the plans presented for the Lighthouse project, but this essay opened my eyes to some of the drawbacks (traffic and space occupied, specifically).
Still, I think the pros of building this project far outweigh the cons, especially in the long run. This could spark a much needed economic renewal for Long Island.
Great job with this essay!
TAVARES 4EVA!
Jesus, why don’t they just build this bastard already???! The opportunities for jobs and revenue is huge, the storeowner was worried about further congestion but it’s not like the LH project is going to consist of tiny little cobbled roads. Hope this goes ahead.
Saving the NY Islanders is a worthy idea. However, the overall concept requires a great deal more detail and explanation on Wang’s part.
One big question not addressed is that of Wang and his partner’s ability to fully finance such a large scale undertaking. The last thing any community needs is a developer with big ideas and a lack of funds (or unwillingness to part with their funds) to implement them fully. (The next to last thing any community needs is a sports team owner who needs and wants a new arena and will say anything to be allowed to build it, but his real idea is to make money by other development surrounding it. Wang won’t spend money on the Islanders so why should the community believe he is willing to part with a buck to improve the area?)
Unless this plan is staged properly it could leave LI with a huge eyesore of cleared land and/or partially built structures.
The opponents have valid reasons for their opposition to the lighthouse Project. If Wang and the developer were unprepared for traffic questions that tells me they lack a well thought out plan. Traffic concerns are basic and essential details for any developer to address, as are other infrastructure such as water and wastewater handling. What else haven’t Wang et al prepared?
If they want to build a new arena, fine. But the residents and business owners of LI are well within their rights to be very skeptical of Wang and his cohorts.
Well-written and complete assessment of the issue. Hope that whatever happens with the Lighthouse Project the Islanders are able to stay on the Island.
Long Island has been waiting for a venue like this for years and years. The fans and community deserve the career and commerce opportunities that the Lighthouse will inevitably bring. And the support around this project is indisputable. I’m glad to see people recognize the need for a destination – a modern, exciting destination that will revitalize Nassau, giving life to an otherwise decrepit site. And with Wang footing the bill, who could say no?
Nice work. I only knew of this from the perspective of a Pens fan wanting the Islanders to get a new building and stay on Long Island. I made some half-hearted attempts to learn more about it, but never found such a concise summary that answered my questions about the whole project. After reading this, I would have to say that it appears that the project has LI’s best interests in mind and not just the Islanders’. Hopefully the involved parties can find some middle ground on the issues like size and traffic and get this thing done!
Nicely done. You really built a strong (albeit hockey-centric) case! I’ve watched a game there, and the Islanders desperately deserve a better home.
Great read!
The Islanders need to stay on Long Island. This… needs to be done.
I support the Lighthouse Project
Wow! I had no idea, thanks for sharing!
well written…
Many aspects of the Lighthouse Project are positive – A dedicated fanbase exists for a sports franchise which brings in a lot of revenue for the area. However, massive commercial developments favor large chain stores who funnel their profits to large corporations and hurt local business owners, who invest in their communities and tend to employ local people with more job security at higher pay.
This is a good article! I agree that the Lighthouse Project is necessary and beneficial. It will be good to bring in more revenue and attractions for everyone on Long Island, as well as keeping the Islanders there.
I think that the Lighthouse Project would help to increase commerce on Long Island. Also it would be extremely sad for the fans of the Islanders to lose their team after watching the organization rebuild with youth. The team is headed in the right direction and could be a major surge for Long Island.
nice project!
Amazing use of this quotation: “Since the day it was born from a sincere idea spawned by foresight and post- World War II optimism, Nassau Coliseum has lived the tortured life of a bastard child under the neglectful watch of the historically greedy, wholly unfit parent that is the Nassau County/Long Island political machine”(Botte 75).
Just amazing. Being on the west coast, I have not been able to follow this issue directly, but I can see why this project is so controversial. I do hope that some happy medium is found wherein the Islanders (and other sports teams) receive a new home, but the community does not suffer from Big-Box-disease and lose it’s charm.
Very well written. I hope this project gets approved, it would be a shame to have yet another historic franchise move.
Having lived on Long Island for a while myself i completely agree with the stance you take in your paper. You bring up many great points. Anyone who visits Nassau Coliseum would definitely agree with you. This has been a long and ongoing battle that Long Island simply can’t afford to lose. Although i am not a huge NY Islanders fans i’ll still say, great paper and excellent effort!
This provides a really great perspective on the Lighthouse Project. Holy crap. I learned so much. Well done!
Well said! It would be terrible for Long Island to lose their team, especially when the team is finally turning around.
Thanks for the explanation of the development proposal. I’ve seen “the Lighthouse Project” mentioned in a number of articles over the past year or so, but aside from the new hockey arena, I had no idea what it was about. Sounds a bit like the proposal to build a big complex in Brooklyn to house the Nets that’s been dragging on for years and years. Actually, now that I think about it, that complex is one of the proposed destinations for the Islanders, isn’t it? I have to admit, I wouldn’t have minded having an NHL team a couple stops away when I lived in Brooklyn, but for you Long Island folk, I hope the Lighthouse Project is successful.
The Islanders have long needed a new home, on the Island. To rip a team from its roots when it’s so deeply embeded is just irresponsible.
Very well written, and a great overview of the Lighthouse Project and the controversy behind it. Personally, I am not sure that building new retail space there is the way to go, but a new arena for the Islanders is definitely in order. With a new arena and more success on the ice, I think development around the area would follow at its own pace.
Very well written. I’d hate to see an organization like the NY Islanders move since they’re finally starting to turn around. I think Long Island deserves some revitalization and this would be the best way to do it.
Great article, you explained the Lighthouse Project and the concerns associated with it very well. The arguments against it were well represented while your stance was still very clear. I also think this project should be passed, at least in some form, o keep the franchise breathing.
Thank you for explaining the issues involved. I apreciated the opposing viewpoint of the local business owner being found. It sounds like such a positive project overall that having some dissent made both the article and the project seem more realistic.
I really hope this project gets approved! It sounds like a really great idea for the teams and the people who live on Long Island!!
Great article. It sounds to me Nassau, like every other community can afford a spark to their economy.
Well written article. Although it will be a struggle to keep the Isles on the island, it would be well worth it. Definitely dont want to see the franchise relocated.
I’ve never been to Long Island, but as a hockey fan, a music fan, and a fan of people having jobs, it seems like the project makes a lot of sense. If traffic is the biggest complaint – surely there must be an answer to that problem. I’m more sympathetic to the concern of the impact overdevelopment has on independently run stores. But it’s the way of the future. If it is not now and the lighthouse project, it will be 5 years from now and something else.
A well written article. More answers need to be provided regarding traffic. It’s disappointing that Mr. Wang was not able to adequately address this potential problem.
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