New plans for Nassau Coliseum

Oyster Bay commissioner Fred Ippolito said a committee was formed just weeks after Nassau County residents rejected a $400 million overhaul. Public figures, elected officials and businessmen came together to develop a new plan for Nassau Coliseum and the 77 surrounding acres.

Ippolito and his team designed the new coliseum in less than two weeks. The $346 million project would raise the roof of the existing coliseum, increase the seating anywhere from 16,000 to 21,000 and modernize the exterior. Additionally, the cost would fund a new parking garage, a mall and a minor-league stadium.

“The idea for a baseball stadium is extremely popular and in demand,” said Ippolito.

Architect Angelo Francis Corva of West Hempstead said the new plan would also include an ice rink, a baseball practice facility and 6,800 additional parking spaces. There would still be 19.2 and 4.9 acres of land available for future development.

“Corva has lots of experience with the county and towns and I thought he would be an asset to my project,” said Ippolito.

Corva said the plan would not be funded by tax money from Nassau County residents. It would be completely funded by private investors. Ippolito was not ready to release the names of potential investors but said, “Eight or nine major companies have expressed significant interest.”

East Meadow residents are not asking for anything special. They just want the project completed as soon as possible.

“Just fix the place and call it a day,” said April Petters-Mcmanus on a Facebook post. “Let’s try to keep our Islanders home.”

“We just need a new coliseum. This should have been done years ago,” added Lisa Dellaccio. “Everyone tries to dream big and then nothing gets done.”

Ippolito said the plan was well accepted by those in attendance at the meeting and the next step is to present the idea to county executive Edward Mangano. “I don’t want to stimulate any good or bad feelings so we won’t present the plan until after the election,” he said.