By MIKE CAPUTO
Paterson, who grew up in Hempstead, returned to his home county on Monday to vouch support for the $4 billion project, which would develop 150 acres that surround the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, an area known as the Hub.
The massive project, led by co-developers Charles Wang and Scott Rechler, includes a renovated Coliseum, a new convention center, a five-star hotel, residential units and space for offices, retail and restaurants. The developers are awaiting final approval from the Town of Hempstead, which oversees the environmental impact studies and the zoning requests related to the project.
Speaking outside the Coliseum Monday morning, the governor touted the Lighthouse's potential for expanding the county's work force and generating additional tax revenue for local government. "We are going to have to have a sustainable economic development that not only keeps jobs but creates new jobs, and that is what we're doing here today," Paterson said. "The Lighthouse corporation is embarking on what is probably the most significant economic development initiative to be seen on Long Island for a long period of time."
Joining the governor in support of the project on Monday were U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), whose district includes East Meadow and Salisbury; County Executive Tom Suozzi; and several other local government, business and civic leaders.
McCarthy emphasized the importance of the tax revenue and jobs the development is expected to generate. "In the long run, it will be the communities who will win," she said.
The project, which is expected to generate millions of dollars in additional tax revenue for the county, would create about 75,000 construction jobs and, when completed, 19,000 permanent jobs.
Wang, who owns the Islanders, has asked the Town of Hempstead to give him a final answer on the project by Oct. 3, the start of the hockey season. There was speculation about Wang's intentions recently when the Islanders scheduled a September preseason game in Kansas City, a city looking to host a professional hockey team in its new arena.
Wang, a longtime local business leader, has vowed to keep the Islanders on Long Island, but has said that he will explore all options if the Lighthouse project fails or its future remains uncertain after Oct. 3.
Paterson said he would help in any way to ensure a smooth process if the project is approved and gets under way.
The Hempstead town council, which has zoning authority over the property and is responsible for overseeing the approval process for the project's environmental studies, opened the public comment period on July 7.
A public session is scheduled for Tuesday at the John Cranford Playhouse on the south campus of Hofstra University. At that meeting, state and local transportation and health departments will weigh in on the project. Individuals are also encouraged to appear and offer their input.
The public comment period began when the town council deemed the 6,500-page Draft Generic Environmental Statement "ready for public review on July 7."
Richard Bivone, an East Meadow business leader and former president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, explained that the project's benefits will be felt not only in the communities surrounding the Hub, but across the county. "We are developing a property that is long overdue," Bivone said. "The elected officials look to make sure the environmental side is well protected and that all questions are answered prior to approval."
Chris Primosch, who grew up in Hicksville and lives in Lynbrook, is an Islanders fan, but she said the Lighthouse proposal means "more than just the team." Primosch, 35, said she is the only one of her group of friends who still lives in Nassau County.
"I have to work counties away in Manhattan, and it would be nice to have something here where I grew up," she said. "I would love to be able to work in Nassau County, but there is nothing here for me."
As a hockey fan and a regular at Coliseum concerts, Primosch has spent many evenings at the aging arena, which is often criticized for its outdated appearance. She remembered one musician saying on stage that he would never want to perform there again. "Every other venue has improved, and ours hasn't," she said.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray is reserving judgment on the project until she and the council reach a decision. She has said, however, that the project's size and significance compelled her to expedite a state-mandated environmental process that can sometimes take years.
"We all know that something needs to be built here at the Hub," Murray said. "Our challenge as town board members is to make sure all reviews are thorough and completed and done well. When all is said and done, our decision will affect our children and grandchildren for years to come."
In the three and a half weeks since public comment began, the town has received about 160 responses - less than expected, an official said.
People who are unable to attend the public hearing can still submit their comments, for the record, until Aug. 17. Comments can be mailed to Town of Hempstead, Lighthouse Project Public Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, N.Y. 11550, or e-mailed to LighthouseComment @tohmail.org.
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
