If you read the NY Times or today's Newsday, maybe you noticed the article about NY City's County approving a permit that will allow Madison Square Garden to operate in it's one BILLION dollar renovated arena for 10 years instead of FOREVER.
The vote was 47 - 1, so there was no split decision here. Mayor Bloomberg was hoping for a 15 year stay, but the Council voted and approved only a 10 year deal. Then, they'll either have to move or file for all new operating permit.
Absent from the Newsday article is how much of the City freebies MSG stands to loose in the long run. But interesting that with all this going down in NYC, Master Developer Don Monti has publically backed the MSG plan for the redevelopment of the Nassau Hub over the Ratner plan.
Coincidence? I think not.
Of course MSG and the Dolan Empire want the Nassau Hub property, for many reasons, but this relocation must surely play a part. Ten years passes quickly, very quickly. Just ask Charles Wang about that. So expect that Uniondale will become home of Rangers Long Island in the very, very near future.
Regarding the poll from a few days ago, a full 49% of those polled said they would boycott an MSG Brand arena in Uniondale. Ten percent were basically undecided. But still, 49% is a lot. perhaps Mr. Mangano should take that into consideration when making his decision. (but he won't.)
Money talks on Long Island, it always has. And while the Dolan family are very charitable, they are also very controlling over so much that goes on here. A friend of mine said "This is really the Isle of Dolan -- we just get to live here."
From our daily paper, to our news channel, to what we're allowed to have as channels on our TV to our entertainment venue and our Sports, it all has that MSG brand on it.
Sideboard: Kyle Okposo is working out this summer with John Tavares. Plan on him being a beast on the ice come September.
Also, the next Islander doing signings will be Brian Strait at the team store. Try to contain your enthusiasm.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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