Comments on Let There Be Light(house): Special Comment: Lighthouse Must End Media Blackou...

Unfortunately, I think the project is dead. Wang ...

2009-12-28T00:23:42.575-05:00

Unfortunately, I think the project is dead. Wang isn't coming out and saying it because he wants to continue selling Islanders tickets for the remainder of the season. The Coliseum would be empty every night if they announced they were moving, so he won't say it until after the season is over.

Don't worry about it, Bill - nothing for you t...

2009-12-24T00:40:58.250-05:00

Don't worry about it, Bill - nothing for you to apologize for.

Sorry Nick...my bad I saw that feature too :redfac...

2009-12-24T00:37:07.063-05:00

Sorry Nick...my bad I saw that feature too :redface

I saw - only 12 days after BD broke the story, I p...

2009-12-23T18:32:18.109-05:00

I saw - only 12 days after BD broke the story, I picked it up, and everyone else looked the other way.

Newsday's Eden Laiken (we all love her, don...

2009-12-23T08:51:33.881-05:00

Newsday's Eden Laiken (we all love her, don't we?) Just had a feature in today's paper that the TOH has halted the Lighthouse review process citing the $$$ owed to Clark.

Big Van Vader, thats some great news!

2009-12-22T19:16:46.481-05:00

Big Van Vader, thats some great news!

BVV - good to hear from you. I did, and it's i...

2009-12-21T16:10:50.144-05:00

BVV - good to hear from you. I did, and it's in fact referenced above because some Republican sources wanted to make sure I knew about it. Mangano's top deputy is a man named Rob Walker, who has appeared in the pro-Lighthouse videos in the past. We're working on more information around that.

Above post from Big Van Vader.

2009-12-21T12:44:13.957-05:00

Above post from Big Van Vader.

Nick, Did you hear about this? From Newsday: I...

2009-12-21T12:43:29.036-05:00

Nick,

Did you hear about this?

From Newsday:

Incoming pols are pro-Lighthouse Project
December 16, 2009 By RANDI F. MARSHALL AND EDEN LAIKIN. randi.marshall@newsday.com,, eden.laikin@newsday.com

Incoming Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano is surrounding himself with some vocal supporters of the Lighthouse Project, who say they're going to make the effort to redevelop the land around Nassau Coliseum a top priority come next month.

Still, the mixed-use development could end up smaller or less dense, and the developers' lease still remains uncertain, as some of those same voices...

A. There are provisions made for mass transit in t...

2009-12-21T09:02:03.800-05:00

A. There are provisions made for mass transit in the plan, but the government is responsible for making that happen. The Lighthouse has told me, whether you agree or not, that their calculation is that adding a specific solution (that would likely face fierce opposition from the winners in a certain adjacent village) would create the perception that the project couldn't succeed without that particular solution. We're looking at a 10-year build-out on this, and our reps in Congress have already put in requests for improvements in the area.

B. Are you seriously trying to oppose this out of snow now? I thought people were out of arguments before....

Funny thing is if the public transport light rail ...

2009-12-21T00:14:28.563-05:00

Funny thing is if the public transport light rail idea HAD been implemented into this project, then on nights like last night with heavy snow more people would have been able to get out to the game (or at least tried to show up) because it would have been better than risking life/limb to drive on roads that are never plowed.

Funny how provinces of ottawa and quebec, as well asupstate new york have no problems with plowing, when they get these storms all the time, but one major storm wipes out LI.

Anon - I don't think I or anyone else here wil...

2009-12-20T15:03:39.115-05:00

Anon - I don't think I or anyone else here will be calling the Vatican to nominate Charles Wang for sainthood. I've kept my comments to my ardent belief that this is the right project for the area and should move forward. You can disagree with or dislike the man as much as you want, and this project can either succeed or fail. However, to suggest that Mr. Wang has single-handedly played everyone for saps and been running a one-man sideshow to hide his true intentions is revisionist history at best and betrays an agenda at worst.

It's interesting to me that we have had 2 comments from completely different perspectives - one suggesting the Town of Hempstead is solely to blame, and the other suggesting Charles Wang. I hope the 2 sides aren't as far apart in their views as those 2 commenters.

I also have questioned some of charles wang's ...

2009-12-20T11:54:40.592-05:00

I also have questioned some of charles wang's decisons,actions and tactics, but i think the above rings out with a level demonization and borderline character assassination that belies objectivity about the issue and reads more like a basic, fundamental personal attack.
(and what does "engrandising" mean? i can't find in the dictionary.)

