Plainview Voters Turn Out on Coliseum

Voters who came to Howard B. Mattline Middle School Monday differed in their views of the plan to build a new Nassau Coliseum. And most weren't shy about expressing them.

At issue was the ballot referendum asking residents to decide whether a $400 million sports-entertainment complex will be built at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, as well as a minor league ballpark.

A man who gave his name only as Robert expressed opposition to the plan, and a strong dislike for Islanders owner Charles Wang, calling him "an awful person." If the Islanders were to leave should the plan be rejected, Robert said, "I couldn't care less."

But George Chihlas supports the plan. "I'm a diehard Islanders fan and know that a lot of big acts are avoiding the Coliseum" because of its dilapidated condition, he said. "I know it would be a lot more attractive to players, who'd want to come to the coliseum."

Several people on either side of the issue expressed concerns about the eventual cost of the project.

"Once politics gets involved, it's a mess," said a man who simply went by the name Chuck. "We could have had it for nothing, until the politicians got involved."

"We're hoping it goes through," Marty Adler said. "I hope they're not lying to us about it, minimizing the cost."

Some saw the plan as a way to sustain Long Island. Selma, who didn't want to give her last name, said, "Nassau County needs to move ahead with a new coliseum. It's important to create jobs and revitalize and bring new business."