June 8th, 2011, By Dana Haugh
The bulb in Project Lighthouse has experienced quite a few sparks since its original proposal a few years ago, but it looks as though the fire that once kept the idea alive is slowing burning out. Most recently, Nassau County exces and the Islanders announced that residents would hold a vote for taxpayer funding. The vote is set for August 1 of this year, but this exorbitant project seems to be the last thing on taxpayer’s minds- especially with the recently proposed Property Tax Cap by Govenor Cuomo. The planned renovation is at a complete standstill, and has been, since its original suggestion. Unsurprising, as this little project would cost around $3.74 BILLION dollars and take up to 10 years to complete once it’s underway.
For all you out there who don’t know what Project Lighthouse actually is, let me explain. Most of you Long Islanders have visited the beautifully decayed Nassau Coliseum at some point in your life. Not that it was always decrepit— in its hay-day back in 1972 it was the best entertainment arena Long Island had to offer.
Fast forward to the 21st century and the Nassau Coliseum has become the second-oldest arena in active use by an NHL team. Project Lighthouse was first devised by the owner of the Islanders, Charles Wang, when he thought it was time to upgrade his hockey team to a bigger stadium. Wang’s idea for the renovation included designing a 60-story tower (similar looking to, surprise, a 
lighthouse), new housing units, athletic facilities, a minor league baseball stadium, some restaurants and a hotel. Pretty ambitious, but not altogether unpleasant. Since its conception, Wang has already been forced to eliminate the 60-story dream tower in favor of two 30-story buildings with a connecting footbridge.
So far, however, the Coliseum remains as tiny and uninspiring as has been all these years. What does the future hold for one of the biggest commercial real estate ventures on the island? Its fate rests in the hands of the taxpayers (and their wallets). I wouldn’t hold your breath.
All information gathered from Project Lighthouse and Nassau Coliseum