Residents React to Coliseum Plan

Nassau County residents are hitting the polls today to vote on the

New York Islanders owner Charles Wang has worked with Nassau County in recent months to form a redevelopment plan that will keep the New York Islanders here for another 30 years. If not approved, the NHL team has stated they will relocate.

Dennis Brown, General Manager of on Main Street in Farmingdale, says the taxpayers should not be responsible for funding this.

"Personally, I think the taxes in Nassau County are high enough as it is," Brown said. "People are leaving and paying a fraction of the taxes elsewhere. I think there are other things that could stimulate the economy without the public paying."

The redevelopment plan includes a brand new sports arena to replace the aged Nassau Coliseum, along with a new minor league ballpark. County officials believe the plan is necessary for the future of Nassau, but many residents have voiced concerns regarding public funding.

Gina Ribando, 24, lives in Farmingdale but works as a bartender in nearby East Meadow. Ribando thinks that if the coliseum plan does not go through, local businesses like hers may be impacted in a negative way.

"Taxpayers pay for enough as it is, and shouldn't be expected to pay for this," Ribando said. "The new job opportunities that will come out of the rebuilding are definitely a good thing, and I think local restaurants will suffer if the Islanders leave."

On Main Street in Farmingdale, residents said they supported the plan.

"I think the new arena is a good thing," said Luke Scotton outside of the . "It will provide construction jobs and permanent jobs, and I think a new arena and ballpark will spice up the neighborhood."

Brandon Hughes, 31, said he would vote yes in the vote today, arguing that Nassau County cannot afford to lose their NHL team and the coliseum.

"This is going to be really great for us," Hughes said. "Of course, I don't like that taxpayers have to pay but it has to happen. If we want to do something to help the local economy, we have to put into it."

"The construction will bring back jobs, the new ballpark will bring new jobs and the new arena will bring new artists," he added.

According to the Nassau County Board of Elections website, polling places will remain open until 9 p.m. Farmingdale residents are instructed to vote at their usual polling locations for the general election.