Islanders, Suffolk go for brokering
Static situation with Nassau has Charles Wang, the NHL team's owner, eyeing possible options to the east


BY CHAU LAM AND MARK HARRINGTON
STAFF WRITERS

January 27, 2006

Talks of moving the New York Islanders across the county line to Suffolk are heating up, with the parties agreeing in writing to explore the relocation, said two people involved with the negotiations.

A written commitment, called a memorandum of understanding, calls for "exploring plans, direction and an agreement" to locate the hockey team in Suffolk, said Bob Venero, a member of Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's Economic Development Committee and a confidant of Islanders owner Charles Wang, who is brokering some discussions.

"We're beyond meetings at this point and into strategic planning and development," said Venero, who is also president of Future Tech Enterprise.

Sources familiar with the plans said Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center in Brentwood is among two sites being explored.

Wang couldn't be reached yesterday for comment and Levy would neither confirm nor deny that the county is signing any commitment with the Islanders.

"As this long process with Nassau continues, we would be foolish not to begin to explore alternatives. Suffolk County is a real and viable option for the Islanders and our fans across Long Island," said Chris Botta, Islanders vice president for communication.

Billionaire businessman Wang proposed renovating Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and building a sports technology center, conference facility and other buildings on the surrounding 77 county-owned acres in central Nassau.

After pressure from Nassau legislators, the project, which Wang proposed developing primarily himself, was put out for a 45-day bidding process.

Sometime in the middle of 2005, Wang approached Suffolk to gauge the level of interest. Wang met with Levy several times in 2005, Levy said. The latest meeting took place days before Christmas.

"We're not poking our nose in Nassau's business. But if things fall apart there, we would consider it," Levy said yesterday.

The intensified discussions are the result of the Islanders' "frustration with Nassau County," Venero said.

Asked how serious the discussions were, Venero said. "Do I think it's a reality? Yes, it is. It's very close ... I believe the people of Suffolk County will do this faster."

In the meantime, Lisa Tyson, director for the Long Island Progressive Coalition, said that she'd prefer the team stay in Nassau.