Support the Lighthouse!

There is rarely widespread support for development on Long Island. When there is, somebody must be doing something right.

After over 200 community meetings, multiple years of design review, and support from numerous community and business leaders, the Lighthouse project is about to embark on a public hearing on August 4th.

Kudos go out to project developers Charles Wang and Scott Rechler, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, and Councilwoman Dot Goosby for handling the process and the varying County and State officials who have been supportive of the project.  Last week, Senator Charles Schumer voiced support for the project and this week, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Governor David Paterson stepped up to help move the project forward.

The most important acknowledgement goes out to the community leaders, local Chambers of Commerce, Civic Associations and other members who have gone to many meetings, analyzed facts, and who have been extremely thoughtful about this project and its impact on the future of Central Nassau as well as their own communities.  Quite frankly, we have not seen this level of public process for any project on Long Island.

Vision Long Island encourages Nassau residents to participate in the Lighthouse project in any number of ways.

1) Attend the public hearing on August 4th and have your voice heard on the proposal. 
Be sure to come to Hofstra University's John Cranston Adams Playhouse at 9:30am to show your support as the Town of Hempstead solicits public comments.

2) Provide written comments on the project through the Town of Hempstead website.
The Town has offered several ways for the public to comment on the project. You can comment via email at lighthousecomment@tohmail.org or in a letter to Lighthouse Project Public Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

Attached is a link to a video interview (part 1 and part 2) with Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray who lays out information about the Town process and the review of the project.

We have attached the link to the Lighthouse proposal so you can review the important details of the project.

This project is the premier Smart Growth plan on Long Island and deserves wide support.  Attached is Vision's letter of support and our testimony for the hearing itself will be online shortly.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on August 4th.

Sincerely,

Vision Long Island

Lighthouse Update - Press Conference

Many faces gathered around this morning to hear Governor David A. Paterson’s press conference on the Lighthouse Project.  Appropriately held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the message was clear: the project is moving forward.

Joining the governor were Lighthouse Principals Charles B. Wang and Scott Rechler, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, US Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, commissioners of the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Transportation, and other elected officials, business leaders, and community figures.

(photo, from left: NYS Assemblyman Bob Barra, Charles Wong, Scott Rechler, Governer David Paterson, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander, Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, LI Federation of Labor's John Durso, NYS Senator Kemp Hannon, Nassau County Independence Party's Bobby Kumar, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Past President Richard Bivone, and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's Peter Scully)

This was the first time Governor Paterson publicly shared his stance on the Lighthouse project.  He recognized its importance to the future of Nassau County, calling for its expedited review.  But when asked when construction could possibly start, Paterson responded that nothing could be said until the Town of Hempstead public hearing on August 4th.

A final detail of the press conference was the people holding up signs saying, “The Time Is Now – Build The Lighthouse.”  Their support is indicative of the greater community that’s behind the Lighthouse Project.

Read Long Island Business News' coverage here, along with a blog from Let There Be Light(house) here, and an article in Newsday here.

Also, check out the video interview (part 1 and part 2) with Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray who lays out information about the Town process and the review of the project.

Lastly, here are a few excerpts from Governor Paterson's press release:

GOVERNOR PATERSON URGES STATE AGENCIES TO EXPEDITE REVIEW OF LONG ISLAND DEVELOPMENT

Lighthouse at Long Island” Would Create More than 90,000 Jobs, Generate More than $70 Million in Annual Tax Revenue

Complex Would Also Keep New York Islanders Hockey Team on Long Island

Governor David A. Paterson today urged State and county agencies to expedite a multi-billion-dollar development project that will yield tremendous economic and recreational benefits for Nassau County and New York State. The Governor spoke from the future Lighthouse site and was joined by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, New York Islanders owner Charles Wang and other local officials.

“The Lighthouse Project has the potential to be one of the most important economic development initiatives we have ever seen on Long Island and is precisely the kind of economic stimulus that we need here,” Governor Paterson said. “That’s why I am directing our State agencies to expedite their review of this project. Our government agencies need to work diligently and swiftly to ensure that this project can move forward as quickly as possible so that we can begin to put people back to work right here on Long Island.”

The Lighthouse at Long Island is slated to transform the 150-acre Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site into a mixed residential and commercial center, featuring a variety of housing, retail, shopping, athletic and entertainment venues. The project has been proposed by the Lighthouse Development Group, a joint venture between Charles B. Wang, Owner of the New York Islanders, and RXR, Long Island’s largest owner, manager and developer of commercial real estate.

The $3.74-billion project is expected to generate $71 million in annual tax revenues, create 75,000 construction and 19,000 permanent jobs. This mixed-use development will be designed to be Long Island’s largest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or certified environmentally friendly, project, transforming the Nassau Coliseum into a state-of-the-art arena that can accommodate 17,500 fans for hockey, 18,500 for basketball and 20,000 for concerts.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “The Lighthouse presents a huge opportunity for Nassau County that will help grow our economy and create jobs. I am pleased that Governor Paterson has lent his support to this important project, which will be a major economic driver and create thousands of jobs. With the development of residential and commercial space, a large recreational park, and an improved sports and entertainment venue, the Lighthouse project will bring increased revenue to Long Island, attract new business, and place a spotlight on the Island for residents and visitors alike. Long Island needs the Lighthouse project and I am proud to stand with the Governor and call for the development of the project to be expedited so we can help rebuild Long Island.”

