Public Vote Monday On $400M Nassau Coliseum Renovation Project
UNIONDALE, NY (CBSNewYork) - The future of professional sports in Nassau County is likely riding on a public referendum on Monday, and both sides are making a full court press.
WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story
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"Nassau County has a property tax, school tax, payroll tax, water tax, sewer tax, water tax, library tax, sanitation tax, and, on August 1st, you'll vote on a $400 million Nassau Coliseum tax," says a radio spot from a group against the renovation project for the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Against The Project: Desmond Ryan Of The Association For A Better Long Island
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(Download the full interview HERE)
Several polling locations have changed due to school construction. To find your polling place, click HERE.
On the other side, union members have been going door to door trying to get residents to vote in favor of the project. They say it will bring much-needed jobs. As for the tax issue? Islanders owner Charles Wang says that's been overblown.
"The office of the legislative budget review has looked at it and it will cost, at the worst case, $13.80 per household," Wang told WFAN's Boomer & Carton on Friday.
For The Project: Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano
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(Download the full interview HERE)
The Islanders have even purchased television time.
"The new Nassau sports and entertainment arena guarantees that the New York Islanders stay in Nassau. That means I can keep taking my kids to a hockey game, a concert, or a family show," says their TV spot.
Wang said without a new arena, his team will likely leave Long Island.
"I think we have to face the reality of the situation," he said. "We don't have a place to play anymore, because come 2015, our lease expires. ... We have to have a place to play, so we're out of options basically."
Even if the measure passes on Monday, the Nassau County legislature and the Nassau Interim Finance Authority still have to approve the new complex.
The project would also include a minor league baseball team.
Do you think the project should go forward? Sound off in our comments section.
