FAQ

What is the status of the Lighthouse Project?

On July 7, 2009 the Town of Hempstead announced the completeness of the Lighthouse Development Group's Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement. This administrative action officially opened the public comment period and a public hearing was scheduled for August 4, 2009. The public comment period closed on August 17, 2009. The Town of Hempstead must now issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement and announce zoning hearing.

The Lighthouse Development Group also continues to simultaneously work with Nassau County on a lease agreement

Why is the Lighthouse project needed for Long Island?

The Lighthouse will create a destination on Long Island and create countless opportunities in an array of areas. Further, Long Island is in dire need of retaining young professionals, and the Lighthouse will help create new jobs and careers. The Lighthouse will generate $71 million annually in tax revenue, a variety of housing options for all Long Islanders, 75,000 construction and related jobs, and 19,000 permanent jobs. The time for Long Island to start experiencing the benefits of the Lighthouse is now

How can I support the Lighthouse?

The best way to show your support is to write your elected officials. Please Click Here to visit the Support the Lighthouse section on our website where you can generate a support letter.

How much will the Lighthouse project cost Nassau County, and how will it affect the County's budget?

Nassau County will not be providing any financial support for this project. Currently, the County loses $1.5 million on the Coliseum and has no money in its budget to improve the Coliseum or the surrounding area. However, the Lighthouse will help the County's budget, creating a profit from the lease of the Coliseum and generating millions in incremental tax revenues, putting the Coliseum back on County tax rolls.

How much does the current Coliseum cost Nassau Country each year?

The current Coliseum operations cost Nassau Country approximately $1.5 million per year. Under the proposed lease agreement, a $3 million net gain will generate income for the Country for the first time in many years. Economic studies are being prepared to determine the final impact of the overall project.

Will the Lighthouse project benefit local taxpayers?

How old is the Coliseum?

The Coliseum opened in 1972, and was originally built for 12,900 people. Today the building services over 16,000 people, but has never had any significant improvements to the infrastructure since opening day.

Why aren't there more events at the Coliseum?

The Coliseum's outdated facilities are inadequate for many of today's acts, which rely on modern infrastructure and facilities. Fans often complain that the tight concourse, lack of restrooms and unappealing food choices do not produce the entertainment experience of modern arenas. The proposed improvements will make the arena significantly more attractive to performers, fans and visitors.

What is going to be done to the Coliseum?

A transformed Coliseum will provide a world-class venue to attract top acts, while providing the richest fan experience. Expanded and additional concourses will offer a variety of concessions and restaurants, all new restrooms, larger seats, and VIP suites. These amenities, never available before, will enhance the overall experience for 17,500 fans for hockey, 18,500 for basketball and 20,000 for concerts, giving Long Islanders the first-class sports and entertainment venue they deserve.

What is the build-out time for the project?

The first phase of the project will include the transformation of the Coliseum and the project's infrastructure. It is expected that the Coliseum construction will take two years. The total project will be completed in 8-10 years.

Will the approval of the Lighthouse project ensure that the Islanders will not move?

As part of the proposal submitted the Nassau County Legislature, the New York Islanders would extend their current lease agreement at the Coliseum until 2025. The Islanders are Long Island's only major league professional sports team.

How many jobs will the Lighthouse project create?

Approximately 75,000 construction and construction related jobs will be created during the 8-to-10 year build-out. In addition, many new businesses will be formed to support and service the Lighthouse project, creating many more opportunities for the Long Island workforce. By the completion of the project, approximately 19,000 permanent jobs will be created both on and off the site.

What kind of residential housing will there be at the Lighthouse?

The Lighthouse will include a variety of different housing options from lofts to luxury including, Market, below-market and rentals. Young professionals, families, and empty nesters will all find a home at the Lighthouse. Landscaped roof gardens and decks will mask below-grade parking, making the Lighthouse green as any manicured suburb.

What type of entertainment and recreational activities will be at the Lighthouse?

Seasonal activities will be presented at the Lighthouse's central landscaped park, Celebration Plaza where Ice skating, super screen TV's, concerts, movies, live theater and art exhibitions will provide families and groups with entertainment choices. The transformed Coliseum will attract the top acts from around the world as well as be a home for the New York Islanders. The Lighthouse Cinema, with first-run movies, festivals, and live performances, is yet another attraction. A minor league ball park will provide Nassau County with a home for baseball.

What is the Sports Technology Center?

The Sports Technology Center will be a force in attracting and growing new companies as well as creating the jobs and careers Long Islanders need and want. The Center will give Long Island the distinction of being the global center of this rising industry, which focuses on sports medicine, media, and equipment technology. This fusion of industries will create exciting new business opportunities and the surrounding class-A office space will serve as an incubator for accommodating the growth of start-up and mature companies.

What is the Sports Complex?

The Sports Complex will be the region's preferred sports and entertainment facility. It will house four sheets of ice for local teams and clubs and be capable of hosting regional and national events. It will also become the official practice facility for the New York Islanders. This progressive facility will be the largest, most comprehensive public athletic complex on Long Island and will include basketball courts and a state-of-the-art heath club. Further, the complex will have the ability to host special occasions and events, including entertainment options such as laser tag, bowling, indoor tennis, volleyball and miniature golf.

What do local community groups think of the Lighthouse?

After meeting with over 190 community groups and thousands of Long Islanders over the past two years, there has been a tremendous amount of support for the project. To see comprehensive list of who the Lighthouse Development Group has met with, visit the Community page. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your community group, please contact Katrina Doell at (516) 414-5800

Will there be hotels at the Lighthouse?

Long Island's first 5-star hotel will be at the Lighthouse and will be fully complemented with the amenities of a 5-star hotel such as exquisite dining options and spa treatments. The Long Island Marriott, which currently is the top hotel on Long Island, is currently undergoing a $40 million capital improvement in anticipation of the project.

How will the Lighthouse project affect the environment?

The Lighthouse project will be developed with the latest principles in sustainable and green-design technology. Once completed, the site will be transformed from 77 acres of asphalt, to acres of pedestrian-friendly public and open space. Our buildings will feature the latest green technologies which may include geothermal, gray-water systems, solar energy, wind power and green roofs.

Click here to see the Ligthouse Developmnet Group's 6,500 page Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement.

How do I sign up for Islanders season tickets or learn about sponsorship opportunities at the new Coliseum?

Contact the Islanders at www.newyorkislanders.com or call 516-501-6700.

Where can I get more information about the Lighthouse?

Information is frequently updated right here at www.lighthouseli.com. You can also find more information at the official blog of the Lighthouse Development Group, The Light Post. (lighthouseliblog.blogspot.com), join the "I support the Lighthouse at Long Island" group page on Facebook, or follow the Lighthouse on Twitter @Lighthouse_LI.