Well written and said, but you are missing the sim...

2009-12-20T08:31:09.357-05:00

Well written and said, but you are missing the simple truth - this was never about Long Island's survival, the Islanders or any other grander vision...This was about Charles' ego. Remember he said he knows what Long Island needs, Long Island needs an icon, a symbol. Wang used everyone in his path, his partner, his consultants, the fans and the unions, the business leaders and the local public all desperate to find an answer to our national and global economic downturn. Wang has not been able to get funding since long before the final hearing - he has searched the globe for money that will not be released for a project that sits at the center of a real estate glut. The town of Hempstead didnt genuflect to Wang and he was insulted because his ego makes him think he can do and say anything and the following sheep will do as they're told. But this is not CA, you dont control the public conscience and in the end Wang's arrogance and lack of willingness to compromise will be his demise. Just as it was at CA, which is still investigating him for illegal practices,
When people are starving they will follow anyone if they are promised food - the cult mentality. Welcome to the Wang world of mind control - he sured fooled and used the hockey fans and thousands of Long Islanders. This was predictable, but very sad since Long Island needed the hope. And that is the most aggregious part of all of this - the way this self engrandising cult leader used the public and then when real answers are required, as is the mandatory state permitting process, he decides the rules dont apply to him and he threatens to take his toys and play elsewhere....that's not a commitment to Long Island, its blackmail.

BD Galloff, said it all

2009-12-19T20:06:41.220-05:00

BD Galloff, said it all

To anonymous... Personally, I think backchannels ...

2009-12-18T09:53:30.793-05:00

To anonymous...

Personally, I think backchannels has only let one side now dictate the debate, except for when certain mouthpieces also ply their agenda. I don't think it's nervousness, but the fact that silence puts fans who were asked to be the catalyst, now to take a backseat to a vehicle they were asked to step onto. That seems terribly unfair.

Furthermore, "silence" which has neither been silent or effective, has not moved anything. Just because Charles wants silence doesn't quite make it spin out to be the best course of action, you know?

Silence is something that was never quite in place from Feb 09 onward...so now after Oct 3rd, after months and months of the opposite just doesn't seem like the best course of action.

Transparency is what is needed, not some murky fog for "back channels". Has back channels helped get more meetings since the end of October?

Look, we all know this is not just LHP here. We all know that the ToH has made a mess with miscue, mistakes, silliness, and gamesmanship. I think myself, Nick and others get that...

But I in my professional life have never seen murk, obtuse, PR and back channels solve deep divides. Ever.

Open honesty, communication, listening, flexbility have and always will. Even when the chips are down and when it is most difficult to do it, especially when the other side is being anything but...

Those who still do that even then are the most likely to succeed. Look up any business and project success story. 9 times out of 10, this is the case.

Just my take.

And great piece NICK!

- No more commercials at the Coliseum - The News s...

2009-12-18T09:41:49.546-05:00

- No more commercials at the Coliseum
- The News section of the official Lighthouse web site hasn't been updated in 2 months
- The Lighthouse Project's official blog hasn't been updated in 5 weeks
- I haven't seen a Lighthouse commercial in weeks - used to see one practically every day

i did not even realize this. to me, this seems to clear up the picture further on the negative side.

Day1 - at this point, it can go either way, and yo...

2009-12-18T09:17:33.389-05:00

Day1 - at this point, it can go either way, and your scenarios are both well thought-out. If Jimmy's theory is correct, this is part of a plan to ensure Ed Mangano has this project high on his radar (remember that post from last week - we'll know how serious he is by how quickly he tackles the issue after taking office). However, on the other hand, we've heard many troubling things coming from the Republicans on this - a Republican source complained about the lack of a courtesy phone call, for example, and other Republicans told B.D. that they were itching to re-examine the lease, which they called a "sweetheart deal." Mangano himself refused to commit to the agreement before having the land appraised.

It seems like a lot of avoidable mistakes at this point....Looks to me like the Town's asinine policy of refusing to meet with developers caused the Lighthouse to harden its position on changing the project, and now we're in flux.

I've spoken many times about Can-Do vs. Can't-Do. I don't doubt that Mr. Wang badly wants the Lighthouse to succeed, but it remains to be seen whether all sides are committed to work together and make a deal.

Anon, in all seriousness, I buy the no news is goo...

