Arena: Nassau Looks Into Belmont; Wang Does Not Submit Willets Point Bid

Recently, two bits of news regarding the Islanders future were reported in various publications. First, Crain's New York Business news reported that despite Queens officials best efforts, Charles Wang decided not to submit a big for Phase I of the oft-talked about Willets Point project.

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CH: Obviously, this is extremely disappointing. When Charles Wang announced he was going to explore all of his options, a lot of people assumed this project would be at the top of the list. Clearly, that is not the case - despite the public invitations from Queens officials. That said, it does not spark the end of the Islanders in Queens speculation. There is still an opportunity to build an arena next to CitiField, for the time being. If the Wilpons win the bid for the Willets Point project, they may have more capital to help make Flushing Meadows more than just a seasonal destination. If all the pieces of the puzzle come together, there is still a chance. But as of now, it's not a big one at all.

AT: Definitely disappointed at the lack of action here. Queens was a very viable destination, and while as Carey said it's not all said and done there, this is a pretty big indication that Queens isn't the highest of priorities for Charles Wang. At this point, especially with a place like Queens, it's all just a game of wait and see.

A new opportunity in Nassau County came about recently, as a report from Newsday states that a new arena may be targeted in Belmont, to coincide with the proposed Shinnecock casino next to the Belmont Raceway.

CH: This could be the perfect storm that gets everything done. Yeah, I know how that sounds - here we go again. To be honest, I agree with that sentiment. The reality is that no one wants to discuss this topic anymore. We're all sick of it. But an arena at Belmont Park benefits everyone. There is an LIRR station there, it's right off the Cross Island Expressway and the Southern State Parkway. It's easily accessible and is a prime location still in Nassau County. Obviously, more details will have to come about before this gains any real traction. But there is at least hope, and that is important at this stage.

AT: Although Belmont would be a longer commute for myself and other Suffolk County residents, the LIRR stop right there would be a huge positive and would save us all a lot of gas. Belmont could become a new "HUB" so to speak, having a race track, a casino, and an arena all in one major area. Now that is something that could really be the lynchpin in bringing in an enormous amount of tax dollars back to Nassau County.