May 30, 2006

Mejias and Nassau lawmakers poised to scrutinize Coliseum development plan

Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa), vice chair of the Legislature’s Planning, Development and Environment Committee, joined by Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), chair of the Legislature’s Planning, Development and Environment Committee, Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (Woodbury), and fellow Nassau Lawmakers, is poised to begin the review process for the proposed Coliseum development project. The memorandum of understanding between the county and developers Charles Wang and Scott Rechler was filed with the county clerk’s office last week.

“This will begin the review process for Nassau County’s most valuable parcel of land,” said Legislator Mejias. “How we proceed will influence the future of this county and fashion the footprint for the most important development project in Nassau.”

The legislature’s Planning, Development & Environment Committee will hold three hearings:

June 8 – 7 p.m. – Wang/Rechler

June 13 – 7 p.m. - Administration

June 16 – 10 a.m. – Eric Naughton and wrap up

The first hearing, scheduled for June 8 at 7 p.m. will be presented by Charles Wang and Scott Rechler of the Lighthouse Group; June 13, 7 p.m., will be a presentation by the administration; and June 16, 10 a.m., will focus on the  financial and economic impact of the proposed plan.

Among the highlights of the Lighthouse Development Group’s $1.6 billion proposal are: a $200 million renovation of the Nassau Coliseum; a commitment from the Islanders NHL team to stay until 2025; a canal lined with retail shops and mixed-use residential-commercial development; the creation of a pedestrian-friendly ‘Nassau Centre;’ an investment in a transportation system; the construction of a minor-league baseball stadium and the development of next generation housing. The project is expected to generate approximately $160 million in net new taxes through 2025.