Wang Starts Lobbying Pols On Nassau Coliseum Renovation Plan

County Officials Call Wang’s Plan “Wonderful Concept”

Islanders co-Owner Charles Wang “made his way through the offices of Nassau [County] lawmakers Tuesday to fill them in on his plans to upgrade” Nassau Coliseum and build a 60-story hotel-condo tower, according to Monte Young of NEWSDAY, who noted county officials “expressed excitement and caution over his ambitious plan.” Minority Leader Rep. Peter Schmitt said, “It's a wonderful concept. He's got a long way to go. He has to build community consensus and there's zoning issues with the town.” Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs added, “The economic potential for Long Island is great, but there’s a lot of time between a dream and reality. He’s got some work to do.” Schmitt said that the renovations to the arena “would be financed through the county Industrial Development Agency, which would result in state and local tax exemptions for Wang.” Schmitt also noted that the state would provide “some financial assistance,” for the renovations. Jacobs said that the county would “give up 77 acres of land that surrounds the Coliseum, but that it would not provide any county funds.” Both lawmakers noted that Wang would need to use private funds for phase two of his plan, which includes the construction of the 60-story, “Great Lighthouse” structure (NEWSDAY, 9/29).