(Editor’s note: This letter is in response to NC Coliseum Plan: Taxpayers Should Fund $400 Million New Arena? Submitted by the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale (CCAF) Board of Directors that appeared in the Farmingdale Observer on Friday, July 15, 2011.)
Aside from the above letter having many factual errors, they oppose government involvement in a private enterprise (NY Islanders) in one paragraph; yet promote government involvement in developing new companies, careers and housing in the next paragraph (all private sector responsibilities.)
Their comment regarding the taxpayers “footing the bill” is also disingenuous and is not supported by the facts as previously reported in this paper and countless other publications. Furthermore, the New York Islanders are not the sole users of the Coliseum. There are many, many other events at the Coliseum aside from the New York Islanders.
In addition, Charles Wang had offered to privately fund a complete refurbishment of the coliseum at a cost of $350 million but Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead Board killed the project because it included “too much” other development.
CCAF should note that Charles Wang’s other development included funding for new companies, careers and housing (all private sector responsibilities). Also, the New York Islanders have privately funded many coliseum upgrades over the years that all coliseum events have benefited from. And last but not least, when all is said and done, Nassau County, its taxpayers and area businesses will all profit financially from this endeavor as well as having a world-class sports and entertainment destination in the heart of Nassau County.
All Nassau County residents should come together to support this project or Kate Murray’s failure in the Nassau Hub will become Nassau County’s failure for generations to come! I implore all to vote yes on August 1st!
Joe Mazzotta, Farmingdale
