NY Islanders Owner Charles Wang Thanks Nassau County, Says He's 'Not Giving Up' On Long Island
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The owner of the New York Islanders says he's "not giving up" after voters rejected a plan to borrow $400 million for a new hockey arena.
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Team owner Charles Wang said in a statement Wednesday that he's not giving up on Long Island:
"I would like to thank all of the Nassau County residents who participated in the August 1st referendum. I am disappointed and heartbroken with the outcome. However, what I believe is every time a door closes, another one will open. I have lived on Long Island for almost 60 years and it is my home. I am not giving up on Long Island and I hope you won't either."
Wang said he has two goals for the Islanders: winning the NHL's Stanley Cup and staying in their hometown.
"The New York Islanders were born on Long Island in 1972. As we enter our 40th year, we have only two goals for the team -- winning the Stanley Cup and keeping the Islanders on Long Island."
Monday's voter turnout was characterized as being surprisingly low. The measure for was defeated 57-43 percent.
Listen: Charles Wang's interview with Boomer & Carton
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said he will seek new ideas and bids from Wang and any other private investor or developer.
"We are entertaining all offers that create jobs, enhance our quality of life and create revenue sources for our county," Mangano said. "No offer will be discouraged, however we have the intention to proceed with a sports entertainment destination."
The Islanders' lease at the Nassau Coliseum expires in 2015.
Listen: Ed Mangano & Jay Jacobs with Boomer & Carton
Some have suggested that Wang could move his team to the new arena being built in Brooklyn for the NBA's Nets or to eastern Long Island.
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