Islanders a step closer to staying on Long Island?

June 16, 10:52 PMNew York Islanders ExaminerLee Forman

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It seemed only fitting that the first New York Islanders article published here on the Long Island Examiner edition be a positive one for such a hapless organization.  After months of stagnant movement in regards to securing a new arena here on Long Island, a small step forward was finally made.  Hearing Rangers cronies chant 'Kansas City' made long time Islanders fans cringe at the thought and the possibility that the team could be gone before too long.  Finally a shred of news has come to light that says Long Island will not lose their only major professional sports team without a fight.

Islanders owner and Lighthouse Project visionary Charles Wang had his first productive meeting with Nassau County officials in well over a year.  County Executive Thomas Suozzi and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray sat down with Wang and were able to make some progress.  According to the report, a potential time-line has been established for the massive project that would keep the Islanders right here in Nassau County.

The first important date Islanders fans need to circle (aside from the 1st round of the NHL draft on June 26th) is July 7th.  On that date the project developers will provide an environmental impact statement for the town's approval.  As per the projected time-line, the completion of this part of the process could be expected to be finalized on October 3rd.  If all goes according to plan, Wang hopes to break ground on the historical and overdue project following next season.

This has been the first positive step for keeping the organization where it was born.  Many are aware of the exhibition game scheduled to be played in Kansas City in the preseason and all the conjecture that has gone along with it.  There have even been grumblings of Queens officials being interested in bring the franchise to the Willet's Point area right near brand new Citi Field.  For at least one moment, the thought of the team staying right here seems to be possible. 

For more info: Jim Baumbach's article

For more info: John Jeansonne's article