2009-12-18T09:12:11.695-05:00

Anon, in all seriousness, I buy the no news is good news angle. However, in my view, not talking to the media, and not talking to your supporters, the people, are different things. They could continue negotiating in silence while talking to the people. Here are a few examples:

- No more commercials at the Coliseum
- The News section of the official Lighthouse web site hasn't been updated in 2 months
- The Lighthouse Project's official blog hasn't been updated in 5 weeks
- I haven't seen a Lighthouse commercial in weeks - used to see one practically every day

I think the main issue I have is that the Lighthouse has lost control of the public discourse and ceded the conversation to those either thinking it's dead or wishing to kill it. In my view, talking to the people and communicating their desire to stick it out could go a long way to curb the anxiety. If you disagree, great...Special Comments are pure opinion pieces meant to provoke discussion.

I think we are continuing to hold the Town accountable, because their excuses are getting more flimsy as the process goes on. However, if the reports I'm hearing are true, the Lighthouse hasn't provided all the information they legally have to provide before the Town can give its final yes or no.

That to me is the point - I believe this project had so much support because of the high level of engagement, and the Town should not get away with not voting on this. Ending the blackout, re-starting the conversation, and making sure the reviews are done right can lead us to that goal.

while i understand frustration at the disconnect f...

2009-12-18T09:10:28.635-05:00

while i understand frustration at the disconnect from wang/rech, i also see where silence might be their only logical stance right now, depending on what is going on 'behind the scenes.' if there are negotiations - with any party - it may be that they are best served to say nothing about the LH status or prospects. also, the LI Press story has taken on more significance for me over time. i wondered at the time if, in a fit of anger over some development or maneuver by 'TOH/Murray', mr. wang had in fact lost his temper and told someone - "that's it! i've had it! I'm out!" but was talked back in or cooled off on his own and then finally issued the denial. it's even possible that the delay in denying was no "mistake" at all. i'm a little reticient to say this, but when you add it all up - the LI press thing, the total silence, the whole brooklyn scenario, suozzi's ouster, other potential developers "suddenly" coming forth - it may well be that wang is already decided about moving on and for reasons that will be obvious once the story is told, is keeping quiet until the details as to where are worked out.
on the other hand, if you still hold out hope for the project, you might imagine that all the silence from both sides means there are real talks going on to hammer out a LH deal, that the parties are somehow keeping it all under wraps with no leaks, and that soon there's going to a big announcement and a public love-fest to introduce the whole thing. which scenario seems more plausible?

I really dont get what he needs to come out and sa...

2009-12-17T23:50:20.495-05:00

I really dont get what he needs to come out and say? He clearly stated a couple of months back that he doesnt want to do anything specifically through the media and so far he has followed through on that promise. Just because the media blackout makes you nervous shouldn't distract from the original Point of the media blackout, which is to work behind the scenes to see if any sort of compromise can be achieved. You have managed to undercover and unearth information through muckracking and for that I give you great credit Nick; I really do - but in the end if Wang and Rechler feel their ONLY chance to pass this is through quiet backchannels, well then the silence really does tell us a Lot about his commitment. He is so committed to doing what it takes to have the vision built that he is willing to KEEP HIS OWN MOUTH SHUT for the better part of 3 months. That speaks volumes on his commitment.

Now, as far as what may or may not occur down the line, he is not going to speculate on hypotehticals at brooklyn or atlantic yards now. He is waiting for the town to come back with yes or no.

It really is, i am afraid, that damn simple. His commitment is to build the lighthouse - and he is awaiting an answer from the town to a proposal that was okayed by the county several years ago.

Nothing else for any of else to do but to await the town's answer.

If you guys really want to make a difference, pressure the TOH to spill their beans into giving an official yes or no.

then you get closure

Wow! Calling the Wanger out, super job, Nick! I c...

2009-12-17T21:56:53.061-05:00

Wow! Calling the Wanger out, super job, Nick! I can only assume he will get a whiff of this even if he doesn't read it himself...I wonder if Wang will show some class and answer this powerful post...

I agree with you...He's coming off as disrespectful...People have dedicated their precious time to this project and Wangs vision and he's shown "no class"...He should call the sign man, thank him personally and he should call and thank you for keeping people informed and most importantly he needs to MAKE SURE ISLES DONT LEAVE!!!!

Looks like Avalon will develop the area with REAL ...

2009-12-17T18:23:26.636-05:00

Looks like Avalon will develop the area with REAL AFFORDABLE housing, unlike what was unveiled by the TOH at the hearings a few months back. No wonder Wang is silent, when grilled with specifics by the Town Board, they folded like an old cheap camera!!