Business Group Endorses HUB Plan And Outlines Vision For Future Of Mitchel Field

 Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined today by the Vision Long Island Board and its Executive Director Eric Alexander as they endorsed the County Executive’s plans for a first-class sports-entertainment destination center at Nassau’s Hub. A proponent of redevelopment at the site, the organization unveiled their vision for the future of Mitchel Field which includes housing and commercial office space at this historical former Air Force base. The group was a strong supporter of the former Lighthouse project and sees the County Executives plan as a critical step towards the proper redevelopment of the area.

"This project is a pragmatic first step towards the future redevelopment of the Nassau HUB,” said Vision Long Island President Eric Alexander. "This will be one of the largest construction projects on Long Island asthe construction of a new sports-entertainment arena and ballpark will create over 3,000 new jobs at a time when our residents need them the most. Once these seeds for redevelopment of the property have been planted, Vision Long Island, in partnership with local community leaders and businesses, wants to see future phases including mixed use development with housing, retail, office space and other amenities"

Nassau County’s lease agreement with the arena operator maintains the County’s development rights. As such, the Nassau County Office of Economic Development is currently accepting development proposals for the property.

“Before we can develop the property surrounding Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, we must build a new sports-entertainment arena and ballpark,” said County Executive Mangano. “The support of Vision Long Island shows just how significant the redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum is to our residents and businesses. The creation of a sports-entertainment destination will provide affordable family-entertainment for our residents, generate much needed revenue for our local businesses and help put our residents back to work.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary since Nassau County took over ownership of Mitchel Field Air Force Base that was named after the former New York City Mayor John Purroy Mitchel. Mayor Mitchelwas killed while training for the Air Service in Louisiana. The property now includes two colleges, a museum and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. During the American Civil War it was the location of Camp Winfield Scott.