Nassau Coliseum bidders team up

Syosset’s Ed Blumenfeld to join Forest City Ratner on development

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The Blumenfeld Development Group has joined Forest City Ratner Companies in their pursuit to redevelop the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.

On July 9, County Executive Ed Mangano chose Forest City Ratner and the Madison Square Garden Company as the two finalists for the bid, after he issued a Request For Proposals last March. The decision eliminated Syosset-based Blumenfeld Development — led by president Ed Blumenfeld — who also placed a bid, from contention. Bayville-based New York Sports and Entertainment was the fourth bidder.

According to a county spokesman, Mangano’s Business Advisory Council has presented contracts to both MSG and Forest City Ratner. The two companies requested a deadline extension to finalize their contracts.

Mangano, with his business council, will then evaluate the final offers and present one contract to the Legislature for approval. A decision is expected to be made in mid-August.

According to a spokesman from Forest City Ratner, the company’s proposal will not change — Blumenfeld will serve as a consultant, aiding development with retail and restaurants around the 77-acre site.

Blumenfeld and Bruce Ratner have partnered before, developing the East River Plaza in Manhattan, according to Ratner. “Ed and his company bring decades of Long Island development experience and will have a great impact on the retail component of our proposal,” Ratner said. “We’re thrilled to have Ed join our formidable partnership group, which shares a vision to deliver a re-imagined Nassau Coliseum and a premier entertainment and retail center that Long Islanders deserve.”

Forest City Ratner's other partners include SHoP Architects, Live Nation, Roc Nation, Legends and Guggenheim Partners.

The company's proposal would bring the New York Islanders to the arena for six games per year, while also holding Nets practices, boxing, lacrosse, arena football, college basketball and minor league hockey.

The County Legislature is expected to hold a public input session prior to its decision, according to a county spokesman.

The Blumenfeld Development Group did not respond to a request for comment.