The Long Island Press reports a source claims NY Islanders owner Charles Wang has walked away from his ambitious Lighthouse Project, his attempt at getting the township of Hempstead to aid in financing the construction give him zoning approval for a new arena complex.
Newsday however reports of silence from the Islanders organization regarding the project, and cited a source close to the project developer that the deal might not be dead.
Although recent polls indicate a majority of Long Islanders support the project the town has been dragging its feet for some time in green-lighting the project, which has also resulted in contentious negotiations between the Wang group and the town.
It remains to be seen if the project is dead but Wang has not been shy over his intentions should it fall through, previously noting he'd explore all options for his club, including relocation.
Should Wang be forced to choose the last option it would bring to an end over thirty-five years of NHL hockey on Long Island, during which the Islanders have enjoyed the high of a four-year dynasty in the early 1980s as Stanley Cup champions as well as over two decades mired in mediocrity which has tested their fans faith in the management and ownership of the franchise.
Possible relocation destinations include Brooklyn, NY, where a group has expressed interest in the team, or Kansas City, where an NHL venue owned by the Anschutz Entertainment Group - which also owns the LA Kings - sits waiting for an NHL team.
It would indeed be a shame if the Isles left Long Island but one can't put much fault on Wang, who has tried for years to get a new venue built for his club and has been losing money for years in the process.
**UPDATE** Wang told Newsday today there was no truth to the Long Island Press report, calling it "bogus" while saying he hasn't abandoned the Lighthouse Project.
Wang said he's still waiting for Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray to give a "yes or no" answer on the project.
The Long Island Press meanwhile stood by their story, claiming their source was solid.