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said: “The Lighthouse can’t come soon enough for Nassau County and all of Long Island. This project will bring thousands of jobs to the area, breathing life into new suburbia and jump-starting our economy. Now, more than ever, we need everyone in government to work together to get this project done, and I thank Governor Paterson for his support.”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said: “Hempstead town officials are focused on innovative and progressive development. The key in reviewing all development proposals of the magnitude of the Lighthouse project is to be thorough and complete in our work. After all, the decisions we make today will affect our children and grandchildren.”

Charles B. Wang, principal and founder of the Lighthouse Development Group and owner of the New York Islanders, said: “We appreciate the support and direction from Governor Paterson and look forward to the progress he will help foster between the State, Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead to finally bring certainty to this project by the start of the next hockey season. The Lighthouse will be a catalyst to kick-start the Long Island economy and will be a destination for all Long Islanders to live, work and play.”

The Town of Hempstead Board has scheduled a public hearing for August 4 and has invited community members to make official comments on the project.

The following quotes were provided in support of the Lighthouse at Long Island project:

Senator Brian X. Foley said: “As a member of the Senate Economic Development committee I see the importance of this project as an engine for the creation of jobs and expanding the tax base for the Long Island region. This will also enable sports franchises to stay on Long Island, providing recreational outlets for our Long Island residents.”

Senator Kemp Hannon said: “Whether you are a fan of the Islanders or fan of the economy, this is one project to root for.”

Senator Craig M. Johnson said: “The Lighthouse Project has the potential to significantly bolster Nassau’s economy and its tax base. We need to do everything we can -- especially in these tough economic times -- to ensure that this, and similar projects, are subjected to a thorough review process, but avoid becoming trapped in red tape.”

Assemblyman Robert D. Barra said: “The Lighthouse Project is the most important initiative of our time. The potential for job creation and tax revenue stability is astounding. We need this project to get Nassau County working again so we are not being taxed out of our homes, and to one day bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island where it belongs.”

Assemblyman Charles Lavine said: “I am hopeful the Lighthouse project will become a reality because of the many benefits it will provide Long Island, including housing, retail space and thousands of jobs. This undertaking can be achieved only with the cooperation of State and county agencies and the input of residents. I am hopeful that when it is completed, Long Island will have a world class facility not only for professional hockey and arena football, but a concert venue that will replace the nearly four-decades-old Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.”

Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel said: “The Lighthouse Project has the ability to accomplish many of Nassau County's goals such as offering a variety of housing opportunities, promising economic development through new job creation, and significant mass transit upgrades. It would be a Long Island hat trick. I am proud to support Governor Paterson and County Executive Suozzi as they move forward on this project.”

Assemblyman Rob Walker said: “As one of the youngest members of the State legislature, I have seen firsthand the negative impact of the downturn in the economy particularly on those young people who cannot afford to live on Long Island anymore, including many in my own family. The need for common sense development is essential and I look forward to working with all levels of government to move this project forward in order to provide the economic boost that our region needs.”

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg said: “Today’s announcement is a positive indication of progress that has included the cooperation of officials from State and local levels cooperating on a bipartisan basis to enhance the Long Island economy. With the input from the community, the Lighthouse development could provide much needed housing and retail space as well as much-needed new arena for Long Island’s signature sport franchise, the Islanders. My thanks to County Executive Suozzi and Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray for their leadership in coordinating this effort.”

Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Diane Yatauro said: “I am encouraged to see the Lighthouse project gaining significant support and momentum. This is a high priority for Nassau County. The Lighthouse will create jobs, stimulate our regional economy and revitalize our mid-Nassau business center. I thank Governor Paterson for his much appreciated support. Working together we will move the Lighthouse forward!”

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dot Goosby said: “I’m eager to build a prosperous future, but I am also seeking to ensure that our environment is protected and that whatever may be built here will enhance the local quality of life.”

President of the Long Island Federation of Labor John R. Durso said: “The Lighthouse project is the most significant project in Nassau County in decades. The jobs it will create both during the construction and post construction will have a significant impact on the economy of our County. This project will expand our tax base and bring millions of dollars into our schools and our communities. We in the labor movement applaud this project and will continue to work with all parties involved to bring this to a successful conclusion. The suburbs were born on Long Island this project represents the re-birth of our suburbs.”

Executive Director Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island, a Smart Growth planning organization, said: “Vision Long Island applauds Governor David Paterson and New York State agencies for expeditious review of the Lighthouse project. The Lighthouse is the premier Smart Growth project for Long Island and has the support of local business, civic and community leaders as well as Smart Growth advocates and planners. Groundbreaking cannot come soon enough!”

SMART GROWTH NEWS

Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Director of Communications
Contributors: Eric Alexander, Executive Director; Tara Klein, Planning Coordinator;
Tawaun Weber, Director of Special Projects; Elissa Ward, Director of Sustainability; Juliana Roberts Dubovsky, Planning Consultant

We strive to provide continued quality publications such as this each week. If you are interested in becoming a newsletter or news blast sponsor, please call the office at 631-261-0242 for rates and opportunities. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to info@visionlongisland.org for consideration.

For more information about Vision Long Island, visit http://www.visionlongisland.org or contact us at:
24 Woodbine Ave. Suite One Northport, NY 11768. Phone: (631) 261-0242. Fax: (631) 754-4452.
Email: info@visionlongisland.org