Wang: Islanders to stay in Nassau until at least 2015

Fans of the New York Islanders can rest a little easier.

During a media session on Tuesday at Nassau Coliseum, Islanders owner Charles Wang told reporters that he has no plans to move before his team’s lease with the county ends in 2015. Speculation that the team would move to another city grew when the Town of Hempstead did not accept Wang and co-developer Scott Rechler’s original plans for the Lighthouse project, to redevelop the land surrounding the aging Coliseum.

"We have a lease until 2015," Wang said. "We are going to be here until 2015. We will pursue options. We would certainly love to entertain whatever the county or [Hempstead Town Supervisor] Kate Murray proposes. Our main focus is the hockey season.

Once again, there appears to be a stalemate. In July, the Town of Hempstead presented its guidelines for a mixed-use development on the Nassau Coliseum property. Wang, as well as county executive Edward Mangano, said at the time that the town plan did not appear to be "economically viable." Wang echoed that opinion on Tuesday.

"I don’t think it’s economically viable," Wang said. "Again, at this time we continue to pursue whatever options are available to us." 

Murray and her colleagues on the town board have said their blueprint, developed by Frederick P. Clarke Associates, includes a mixed-used development that "preserves the suburban character" of the community and those that surround it, including East Meadow. 

Wang said he has not spoken to Murray since the town unveiled its plans in July. 

For continuing coverage of the Lighthouse project and the future of the Nassau Coliseum, remember to visit LIHerald.com/eastmeadow.