North American Youth Congress 2007

Life In A Bubble, Can The New York Islanders Be Saved?

As you have likely heard, the residents of Nassau County have rejected the $400 million new arena proposal designed to keep the storied New York Islanders on Long Island.

Perplexed or simply disappointed, there are many within the global hockey community asking how could something like this occur within what has long been considered a solid market for the NHL? Do the club owners read the newspapers or not listen to the Commissioner and his staff? Are they living in a bubble, ignorant of the outside world around them?

Like or dislike Commissioner Gary Bettman it goes without saying that he is a very astute man. He has done more for the promotion of hockey and the advancement of diversity in hockey in America then all of his predecessors combined. He has attempted to give professional hockey a far-reaching fan base. We may not always agree with his attitude or way of handling certain avenues of intent but he has to answer to thirty owners and they are not all what we would call exactly easy to live with. He most certainly did not want to see the Atlanta Thrashers disappear from the USA to Canadian soil nor does he want to see the New York Islanders receive the same plane trip. That said, it is beginning to look like a very high possibility and before the lease expiration date of 2015 put forth by owner Mr. Charles Wang.




The taxpayers of Nassau County were forced to put out two million dollars for a referendum. In a region where property taxes are the highest in the nation (approximately $11,000 per year per household) and the economic downturn has devastated the middle class (1 in 10 Nassau County residents now rely on food banks to feed their families), the idea that a billionaire developer, Charles Wang, would only pay for the referendum "if he won" was a public relations disaster that showed the disconnect between the team ownership and the Nassau residents asked to support the team. Whomever suggested such a strategic move surely was an idiot or asleep for the past four years as the economy tanked and the most vicious recession, since the Great Depression, took root.

A simple drive two-miles northeast of the current Nassau Coliseum reveals much. Years ago, this area was proudly referred to as "Islanders Country." Since 2007, within a two-mile radius, more than 120 businesses (mostly small family-owned stores) have closed, their business fronts sitting empty.

East NY (City) Farms! » Small Farms Program

Entering its 7th season, East NY Farms! is one of New York City’s first community operated farmers’ markets. Located in East New York,Brooklyn, the market is open every Saturday from June through November.  Residents no longer have to travel out of the neighborhood just to get farm fresh produce.  In fact, on a typical Saturday, collards and callaloo grown within walking distance are found on tables next to fruits and vegetables grown by regional farmers, all freshly picked, all improving the health, economy and spirit of a neighborhood.

The W. Rogowski Farm is 1 of 4 participating farmers at E NY Farms! market. Cheryl Ann Rogowski won the MacArthur Foundation “Genius Award” in recognition of her contributions to family farming as a commercial enterprise and catalyst in community development. The Rogowski’s contributions are well represented in many farm market and CSA efforts in NYC.

This market offers local residents the opportunity to be “in business,” and you can buy foods grown, foods cooked, and products made by East New Yorkers, while shopping to live entertainment!  You also get to speak with real friendly farmers, and of course visitors such as politicians, community developers, and others who see this market as a winning model in a strengthening neighborhood.

“The goal of the East NY Farms! project is to organize youth and adult residents to address food issues in their community by promoting local and regional sustainable agriculture and community-based economic development.”

Current partners take this mission very seriously and work hard at increasing this market’s impact in all of New York City. Partners include Cornell Cooperative Extension, Local Development Corporation of East New York, United Community Centers, andPratt Institute Center for Community Economic Development – along with a very committed and growing body of community resident volunteers, and a working body of employed neighborhood youth.

In 2004, the market grew 7%, with overall total sales of $89,150, purchased by 11,570 customers.  The market supports four New York State farmers, whose sales account for most of this figure.  This past year, sales of produce grown “in the neighborhood” were almost double, up to $9,294.  The total number of local urban growers was 22, up from 18 in 2003, and 7 were new to the market.  Another benchmark of success is with the individual neighborhood growers, four of whom significantly expanded their “farm” business.

Congressional Record, V, 153, Part 7, April 18, 2007 to April 26, 2007

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