UNIONDALE, New York (AP) — The likelihood of the New York Islanders relocating to another city increased Monday when voters in Long Island rejected a referendum to borrow $400 million to fund a new arena for the NHL team.
With about 71 percent of the vote counted, unofficial returns from the Nassau County Board of Elections showed no votes outstripped yes votes by 57-to-42 percent on a proposal to use public funds to build a new hockey arena and minor-league baseball park.
Supporters of the referendum called it a last-ditch effort to keep the Islanders playing in the Nassau Coliseum. The team's lease expires in 2015 and the team's owner, Charles Wang, has hinted he may have to move the team from Long Island unless a new facility is built to replace the 39-year-old building.
He made no predictions about the future in brief comments before hockey fans and supporters at a gathering at the coliseum after the vote. "I'm disappointed, I'm heartbroken," the millionaire founder of software maker Computer Associates said. He promised the team would remain on Long Island until the lease expires.
Proponents, including labor unions, tourism officials and many business groups, supported the construction project, citing the new jobs it would bring to the community just east of New York City.
Voters were clearly concerned, however, with the prospect of higher taxes to pay off the borrowed amount plus interest.
"If it was so good why didn't the owner pay for it himself?" said Mary Beth Molloy after voting no.
Anita Abbenda said she voted no "because the taxes are high enough."
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