Botta is reporting that Mangano and wang are now talking to the Shinnecock Nation in an effort to what in lay terms would amount to granting the 77 acre property as an Indian Reservation—thus allowing the Nation to build a casino, build a new arena and train complex, hotel, some residential and office space, and completely bypass Kate Murray and Hempstead jurisdiction.

Interesting end run….

Im not a big fan of this idea. If it is a choice of keeping the Islanders in New York by doing this, or the Isles leaving, I am going to support it—of course.

But if it were a choice between Willits Point arena district or a Casino plan at NVMC, my choice would be Willits Point.

Just imagine what it would be like trying to get to a Saturday night game at 7pm. Prime dinner time, the game, and thousands of people going to hit the slots and tables. And then imagine getting out of there at 10pm. Public transportation in the form of a train would have to be a must. Otherwise, attendance is going to be an issue.

I am all for a casino if it is done “right.” By right I mean first class security to keep drugs and prostitution out. I mean a look and style that will not detract but add to the value of the surrounding area. The Nation has every right to a casino if that is what they want. I know the Shinnecock people and they have been kicked and beaten around for hundreds of years, and deserve a shot at this.

But if they are going to do this, it is going to require a massive amount of proper, and smart planning, and I am not sure that the Horses in this race have that ability.

Besides the security questions I just mentioned, moving people around and to and from the complex has to be at the forefront of the development along with the environment. I believe that the two are directly linked. The plan should include a dynamic, intelligent way to convince people that they need to leave their cars home if they want to watch the Isles, or play craps. Some how, a light rail system to move people around the complex, as well as a system that either partners with/connects to the LIRR.

This will be a major issue because there is no longer the real estate for the LIRR to expand. And during the week in particular, the idea of adding more trains to ferry people to and from the new development seems a bit out of reach.

This can be done—but it is not as simple as just condemning the land to bypass Kate Murray and the Hooples.

I am still in favor of Willit’s Point, and have been since it first became public that Queens wanted the Islanders about a year ago. In the end, most of us want to see the Islanders remain in the area. I think most of us could care less about the politics, who is elected to what office when it comes to the Islanders — most of us. This is an emotional issue where we want our boys in blue and orange. And while I have some major issues with a casino proposal, if it becomes the only option, I would have to support it.

So teachers get slammed, schools have to cut more programs and eek by on whatever tax revenue they get. Kids suffer.

But Wang makes a profit. Bravo. Now add the Shinnecock idea and Wang gets housing….WHO PAYS FOR THEIR KIDS TO GO TO SCHOOL? Ah, not important. Liberals wanna feel good and get all their cookies and screw the consequences.

Well, what’s the answer? No consequences, just immediate satisfaction and 100% Wang fulfillment?

It is pretty obvious that you have no interest in the Islanders or hockey.

If my view point on Kate Murray is obvious, so is your racism.

My only hope is that the mods will shut this thread down, and ban you.

Besides, Kate and the Town GOP can keep you busy with other tasks can’t they?

Or is it the County GOP?

This will be my last response to this flake……… :) :) :)

Hyedrey, I agree with your post completely as well.

Look—we disagree.
It’s all good.

You have traded the New York Islanders for your higher bond rating, Kate Murray’s fat derrier, and I guess some schools where budgets fail regularly and have very limited programs like art, music, AP courses, and the like. Again—im not angry, or upset—this is America, and that is your right.

Now if you want to blame this whole mess on Wang—and want to suggest that Wang should only be about building a new arena–that is fine too. You have that right. But then please say that. Please dont beat around the bush. Please explain to us all why you feel that way, and make your case.

But I come here for one reason—and one reason only. This is a Hockey discussion board. It is about the NY Islanders. You obviously like the government you have in your town. Again—that’s fine. But then you have to understand that you have made the trade as discussed above.

If the good folks at Hockey Independent and it’s moderators would like to open up a thread where we get into a political discussion—I would be happy to dance with anyone—when it comes to politics—I am not a wallflower by any means.

I spent nearly 12 years inside Long Island politics, and I am happy to have a chat with anyone who wants — I am well versed!