Nassau Officials to Vote Monday on Coliseum Improvements

John Mitty Sunday, September 22, 2013

Tomorrow, officials in Nassau county will be voting on a deal which could be a massive economic boon to the region.  The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum could be transformed into a multi-purpose entertainment venue housing a number of retail businesses, rinks for ice skating, a bowling alley, a theater, and more.  Once renovated, the Coliseum could host college and minor league sporting competitions as well as boxing events.  It may also become home to a new minor league hockey team if one can be found.  The Islanders recently opted to move to Barclays Center as their new home, though they will still play six games a year at their old home to honor their contract until it is void in two years.

The developer for the plan would be Bruce Ratner, and the development plan would be tax free.  While the project itself would generate construction jobs, and the new entertainment venue would create jobs in the retail and food industries, there is still some financial uncertainty attached to it since there is not currently a minor league hockey team to call the Coliseum home.  That would mean the renovated complex would need to find other ways to generate the $4.4 million a year that it will need for its survival.   

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

Appears In: Business News

 

 

• Business News
• Education
• Entertainment
• Jobs & Careers
• Local Events
• Local Steals, Deals & More
• Press Releases
• Restaurants & Food
• Sports & Recreation

Columnists John M.   Show all Columnists